New Order founder bassist Peter Hook recently discussed the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. He explained his firm stance against reuniting with his former bandmates for a performance at the ceremony, as reported by Mojo4Music.
Hook’s comments addressed both his appreciation for the honor and his unwavering position on working with his former bandmates again.
“Is it deserved? Without a shadow of a doubt! The fact both bands are there is perfect, otherwise you’d only get half the story,” Hook said. “Joy Division has been the bedrock of everything we’ve ever done, and to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes to what we achieved as New Order… those 10 years from 1980 to 1990 were absolutely golden. It’s a hell of a discography, and I still have a great belief in the music.”
However, Hook made his feelings about a potential reunion crystal clear.
“I will never play with them again. I’d rather die than play with them three… what they did to me and my family when they took the name, it was terrible… you have to have morals in this world, and if I let my morals slip, I don’t think people will think better of me,” he continued.
The bassist also reflected on his departure from the band and its impact on his ability to speak openly.
“The nicest thing about getting out of New Order was that I could tell the f*cking truth, because I lived a lie for so long to maintain the status quo… it saps your soul,” Hook explained.
Hook’s bitter feelings stem from a complex history that extends far beyond typical band breakups. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition comes at a time when the wounds from his departure remain deeply personal.
The honor is especially notable because both Joy Division and New Order were inducted together in 2026. This reflects the two eras of the band’s history and their lasting influence on rock music. This dual recognition acknowledges the seamless transition from the post-punk pioneers Joy Division to the electronic innovators New Order following Ian Curtis’s tragic death in 1980.
Hook’s split from New Order became deeply personal after the band continued without him. The dispute over the name escalated into a long-running legal and public battle. The conflict centered around trademark rights and the use of the New Order name. This created lasting animosity between Hook and his former bandmates Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Hook remains active musically through Peter Hook & The Light. This is the live project he formed to perform songs from Joy Division and New Order catalogues, keeping that material in circulation for new audiences. This project allows him to maintain his connection to the music that defined his career while operating independently from his former bandmates.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction recognizes both Joy Division and New Order’s significant contributions to music history. This cements their legacy as influential forces in alternative and electronic music.
