Former New Order bass player Peter Hook has defended his upcoming Ian Curtis tribute concert.
The lead singer of Joy Division, Ian Curtis went almost overnight from working in a Macclesfield office job to becoming a rock star. Producing two albums, the weight of expectation hung heavily over his head.
Suffering from epilepsy, with a collapsing marriage and tour stress occupying his mind Ian Curtis tragically took his own life in 1980.
Now his former band mate Peter Hook has decided to host a memorial concert, which has sparked debate amongst fans. Some argue that the show is inappropriate, another attempt by the bass player to place himself as the owner of the Factory legacy.
However in a new message to fans Peter Hook has argued that such accusations are extremely wide of the mark. The one time New Order star told NME that he was simply motivated by a debt to his old friend.
“I thought, ‘I let 25 years go, I let 20 years go, 15, 10…’ I’ve never done anything to celebrate what really was a fantastic start for a group and a milestone in my life. I mean, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ was a milestone in my life. It’s given me my whole fucking life, and I’m delighted about that.”
Due to play The Factory in Manchester on May 18th, Peter Hook will be joined by a cast of friends and even family. “I’m celebrating Ian’s life – I think that a more valid question would be to ask the other members of Joy Division why they aren’t. Though in a funny way I suppose Bernard is doing his own tribute by doing that.”
Continuing, Peter Hook claimed that the night would be very special. “To do it in the old Factory building, surrounded by the pictures of Tony Wilson on the wall… I mean, you can call me an old melancholic fool, but I’m actually really happy to be doing it.”
You’re an old melancholic fool Peter Hook! But it sounds like a great night.
Peter Hook & Friends will play the following show:
May
18 Manchester FAC 251 – The Factory
