Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
Why did the Members of New Order Fall Out? [2023]
New Order, the iconic synth-pop band formed in the wake of the tragic suicide of Joy Division's lead singer, Ian Curtis, had a tumultuous history. The clashes and tensions among the band members ultimately led to their bitter breakup and ongoing animosity. In this article, we will explore the various reasons behind the fall out of the members of New Order, shedding light on the internal dynamics, personal conflicts, and artistic differences that played a role in their dissolution.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- New Order's Formation and Success
- Personal Conflicts and Clashes
- Creative Differences and Direction
- Financial Disputes
- Peter Hook's Departure
- FAQ
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Useful Links
- References
Introduction
After the demise of Joy Division, the remaining members, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, decided to continue making music under the name New Order. The band went on to achieve great commercial success and influence in the synth-pop and post-punk genres. However, the path to success was riddled with internal conflicts and unresolved issues.
New Order's Formation and Success
New Order emerged from the ashes of Joy Division, incorporating electronic elements into their music and creating a unique sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. The band's success was closely tied to their breakthrough singles such as "Blue Monday" and albums like "Power, Corruption & Lies." Their music became synonymous with the vibrant and evolving music scene of the 1980s.
Despite their rising fame and critical acclaim, the members of New Order struggled with their individual roles and contributions. The band's dynamic shifted, with tensions brewing beneath the surface.
Personal Conflicts and Clashes
As with many bands, personal conflicts and clashes played a significant role in the dissolution of New Order. Each band member had distinct personalities and egos that clashed at times. Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook's relationship, in particular, was a source of friction. Their conflicting visions and approaches to music production led to heated arguments and strained interactions within the band.
Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert faced their own challenges, with Gilbert stepping away for a period to focus on her family. These personal pressures added to the already tenuous band dynamics.
Creative Differences and Direction
Creative differences and the quest for artistic control also contributed to the tensions within New Order. As the band evolved, each member had their own vision for the direction of their music. Sumner and Hook, in particular, had conflicting ideas about the sound and creative direction of the band.
Diverging musical interests, particularly between the more electronic-focused Sumner and the bass-driven Hook, led to disagreements about the band's musical direction. These differences became increasingly pronounced over time and created a rift that was difficult to bridge.
Financial Disputes
One of the significant factors influencing the fall out of New Order was financial disputes among the band members. Issues surrounding songwriting credits, royalties, and publishing rights were major sources of contention. This resulted in lingering resentment and legal battles among the members.
Financial disagreements can often strain relationships in any creative endeavor, and New Order was no exception. The disputes over money exacerbated the existing tensions and eventually strained the bond between the band members beyond repair.
Peter Hook's Departure
The departure of Peter Hook, the band's bassist, was the final blow that led to New Order's breakup. Hook left the band in 2007, citing his dissatisfaction with the group dynamic and financial disputes as key reasons for his departure. His exit marked the end of an era for New Order.
While the remaining members of New Order continued to make music under the same name, Hook's departure significantly altered the band's sound and dynamic. Some fans lamented the absence of his distinctive bass lines, while others welcomed the fresh perspective introduced by new members such as Tom Chapman.
FAQ
What happened to lead singer of New Order?
New Order did not have a lead singer in the traditional sense. The band members shared vocal duties, with Bernard Sumner taking on the majority of the lead vocals. Following the departure of Peter Hook, they continued to perform and release music as a trio.
Did Peter Hook sue New Order?
Yes, Peter Hook sued the other members of New Order over financial disputes and claims of trademark infringement. The legal battles between Hook and the band members dragged on for several years, further straining their already fragile relationship.
Why did Joy Division change their name to New Order?
Joy Division changed their name to New Order after the tragic suicide of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. The remaining band members felt that they needed a fresh start and wanted to move away from the dark associations of the Joy Division name. The new name also reflected their transition to a new musical direction with more electronic influences.
Quick Tips and Facts
- The tensions among the members of New Order were a culmination of personal conflicts, creative differences, and financial disputes.
- Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook's relationship was a major source of friction within the band.
- Creative differences about the band's direction and musical style contributed to the fall out.
- Financial disputes, including songwriting credits and royalties, strained the relationships among the members.
- Peter Hook's departure marked the final blow that led to New Order's dissolution.
Useful Links
References
Note: The information provided in this article is based on our extensive research and knowledge of the subject. We have gathered information from various reputable sources, including interviews, documentaries, and articles. Here are some of the key references we used:
- The Guardian – New Order: 'Our relationship is like a marriage'
- NME – Peter Hook: 'New Order are deluded – they're going to lose'
- Rolling Stone – New Order Explain Their Return
- Pitchfork – The Eternal Dance: 30 Years of New Order's 'Blue Monday'
- The Telegraph – New Order, Music Complete, review: 'younger bands could learn a thing or two'
- BBC – New Order: 'We don't have to prove anything'
