It was a crisp, atmospheric evening at the Kelvingrove Bandstand as fans congregated to witness Peter Hook & The Light revisit the seminal catalogues of Joy Division and New Order. Opening the night was Edinburgh’s Man of Moon, an impressive two-piece act who set a high bar for the evening ahead.
Taking the stage to a warm reception, the duo delivered a blistering, high-energy set. The wall of sound they conjured was remarkable for just two musicians, their onstage chemistry and technical precision immediately evident. Chris Bainbridge’s soulful vocals perfectly anchored their blend of rock and alternative textures, leaving a lasting impression on the Glasgow crowd as they carved out their own space in the city’s musical history.
Bainbridge shared how influential the music of Joy Division and New Order had been during his upbringing, making this support slot a poignant, full-circle moment. As their set drew to a close, the audience showed their appreciation with a roar of approval that echoed through the park.
Anticipation reached a fever pitch as a sea of iconic “Unknown Pleasures” t-shirts filled the venue. To the swell of the intro music, the band emerged, followed by the arrival of Peter Hook. Hooky took his place front and centre, his signature low-slung bass and trademark straps on full display, ready to command the stage.
The band opened with a visceral Joy Division sequence, launching into the raw “No Love Lost” and “Digital”, which immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. This was followed by a run of post-punk anthems, including “She’s Lost Control”, “Shadowplay”, and a brilliant rendition of “Transmission”. Hook was in peak form; his vocals were gritty and resonant, while that legendary, chest-rippling bass tone was absolute class.
It was a treat to hear Monaco-era tracks like “Shine” and “What Do You Want From Me?” included in the set. Transitioning into New Order territory, the infectious “Bizarre Love Triangle” shifted the energy, leading into the euphoria of “Blue Monday” and “Temptation”, which turned the bandstand into a massive, open-air dancefloor.
The night concluded all too quickly with Hooky holding the audience in the palm of his hand. They went out with a bang, pairing the driving New Order classic “Ceremony” with the ultimate anthem, “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, prompting a deafening singalong that resonated throughout the city.
It was a special musical journey that will linger long in the memories of those present. If you have the opportunity to see Peter Hook & The Light, seize it; they offer a powerful portal back to the definitive sounds of the eighties and nineties. Truly unmissable.
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
