Peter Hook: ‘I felt guilty playing Joy Division songs with The Light’

Bassist feels more comfortable revisiting his old band's material now

Peter Hook has admitted he initially felt “really guilty” playing Joy Division covers with his band The Light.

The bassist has been revisiting songs from his old band over the past year, including UK and US tours of their classic 1979 album ‘Unknown Pleasures’.

Hook faced criticism from fans and commentators over his decision to play the album at his Manchester club, FAC251, on the 30th anniversary of singer Ian Curtis‘ death.

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He also fell out with his former Freebass bandmate Mani., who accused him of “living off Ian Curtis‘ blood money”. The Primal Scream man later apologised “unreservedly” for his comments.

Hook says there is “no guilt involved now” as he prepares to revisit play more dates celebrating Joy Divison’s ‘Unknown Pleasures’ and ‘Closer’ albums.

“I felt really guilty about doing it when I first started. There was a lot of criticism and backbiting around it but now I am getting to the stage where I am just really enjoying it,” he told the Daily Record.

“The band are fantastic and really capture the spirit and the passion of it all,” Hook added.

Peter Hook’s The Light will play:

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Edinburgh Liquid Room (April 30) (‘Unknown Pleasures’)
Manchester FAC251 (May 18-19) (‘Closer’)

To check the availability of Peter Hook’s The Light tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

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