LIVE REVIEW
18/04/2025 - PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT, TROXY, London
Credit: Peter Hook and The Light Instagram (@peterhook_thelight)
Words by Emily Ricalton
Truly iconic is the perfect way to summarise this short, but sweet tour completed by Peter Hook and the Light this past Easter bank holiday weekend.
With no support act and dedicating themselves to a two and a half hour setlist, playing 30 songs in total, this gig was definitely one to remember - especially for those who are massive fans of both Joy Division and New Order.
Kicking off the show with a setlist from New Order’s seventh studio album Get Ready, we were introduced to Peter Hook and the Light. Consisting of Peter and his bandmates, Jack Bates, Paul Kehoe and David Potts, the band proceeded to play this album in full - considering as this was the name and purpose of the tour, it makes sense.
Peter and the band started this section of the show with the track Crystal, rounding off the Get Ready part of the setlist with Here to Stay. With this, this part of the show was destined to please true New Order fans.
Even though the gig was less vibrant in areas (more from the crowd than the band themselves) of this part of the show, the purpose of this setlist was just truly genius. By separating tours into New Order albums, Peter Hook and the Light are giving fans and the new generation a taste of the 80s, and that is something that needs to be admired.
With this, the band showed off their skills. They were well-rehearsed and well-put together, demonstrating what true live music should really be. Or, just showing off their many years in music - either way, they were great.
From here, we were then taken into the second part of the show, and I hate to say it, but definitely what we were all waiting for - the best of Joy Division and New Order. As the show packed out and fans filled the venue, it was heartwarming to see the impact that both of these bands have had on all generations. It was truly a remarkable moment to witness and definitely highlighted the impact that Peter Hook has had upon music.
Playing tracks, such as Disorder, She’s Lost Control and Transmission, the crowd were taken back to the hits of Joy Division. With this, the crowd truly livened up. From mosh pits to chants, the whole gig felt as if you were entering the post-punk movement. An incredible live music experience, to say the least.
With Hook dedicating Transmission to his best friend, Ken, and later dedicating New Order’s Ceremony to his former bandmate, Ian Curtis, the whole occasion felt extremely nostalgic and emotional. Ian Curtis was a true hero to music, and it was incredible to see the impact that he still has on Hook 45-years after his death.
To close the concert, Peter Hook and the Light finished off with the true classics - Blue Monday and She’s Lost Control. With the whole crowd singing along to both tracks, it was a moment of pure gratitude from everyone in the room. What a moment to be able to witness such iconic songs that have shaped the music we listen to today. It was obvious to see the joy that was coming off of the crowd within this moment, and it is something I definitely experienced also.
Without a doubt, this concert was one to remember. The dedication from Peter Hook and the Light was truly remarkable. It was just mesmerising to see the music of Joy Division and New Order play out in front of a live audience, and it is something to definitely show off about if you attended.
Rating - 4/5
Listen to Get Ready Here
UK TOUR NOVEMBER
Thu 06 Worthing Assembly Hall
Fri 07 Bournemouth O2 Academy
Sat 08 Coventry HMV Empire
Thu 13 Liverpool Olympia
Fri 14 Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Sat 15 Newcastle Boiler Shop
Thu 20 Holmfirth Picturedrome
Fri 21 Bath Komedia
Sat 22 Cambridge Junction
Thu 27 Lincoln Engine Shed
Fri 28 Lytham St Annes Lowther Pavilion
Sat 29 Leeds O2 Academy
Book Tickets Here
