Peter Hook and the Light
When it comes to British bass playing icons Peter Hook is undoubtedly up there with the best. His trademark sound and style revolutionised the instrument to such an extent, that it could no longer be regarded as simply a tool that drove the rhythm of a track. Instead, Hook turned it into the melody maker. The pioneer himself took to the Waterfront stage yesterday evening.
The three hour set was broken into two halves, the first being New Order greatest hits followed by Joy Division hits and rarities (Substance). The New Order set was admittedly a bit of a slow burner despite mesmerising musicianship. Classics such as Ceremony and Temptation held their own but the vocals of a certain Mr B. Sumner were sorely missed. Then of course, the lights faded to black and the rib cage rattling intro to Blue Monday reverberated around the sold out crowd. This was greeted with burly cheers and a plethora of amazing 'dad dancing'.
A short break followed the New Order set, then it was time for what I really wanted to see. Kraftwek's Trans Europe Express played as the band to took to the stage for the second time. A class touch from Peter, who knew that this was one of Ian Curtis's favourite tracks as stated in his recent Joy Division memoir. No Love Lost was greeted with a rapture of applause, and it really set the tone for the rest of the set. I've always thought that Peter sounds vocally very similar to Ian Curtis which made it all the more special to hear these songs, being sung how they should be - imperfectly. It really mustered the feelings of discontent which Unknown Pleasures and Closer were famous for fostering. Stand out tracks were naturally She's Lost Control, Transmission and Warsaw.
The penultimate song of the set was a beautiful tribute to Ian Curtis, and probably JD's most thought provoking masterpiece, Atmosphere. The song really hits home the cleverness in Curtis's writing, and just how tortured of a soul he really was. The set closer was, yes you've guessed it! Love Will Tear Us Apart. To finally hear it played live is one I can finally tick off the bucket list and get on with my life.
