New Order: They’ve Still Got It.

Words: Ruby Corrigan.

On the 8th October 2023, the iconic band New Order took to the stage of the First Direct Arena in Leeds, and let me tell you, after over 40 years of performing, they’ve still got it.

In other reviews I had read before attending the gig, there was much criticism for Bernard Sumner’s vocals, with some saying that he is incredibly weak and hard to hear, so when entering the arena, I didn’t have overly high hopes. However, after attending the gig, I’d have to disagree entirely. While he isn’t the best vocalist in the world, you could still hear Sumner loud and clear. Plus, for me, what makes New Order so great is their collaborative effort when recording and performing – no set musician stands out, they all blend together harmoniously to give their audience a fantastic listening experience, whether that be in an arena or in your living room.

While it was disappointing not to see Peter Hook playing his iconic basslines, Thomas Chapman on bass executed them all beautifully, as well as incorporating his own flair, showing his excellent musicianship. Although some may say that it is a risky move to alter classic tunes like ‘Blue Monday’, the changes were ever so slight and so well implemented that it made the song feel fresh, but still didn’t deter from its illustriousness.

I feel New Order are known for two things: experimental post-punk electronic music, and incredible light shows at their gigs. I was honestly mesmerised by the beautiful array of lights and colours being shot all the way through the arena in time with the music, it made the experience extremely magical, and it felt as if the music was coming to life in front of your eyes.

What’s more is the real sense of community I felt being in the crowd, it is clear that their years of fame isn’t just from hard work, but also the loyalty of their fanbase. The energy was overwhelmingly positive and light-hearted, everyone was just singing and dancing together to the music without any issues (which is an uncommon occurrence at most gigs I’ve attended). Truly, I felt I had been transported back to the Hacienda in 80s, with bodies moving freely and singing communally to the music without a care for the outside world.

What was most moving for me was in fact the encore of the concert, where the band came out and performed a couple of Joy Division songs in tribute to the late great Ian Curtis. As an avid Joy Division fan, I was in bits. The band played an excellent rendition of ‘Transmission’, but what really had the crowd singing was their final song, possibly one of the most iconic tracks to come out of Factory Records, ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart.’ Sumner started the tune off slowly on his own on an acoustic guitar with just a single spotlight, which made the atmosphere very intimate. Quickly he picked up the pace and encouraged the rest of the band to join in, while images of Curtis and Joy Division cover art were projected onto the back of the stage. The crowd began singing along together, and it was a truly beautiful moment of joyous celebration for a talented musician whose life was taken far too soon.

In short it was a remarkable night of good people, good atmosphere and most importantly good tunes, and truthfully, I can’t wait for them to be back out on tour.