PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT LIVE IN SAN DIEGO

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Peter Hook & The Light

Live at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay

September 24, 2024 Review by Samuel Hill

A brisk breeze swept in from the marina, setting the perfect backdrop for the evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Peter Hook and The Light took to the stage with military precision, ready to unleash their sound. Leading the charge was Peter Hook, the fiery and irascible co-founder of Joy Division, New Order, and Monaco, flanked by his talented band, The Light.

To refer to The Light merely as “Peter Hook’s backing band” would be a disservice to their artistry. The ensemble features Paul Kehoe on drums, David Potts on guitar, Martin Rebelski on keyboards (renowned for his work with Doves), and bassist Paul Duffy from The Choral.

Although Jack Bates typically handles the bass, he is currently on tour with The Smashing Pumpkins.

But we’ll circle back to Jack later.

The crowd was in for a special surprise as Wesley Eisold of Cold Cave (yes, that Cold Cave) joined the band for the opening track, “Procession.” His commanding voice, a striking contrast to his slender build, perfectly complemented the song, and Duffy’s robust bass sound truly shone during this performance.

Next, the audience experienced the energetic and frenetic drumming of “Regret,” a classic New Order track and arguably the most danceable song from the 1993 album “Republic.”

This was followed by the Monaco hit, “What Do You Want From Me?,” a song that over the years has taken on an even greater sense of frustrated yearning than in its original rendition. Peter Hook roamed the stage, kicking, crouching, and engaging the audience with outstretched arms.

Hook’s bass performance took the spotlight as the band delivered “Ceremony,” soaring through the upper registers and accentuating the piercing C major chords from Potts’ guitars.

Evocative, uplifting, and hauntingly grand, “Ceremony” signifies the dawn of New Order. This track was crafted as a way to channel healing for Joy Division’s front-man, Ian Curtis, through music prior to his tragic passing and was re-recorded by New Order in 1981.

Following this, the band launched into a synth-driven first half of their set, featuring a solid and straightforward rendition of “Regret,” followed by “Blue Monday,” leading into the arpeggiated intro of a minimalist “Confusion.”

“You’re hiding from feelings, searching for more, Sharing and hoping, untouched for so long,” Hook sang, perfectly encapsulating the sense of longing in a deteriorating relationship.

The first half of the performance featured standout tracks such as “The Perfect Kiss,” “Shellshock,” the stunning “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and concluded with the vibrant and energetic “True Faith.” Rebelski was the foundation of these pieces, showcasing his exceptional keyboard and synth skills, creating layers of rich sound that enhanced what would typically be minimal arrangements.

Following a brief intermission of about 10 to 15 minutes, the band returned to the stage, greeted by a wave of enthusiastic applause as they transitioned into the Joy Division segment of the evening.

Hooky quickly donned his signature white Shergold Marathon and launched into a driving dark disco bassline, setting the stage for the somber sonic exploration characteristic of a Joy Division album. With just a few reverb-laden notes, Hook evoked the dreary, gray landscape of Manchester, complete with its Brutalist concrete structures.

The rest of The Light joined him for a slower, heavier rendition of “These Days,” where Hook’s commanding voice paid homage to Ian Curtis’ detached baritone. The band then seamlessly moved into “Disorder,” igniting the crowd into a frenzy. The audience was captivated as the pulsating bassline of “Transmission” from Duffy, while the frenetic drumming created a cage for Potts’ fierce guitar work.

Peter Hook & The Light delivered a meticulously crafted setlist with a professional flair, allowing the audience to reconnect with the origins of the monumental sound that New Order established. It all started back in 1976 in Salford, England, when four young men decided to form a punk band after witnessing a Sex Pistols performance. Those early tracks have stood the test of time, retaining their stark grandeur even decades later.

Do you remember Jack Bates? He’s the other bassist in the band and also happens to be Peter Hook’s son, showcasing his own impressive musical talent. He made a special appearance, stepping away from his role with The Smashing Pumpkins to join The Light for the evening’s grand finale. His deep bass lines complemented Hooky’s soaring riffs perfectly. The band conjured up their signature dark allure with “Dead Souls” and the hauntingly exquisite “Atmosphere.”

The night culminated with the emotionally charged “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” Originally meant for Curtis’ poignant baritone, Hook delivered every note with precision, extending his arms over a crowd that sang in unison, united by the music. All the while, the photogenic, middle-aged polyamorous goth triad seated in front of me danced and cavorted like clove-scented youngsters again. As I made my way back to my car, I joined the chorus of concertgoers echoing, “Love. Love will tear us apart. Again.”

We witnessed a band that has dedicated themselves to the music, transforming into vessels for the songs they play. Peter Hook and The Light continue to pay tribute to the legacies of Joy Division and New Order, making their performances truly worthwhile.

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