Biography
New Order is an English rock band formed in 1980, currently featuring Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Phil Cunningham, and Tom Chapman. The group originated in 1980 with Sumner (vocals, guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers), Peter Hook (bass and vocals), and Morris (drums, electronic drums, keyboards, and synthesizers)—the surviving members of Joy Division following the suicide of vocalist Ian Curtis—joined by Gilbert (keyboards, synthesizers, and guitars).
Blending post-punk with electronic dance music, New Order became one of the most influential and critically acclaimed bands of the 1980s. Although their early work was influenced by Joy Division's legacy and sound, their exposure to the early 1980s New York City club scene expanded their understanding of dance music, which they incorporated into their style. Their 1983 hit "Blue Monday," the best-selling 12-inch single ever, exemplifies this transformation.
New Order was the flagship act of Manchester's independent label Factory Records. Their minimalist album artwork and "non-image" approach—rare interviews and brief concerts without encores—embodied the label's philosophy of allowing artists to pursue their vision freely, including a preference for excluding singles from albums.
In 1993, the band members pursued solo projects but reunited in 1998. In 2001, Phil Cunningham (guitars, keyboards, synthesizers) replaced Gilbert, who took a break for family reasons. Peter Hook departed in 2007. Following Hook's exit, Bernard Sumner, Phil Cunningham, and Stephen Morris formed Bad Lieutenant. New Order reformed in 2011 without Hook, with Gilbert returning and Tom Chapman taking over on bass. Throughout their career and hiatuses, members engaged in various solo ventures: Sumner's Electronic and Bad Lieutenant; Hook's Monaco and Revenge; Gilbert and Morris's The Other Two. Cunningham was formerly part of Marion and collaborated with Sumner and Chapman in Bad Lieutenant.
