Peter Hook & The Light gave me the best Wednesday evening I have had in a long time. We all had smiles on our faces from the most well crafted, well rehearsed fan service you'll ever find.
Their performance was technically impeccable (23 May). This included both the first set, which consisted of New Order tracks, and the second of Joy Division. All band members synergised incredibly. If I closed my eyes I could believe I was listening to a studio album.As Peter played his guitar (decorated in stickers), his songbook lay beside him, filled with influential, timeless music. An eloquent red drink sat untouched behind him. I wonder if there is symbolism behind it. I felt an appreciation from Peter – no rockstar egos here.
Music filled the theatre in a spell-like nature. There was little to no pause between songs creating a long running emotion.
Image © Kalem Horn
Drums set the heartbeat of the rhythm and we all bopped and swayed. This was most evident in the last quarter of the New Order set, with more progressive songs that put you in a trance.
There were, of course, no new songs – and I think credit has to be given to the respect and gusto in their performance. No one in the band bored of playing the same tracks over and over. No one was just going through the motions. They understood their significance, and the relationship with the audience.
The relationship felt like a two-way admiration. Of course from us to the band, but also, from the band back to us. I believe it to be genuine; for example, Peter Hook & The Light already have an entire live album just recorded in Australia ('Unknown Pleasures – Live In Australia', 2011).
Image © Kalem Horn
To me, it felt like we were all hanging out in one big garage. It felt like we were all in a jam session together; not from an improvisation manner, but from a homeground, intimate, and once again, genuine vibe.
The gig closed out with 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. We sung in harmony, danced and celebrated the irony, and together, shared a memory.
- written by Kalem Horn
More photos from the concert.
