Peter Hook Lights Up Miami: Peter Hook & The Light's decade return to The Magic City
- Jade Read
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 22
Peter Hook & The Light delivered an electrifying 30-song set that spanned decades of his legacy. Opening with New Order’s “Crystal” and closing on a reminiscent of Joy Division with “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” the setlist covered a vast sea of request from deep cuts, fan favorites, and cult anthems alike. Standouts included Joy Division essentials like “Transmission,” “Shadowplay,” and “Atmosphere,” as well as New Order hits such as “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith.” It was a night where Hooky collided the crowd's energy with an equally invigorating performance by the himself and the band.
MANCHESTER TO MIAMI: THE DECADE RETURN
Peter Hook & The Light wrapped their ‘Get Ready’ tour in Miami, returning to the city after ten years. Hook joked about the heat, saying it was a far cry from Manchester’s cold.
For context, the previous time Hooky played in Miami, he enjoyed a pleasant spring breeze with temperatures as low as 75°, whereas this year, they reached highs of 95°.
45 YEARS APART: ANNIVERSARY OF “LOVE WILL TEAR US APART”
In 1980, a band from Salford, UK, released a cornerstone of the post-punk music scene with their masterpiece "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Appropriately, it will be 45 years since its release this coming June 27th, as bassist Peter Hook wraps up his North American tour, closing each performance with the iconic single.
Brief History
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" debuted in June 1980 and quickly became Joy Division's most renowned track, achieving significant recognition following the tragic death of frontman Ian Curtis just a month earlier. The title presents a stark contrast to Captain & Tennille’s upbeat hit “Love Will Keep Us Together.” Despite its melancholic tone, the song charted higher than any previous Joy Division release, even breaking into the UK Top 20.
Legacy
To this day, the song remains a poignant reminder of Curtis’s artistry and vulnerability, frequently ranked among the greatest songs of all time by outlets like NME and Rolling Stone.
NEW ORDER TENSION: “I’VE LOST NOTHING, BUT GAINED EVERYTHING”
Peter Hook has said that after his 2007 split from New Order, it felt like he had lost everything. But after watching the band’s latest performances without him, he now feels like he gained it all. Following his departure, New Order frontman Bernard Sumner allegedly worked to exclude Hook from most legal matters involving the name they co-founded. Despite once owning a significant share, Hook was reportedly reduced to just 1.25% of the band’s royalties, far from the 12.5% he believes he was owed.
What was once his band and life’s work had been pulled from under him by the very people who built it with him. But these days, Hook says the tables have turned, he left with the better end of the deal.
In retrospect, it is understandable. Peter Hook has found himself ending a successful sold out North American tour in the summer haven of Miami! Leaving fans happy and himself relaxed (hopefully)!
REVIEW
Peter Hook & The Light delivered a stellar performance packed with fan-favorite classics and witty asides that gave new context to the music. With a perfectly balanced setlist, Hook mixed personal deep cuts with iconic hits in a way that felt seamless. Throughout the night, the crowd was treated not just to the songs, but to a deeper look into Hook’s connection to them, and the stories behind each one. Sonder was glad to be in attendance and is proud to reward this show with 5 black stars.
Comments