New Order
Biography
New Order is an English rock band formed in Salford in 1980 by vocalist and guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris. The band emerged from the ashes of their former post-punk group, Joy Division, following the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. Shortly after, they were joined by keyboardist and guitarist Gillian Gilbert. The band became the flagship act for the Manchester-based independent record label Factory Records.
Musical Style and Evolution
While their early work was overshadowed by the legacy of Joy Division, New Order soon forged a distinct sound. They blended post-punk with electronic dance music, a pioneering fusion that made them one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of the 1980s. Their experience in the New York club scene in the early 1980s led them to incorporate synthesizers, drum machines, and dance rhythms into their music. This shift was evident in singles like "Everything's Gone Green" and "Temptation". Their sound has been described as synth-pop, alternative dance, new wave, and post-punk.
Key Albums and Commercial Success
New Order's 1983 single "Blue Monday" became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time and a massive club hit, solidifying their new direction. Their second album, Power, Corruption & Lies (1983), further showcased their unique blend of post-punk and electronic music. They released a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s, including Low-Life (1985), Brotherhood (1986), and the singles compilation Substance (1987). Their 1989 album, Technique, was their first to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. Republic, released in 1993, also topped the charts and received a Mercury Music Prize nomination.
Hiatuses, Reunions, and Lineup Changes
The band first disbanded in 1993 to pursue individual projects. Sumner formed Electronic with Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Hook created Revenge and later Monaco, and Morris and Gilbert recorded as The Other Two. New Order reunited in 1998, releasing the album Get Ready in 2001. Gillian Gilbert left the band in 2001 to care for her children and was replaced by Phil Cunningham.
In 2007, Peter Hook controversially left the band due to personal and creative disputes with other members. The band went on another hiatus before reuniting in 2011 with Gilbert returning and Tom Chapman joining on bass. This lineup released the critically acclaimed album Music Complete in 2015.
Legacy and Influence
New Order's innovative fusion of rock and dance music has had a lasting impact on numerous genres, including techno, house, and alternative rock. They are regarded as pioneers of the alternative dance genre. Artists like The Killers, Moby, and The xx have cited them as an influence. In 2023, both Joy Division and New Order were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a single entity.