‘PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT’ PLAYED SALA MOON, VALENCIA

The ‘Sala Moon’ of Valencia was completely packed with locals, expats and visitors for this long-awaited concert. There was a buzz in the air as ‘Peter Hook and the Light’ took to the stage with British punctuality at precisely 20.15h! They delivered a memorable performance that traversed the timeless legacies of both New Order and Joy Division. For fans of these seminal bands, the setlist was nothing short of a dream come true, blending iconic tracks with Hook’s unmistakable bass lines… plus his multi-lingual son on another bass! The evening was divided into two parts, showcasing the catalogues of New Order and Joy Division. Peter Hook, accompanied by a stellar lineup of David Potts on guitar, Jack Bates on bass, Martin Roman Rebelski on keyboards, and Paul Kehoe on drums, led the charge with a palpable sense of authority.

New Order: Synth-Driven Euphoria

The New Order portion of the show opened with the hauntingly beautiful ‘Your Silent Face’, instantly enveloping the audience in a wash of shimmering synths and Hook on melodica too. The mood shifted effortlessly into the melancholic ‘Lonesome Tonight’ before launching into the anthemic ‘Regret’, which had plenty of the crowd singing along to every word.

‘Ceremony’ and ‘Everything’s Gone Green’ showcased the seamless fusion of post-punk grit with electronic innovation that defined New Order’s early work. The unmistakable opening beat of ‘Blue Monday’ sent waves of excitement through the room, and the band did not disappoint, delivering a rendition that stayed true to the original while adding fresh energy. It’s not often you hear live what is still the biggest-selling 12 inch vinyl single of all time!

Other highlights included the lush synths of ‘The Perfect Kiss’ and the infectious groove of ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’. The set closed with ‘True Faith’, leaving the audience in a state of anticipation for what was to come.

Joy Division: Raw and Powerful

Switching gears to Joy Division, the atmosphere became darker and more intense. The raw edge of ‘No Love Lost’ and the chaotic beauty of ‘Disorder’ immediately set the tone. The vocals, while distinct from Ian Curtis’s haunting delivery, brought an authenticity and emotion that resonated deeply. Hook has never forgotten Curtis and he is honouring his memory and legacy via the music. When a friend commits suicide, they may kill a part of you but they can also make someone more determined to live life to the full too.

Tracks like ‘She’s Lost Control’ and ‘Shadowplay’ were nothing short of mesmerizing, with Potts’s guitar work adding a jagged sharpness. Kehoe’s drumming was a powerhouse, driving tracks like ‘Warsaw’ and ‘Transmission’ forward with relentless force.

‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’, arguably Joy Division’s most famous track, served as a fitting and emotional finale. The entire room seemed to move as one, united by a shared love of this music and the indelible mark it has left on alternative culture.

A Triumphant Night

Peter Hook and the Light delivered a performance that was both a tribute and a celebration of these two legendary bands. The musicianship was tight, and the setlist perfectly curated, balancing hits with deeper cuts to please both casual listeners and hardcore fans.

It was a night where nostalgia met the present, where the legacy of Joy Division and New Order was honoured with every note. Hook’s continued passion for this music was evident, making it clear that while the aforementioned bands themselves may have evolved or fractured, much of their music remains timeless.

Like a benevolent Viking leader of sorts, Hooky still has charisma in spades and remains a giant on stage with his low-slung bass. He’s one of the lads but he’s a legend too. This concert was more than just a gig for many of the fans—it was a journey through some poignant songs in the post-punk and new wave canons. It was a special experience that lingered long after the final note had faded.

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Photos copyright Phillip Solomonson/ ’24/7 Valencia’

NEW ORDER songs (SET LIST)

Your Silent Face

Lonesome Tonight

Regret

Ceremony

Everything’s Gone Green

Temptation

Blue Monday

Confusion