Peter Hook & The Light Launch ‘Substance’ Tour Across UK and Ireland

Peter Hook & The Light have embarked on the British and Irish leg of their ‘Substance’ world tour, beginning at the York Barbican on Thursday. The tour comprises 17 dates and will include a performance at Bradford St George’s Hall on November 1.

The tour features performances of the ‘Substance’ compilation albums from Hook’s former bands, Joy Division and New Order. “It still amazes me how enjoyable it is to play the Substance LPs,” Peter Hook stated in his tour announcement. He noted the apparent contrast between the two bands and how they complement each other in a live setting.

At 68, Hook revisits these iconic albums following a tradition he began in May 2010 during a commemorative charity concert for Joy Division’s ‘Unknown Pleasures‘. Since then, Hook has performed a series of albums annually by the Manchester bands, tallying over 600 concerts so far.

The performers express enthusiasm for playing these albums live, as Hook explained, “Every time we made a new album, we hardly played it again, so it’s been great to play all those albums live as I feel they should be played.” He also described the contrasting nature of Joy Division’s intense B-side compilation and New Order’s familiar hits in the ‘Substance’ albums.

Hook’s unique melodic bass style, which has been a staple of his sound for 48 years, still captivates audiences. He humorously credits his distinct style to an admonishment from his mother to “have a gimmick in showbusiness” and acknowledges the influence of late bandmate Ian Curtis.

The tour band includes David Potts on guitar and vocals, Martin Rebelski from Doves on keyboards, and Paul Kehoe on drums. Paul Duffy, from The Coral, temporarily joins the band since Hook’s son, Jack Bates, is touring with Smashing Pumpkins.

Despite enjoying touring and audience reception, Hook’s relationship with former bandmates Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris remains strained. “When I started these concerts, Barney and Stephen were so adamant, so desperate, that I shouldn’t do it,” Hook commented on the still-tense relationship.

The tour continues with various stops, including the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival at Whitby Pavilion on November 2. Tickets for York Barbican are available through their website.