So I went and saw Unknown Pleasures live (Joy Division / Peter Hook)

[MeMota]

Like it says. I think the first leg of a tour that is only taking in Australia and North America.

I'm not a Joy Division fan.... but thought it was worth checking out. Peter Hook has put together a band to play this album front to back, followed by some 'hits'.

UN-BE-LIEVABLE. What a trip. Two bass, guitar, drums, and Peter handling vocals. Possibly the BEST guitar tone I've heard live in a very long time. Of course I went to have a look after the show and as far as I could tell all Boss all the time, into two AC30's, and the one tele the whole show. Nothing sounds like that any more. The album is muffled and too dark to me though (evidently the band hated the mix too).

Please someone tell me who plays guitar on this tour. Cutting, sharp, great use of delay, powerful lines. I'm not doing this justice. They are obviously playing the record but I read they re-arranged the songs a bit and the end result was one of the most powerful rock / spacey gigs I've ever seen (and I've seen enough to be blase too many times unfortunately).

Peter was very quiet, humble, and kinda sweet. You could tell he was really nervous (and said so at the end) but seemed like a great guy. No attitude whatsoever, we were ALL digging it together.

Even if you're not a fan (like me) of Joy Division, this is a must-see gig. Drive across the country to see it.

I hope they release a live album. Evidently there's a dvd from a while ago when they did a one-off with an orchestra, which I can't fathom working.

Obligatory blurry phone pics.


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[iaresee]

Subscribed.

[Phalanx200bc]

One of those "girlfriend" bands from the 80's you eneded up really liking.

I will chk this out thanks!!!!

[A-Bone]

Joy Division are one of the most important bands of the last 35 years. They are arguably the defining post-punk band, and have served as an obvious and significant influence to multiple generations of bands as varied as U2 and The Killers. Just look at all the bands and artists that have covered them over the years, and how many bands utilize elements of their sound.

And consider how much they accomplished musically in the space of slightly less than three years (from the raw punk of the "Ideal for Living" EP to the synth-infused, atmospheric existentialism of "Closer") and without a great deal of chops as musicians (with the exception of Stephen Morris). They are definitely a testament to vision and playing to your strengths trumping technique, and also to just how far you can develop in a relatively short time with compulsive rehearsal.

I also highly suggest that anyone who has not done so watch Control and also the documentary Joy Division. The former is a remarkably accomplished film adaptation of Deborah Curtis' memoir of her late husband Ian (Touching from a Distance). The latter is a great documentary with interviews from a wide range of the principles and related figures, and also very cool information from the journals of Rob Gretton, their late manager.

There is a great quote from Neil Morrow that situates Joy Division in their contemporary music scene by capturing the energy of their punk roots married to the existential dread that suffuses so much of their material: "... Unlike The Fall, who make me want to go out and kick a cat, Joy Division convinces me I could spit in the face of God." (NME April 4, 1980).

Truthfully, Peter Hook is the reason I took up an instrument in the first place.

I am definitely keeping an eye out for this show.

[A-Bone]

One of those "girlfriend" bands from the 80's you eneded up really liking.


I think you might be confusing this band with a different band (possibly even the phoenix that rose from the ashes of Joy Division: New Order). Joy Division is very much a product of the 70s (especially with the suicide of Ian Curtis occurring in May of 1980).

[MeMota]

Joy Division are one of the most important bands of the last 35 years. They are arguably the defining post-punk band, and have served as an obvious and significant influence to multiple generations of bands as varied as U2 and The Killers. Just look at all the bands and artists that have covered them over the years, and how many bands utilize elements of their sound.

And consider how much they accomplished musically in the space of slightly less than three years (from the raw punk of the "Ideal for Living" EP to the synth-infused, atmospheric existentialism of "Closer") and without a great deal of chops as musicians (with the exception of Stephen Morris). They are definitely a testament to vision and playing to your strengths trumping technique, and also to just how far you can develop in a relatively short time with compulsive rehearsal.

I also highly suggest that anyone who has not done so watch Control and also the documentary Joy Division. The former is a remarkably accomplished film adaptation of Deborah Curtis' memoir of her late husband Ian (Touching from a Distance). The latter is a great documentary with interviews from a wide range of the principles and related figures, and also very cool information from the journals of Rob Gretton, their late manager.

There is a great quote from Neil Morrow that situates Joy Division in their contemporary music scene by capturing the energy of their punk roots married to the existential dread that suffuses so much of their material: "... Unlike The Fall, who make me want to go out and kick a cat, Joy Division convinces me I could spit in the face of God." (NME April 4, 1980).

Truthfully, Peter Hook is the reason I took up an instrument in the first place.

I am definitely keeping an eye out for this show.

Excellent post!

Totally agree on the triumph of creativity over technique vibe. Speaking for last night's gig there was a menacing space in the playing sometimes that others would be wise to pay attention to. Other times it cut you sharp and quick, other times it was a wall of sound, almost overwhelming.

The Control movie is great, agreed. Watch it.

Incidentally, the show starts with a 15 minute film with old interviews, footage from their only live TV performance, and interviews with journalists - all taken from the 70's and 80's.

[Phalanx200bc]

I think you might be confusing this band with a different band (possibly even the phoenix that rose from the ashes of Joy Division: New Order). Joy Division is very much a product of the 70s (especially with the suicide of Ian Curtis occurring in May of 1980).

You are correct sir.........I should have stated "bands my girlfriends were into when I started dating in the mid-late 80's"

PS- although not Joy Division centered "24 Hour Party People" was a cool movie also.....

[Jahn]

Darn this is only in San Fran here in the USA. I can't catch a break.

[MeMota]

This may not be complete...

December 1 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
December 2 Philadelphia, PA Voyeur
December 3 New York, NY Webster Hall
December 4 Boston, MA Royale Nightclub
December 6 Chicago, IL Double Door
December 7 Seattle, WA Showbox At The Market
December 9 Portland, OR Doug Fir
December 10 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine

[circusinthesky]

Thanks for the tip on that. I grabbed a couple for the Portland show. Pink Dots in Nov, and this in Dec. Good couple of months for some classics.

[RocksOff]

Let me get this straight. Peter has a band that's touring playing the Unknown Pleasures album? Bernie isn't on board? Hmmm... I don't know.

[Kaji13]

You are correct sir.........I should have stated "bands my girlfriends were into when I started dating in the mid-late 80's"

PS- although not Joy Division centered "24 Hour Party People" was a cool movie also.....
That was a great movie. It's also the reason I listen to The Happy Mondays.

[A-Bone]

That was a great movie. It's also the reason I listen to The Happy Mondays.

If the movie could get anyone to listen to any of the great Manchester (or, in the case of Happy Mondays Madchester) bands, then it was worth it that it was made. :D

The movie is also kind of a hoot because it so Tony Wilson-sided. That guy was a great character and tale spinner, as well as a good ear for talent (The Smiths notwithstanding).

[lewisanderson]

I wish Hooky and Barney could put their differences aside.

[A-Bone]

I wish Hooky and Barney could put their differences aside.

Me too.

[IndieHead]

Let me get this straight. Peter has a band that's touring playing the Unknown Pleasures album? Bernie isn't on board? Hmmm... I don't know.

Yea, seems kinda odd. Hooky isnt the singer for a reason! I remember this incident where he was caught playing a cd at the back during his DJ set. Huge embarassment.

Poor bloke really needs the $$$.