When it comes to iconic British bassists, few could rival Peter Hook’s distinctive, haunting sound. From Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” to New Order’s “Blue Monday”, Hook’s basslines have left an indelible mark on the British music canon, shaping generations of sound. On the 10th of June, this legacy came to Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Bandstand, as Peter Hook & The Light stormed the stage. Delivering a jam-packed setlist of Joy Division and New Order classics against the setting sun, “Hooky” and his entourage delivered a celebration of some of Britain’s greatest music.
Before Hook took to the stage, the atmosphere surrounding the Bandstand hinted at a special evening. Fans immediately filled the barricade to witness the Glasgow duo, Man of Moon, who provided an impressive support slot. With reverb-filled riffs that immediately established the mood for the night, frontman Chris Bainbridge stated before their gig, “Listening to Hooky’s basslines had a huge impact on me growing up… driving on the low string and riding the high [part of the] neck was genius”. Tracks such as “Ride the Waves” and “Sign” were reminiscent of Hook’s signature sound, balancing powerful low-end riffs with exceptional vocal melodies; their performance was a perfect precursor for the evening.
As Peter Hook & The Light took the stage, the crowd’s growing excitement erupted. Hook, shrouded in black with “Disorder” emblazoned across his back, sporting a custom cherry red Eccleshall bass, was swift to engage with the audience before opening with “No Love Lost”. Instantly, fans were transported into the dark world of Joy Division, with iconic tracks such as “Shadowplay”, “Isolation”, and “Disorder” transporting the crowd back to the late 1970s. The signature dark sound cut through Glasgow’s crisp evening air with power, immersing the audience in a sound that was more than mere nostalgia. “Hooky” delivered the set with a force that sounded as urgent as it has ever been.
Hook’s vocals paid generous homage to the late Ian Curtis, as his lower register, accompanied by the distorted bass could be felt across the bandstand. Alongside Hook on bass was his son, Jack Bates, providing the signature melodies whilst Hook delivered vocals. This interplay was incredible to watch, as the sheer power produced by Hook and Bates was only emphasised by the family dynamic. With Paul Kehoe on drums, David Potts on guitars, and Martin Rebelski on keys, the six-piece delivered an incredible chemistry fortified by years of performance.
This connection was a central part of what made the night special, as Hook made several commemorations for musicians who have sadly passed. Midway through the set, David Potts took on vocals alongside Hook for “You Don’t Know This About Me”, a track produced by Freebass (a collaborative project which featured the late Andy Rourke and Gary Mani of The Smiths and The Stone Roses, respectively). Witnessing Hook and Potts commemorate music legends was a particularly moving part of the set, as Potts’s adoption of the higher vocals brought a more grounded energy after the intensity of the Joy Division set.
This musical connection transcended Hook’s contemporaries, as Hook reiterated how grateful he was to perform in Glasgow, likening the city to Manchester as “twins”. Hook emphasised this through audience interaction, occupying the breadth of the stage and exchanging smiles with fans pressed against the barricade. Almost half a decade later, Hook’s command of his audience remains remarkable.
This energy shifted seamlessly into the New Order portion of the night, as “Bizarre Love Triangle” transported fans to the synth pop world of the 1980s. Despite the outdoor venue, Peter Hook & The Light generated the atmosphere of a packed nightclub, aided by neon lights and a transition into heavy synths. Within the space of two tracks, the tone of the evening had transformed from brooding intensity to bright euphoric dancefloor, highlighting the remarkable diversity of Hook’s catalogue.
An extended play of “The Perfect Kiss” provided the perfect opportunity for audience members to lose themselves in synth melodies, before the unmistakable “Blue Monday” sent the crowd into chaos. Peter Hook & The Light maintained this enraptured energy as the sun began to set behind the bandstand, with “Temptation”, “True Faith”, and “Ceremony” completing the New Order portion of the set. Across ninety minutes, there was scarcely a moment when Hook and his entourage failed to command the audience’s attention and admiration.
That energy came to its zenith when Hook announced “Love Will Tear Us Apart” as the evening’s closer. Hook’s love of performing the hit was clear, and the audience mirrored this, united in admiration. As David Potts delivered the opening guitar riff, Kelvingrove Bandstand exploded into song. The timeless nature of Hook’s sound was inescapable, for those three and a half minutes, Peter Hook & The Light gave fans one final chance to relish in a commemoration of British music, and it did not disappoint to say the least. As the final notes rang out and the band members made their goodbyes, Kelvingrove Bandstand had borne witness to a celebration of British music history; a truly unforgettable experience. Nearly fifty years after those first iconic basslines emerged from Manchester, Peter Hook & The Light proved they remain just as powerful and unforgettable today.
Review by Lauren Sims
Photos by Anya Ganesh