By Bobby Talamine<\/p>\n
Peter Hook never ceases to amaze.\u00a0Even with the controlled chaos outside of the Metro- with the Cubs back in town for game three of the World Series, Clark Street blocked off to traffic, Peter not even getting to the venue until the early evening because of traffic restrictions and without a proper soundcheck, and on and on.\u00a0Not for the faint hearted, I tell ya.\u00a0But excitement before the show ensues. All you have to do is look towards the drum riser: and there it is: Hooky’s Viking Cherry Red Bass Guitar, standing upright.\u00a0Man, does Peter make that bass talk.<\/p>\n
Have admired Peter for years, with that completely identifiable sound that he produces on such classic New Order songs such as “Bizarre Love Triangle”, “True Faith”, and “Blue Monday” to name a few.\u00a0So tonight at the Metro, and throughout his current North American Tour, Peter is resurrecting his old bands, performing “Substance: Joy Division and New Order”.<\/p>\n
It’s clear that Peter’s legend and unique style of bass playing have only grown bigger and bigger.\u00a0Peter has formed a new band over the past couple of years with his son Jack Bates, calling themselves Peter Hook & The Light.\u00a0Their mantra is simple: honor and expand on the brilliant legacy that is of Ian Curtis and Joy Division, along with the majestic songwriting and bass playing that is so evident in New Order.<\/p>\n
I was amazed at how good they sounded live, especially when comparing Peter’s voice to Ian’s, let alone Bernard of New Order.\u00a0The playing is not the hard part. the band can handle that, along with the backing tapes. The trick is to match the vocals. This truly can never be spot on. We can all quibble to no end on that. The way to overcome any doubt is to sing the songs with conviction and passion.\u00a0Then you win over the crowd.\u00a0And that they did.\u00a0Surveying the audience on the floor, you can see that most were into it, dancing in their space, soaking in the sonic bliss of the gorgeous music and songwriting.<\/p>\n
The first set was all New Order, with a short intermission, followed by all things Joy Division, and ending with one of the most influential and groundbreaking songs of all time: “Love Will Tear Us Apart”.\u00a0Back in the day, having seen New Order countless times, what fired me up was standing stage left\/ audience right, looking toward’s Peter’s amps, and seeing the made up sign on one of his Marshall’s: “The Bass: How Low Can You Go”.\u00a0The sign is nowhere to be found as of today on said amps.\u00a0But it doesn’t matter. It’s etched in my mind surveying the stage before Peter goes on.\u00a0And he never disappoints.\u00a0Peter Hook & the Light are back for an encore at the Metro on Thursday November 10th.\u00a0I suggest you go to this.\u00a0Not to be missed.<\/p>\n
For more on Peter Hook & The Light, click here<\/a><\/p>\n