Peter Hook & The Light

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (April 26, 2018) – Peter Hook and the Light’s 2018 Substance tour kicked off on a high note at Philadelphia’s Union Transfer tonight and Splice Magazine was there, front and center!

Bass guitarist extraordinaire Peter Hook a/k/a “Hooky” to his fans, treated the packed house to over two hours consisting of two full albums, in this case, the “Substance” compilations by both Joy Division and New Order. As a founding member of these groundbreaking post-punk/new wave bands, Hook had the crowd fired up from the get-go.

Though these albums were originally released over 30 years ago, you didn’t need to be over 40 to thoroughly appreciate both sets. This was evidenced by the substantial number of younger fans who were definitely not even alive during the 1980’s to experience both bands’ relatable lyrics and bouncy energy firsthand.

From heart-thumping renditions of “Blue Monday” and “Bizarre Love Triangle” to a sweetly nostalgic instrumental version of “Thieves Like Us” (notably featured in the John Hughes classic Pretty in Pink), there was something for everyone to dance to, raise a bottle at, or sing along with.

After a touching nod to late bandmate Ian Curtis, the night culminated with the iconic “Love Will Tear Us Apart” with Hook channeling Curtis’ raw vocal performance. The Substance Tour continues up the East Coast and into Canada, followed by a pass through the midwest with many shows already sold out.

Peter Hook & The Light:
    

Union Transfer:
   

Photojournalist: Kim Palumbo

 Editor: Kate Sumbler