This past Saturday, I attended a book signing at M-Theory Music and had the very great pleasure of meeting Peter Hook (nickname, Hooky), the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division, who reformed as New Order following the death of then lead singer, Ian Curtis. Hooky officially left New Order back in 2007, but they have since reformed without him. He currently performs with his band, Peter Hook & The Light, performing the New Order albums “Movement” and “Power Corruption and Lies” live. He recently wrote a book called Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division, chronicling his time with the legendary band.
I saw New Order back in 1989, which was definitely during Peter Hook’s time in the group (my ticket is pictured above). Although I was very familiar with their history, I only really became a fan of Joy Division when I was on maternity leave during one of many late nights, after watching Anton Corbijn’s movie “Control” (original post here). When I read about Peter Hook’s book signing on M-Theory’s Facebook page, I invited as many of my friends as I could who are 80’s music enthusiasts, and ended up meeting my friend Rob there. Back in 2010, Rob and his friend Todd met up with me and my sister at Alan Wilder’s signing (original post here). In fact, a couple of people who were at Alan’s signing were also there at the Peter Hook signing and remembered me as the girl who won the dance contest. To quote the great George Takei, “Oh Myyyyy!”
It’s always fun to meet people who are in line because we all have the obvious common interest, but it’s also great to hear stories of their musical and life experiences. The two gentleman in front of us were father and son, Tony and Ian (respectively). Tony had wonderful stories of bands he’s seen, people he’s met and tales of when he worked at Licorice Pizza (record store chain that no longer exists), as did Rob! The three of them together gave me a bit of the history of Peter Hook’s other musical endeavors. Rob had vinyl 12 inch records and 45’s of not just Joy Division and New Order, but also of Revenge and Monaco, bands that Hooky recorded with previously. Later via Facebook, Tony explained that Ian’s middle name is Curtis. Finding out about that after the event and thinking of the experience makes Tony one of the coolest dad’s in my book. Not only did he name his son after the lead singer of one of his favorite bands, but then took his son to meet one of the co-founders of that same band. Best story of the day, hands down.
Rob chatting with Steve West
I officially was able introduce myself to Steve West, DJ extraordinaire of 91X, because Rob knows him personally. I spoke to him in passing once at a OMD concert, so it was fun to meet and chat with him a bit. I listened to him for years on 91X, and many of the bands that I still listen to today are due to Steve West.
Side note: Check out the new bag I won on Mimi Boutique’s Facebook page!
Ian and Tony with Hooky. Knowing the back story now puts me at awe when I see this picture.
This event was very well-organized, and the line flowed much better through the store than the Alan Wilder signing (I think the dance contest set up may have made it a bit chaotic). Hooky was incredibly friendly and sweet, chatting up each person or group of people and even cracked jokes. The folks at M-Theory asked that we write our names on small sheets of paper so that Hooky could make sure to correctly personalize our books. I said my name is Cy, like Cy Curnin (of The Fixx). For whatever reason – maybe out of nervousness – I slid over the piece of paper with my name on it, he said, “Really?!” and playfully threw away the piece of paper behind him laughing. We used my camera for Rob’s picture as well, and Hooky asked “Is he with you? By the look on your face, you seem reluctant to say!” I explained that Rob is my friend and it was ok to take the picture. Rob then asked him “City or United?” and I am happy to report that Hooky is a Manchester United supporter. GO YOU REDS!
We were allowed to have three items signed in total, so I had my book signed along with my Joy Division CD and a Joy Division collectors’ edition of NME that Rob picked up for the both of us. Another wonderful signing and great day meeting Peter Hook at M-Theory Music!
Very interesting reporting. Why did Mr. Hook comes to SD in the first place?
Hello! He recently wrote a book about his time with Joy Division and scheduled book signings through out the US. He happened to have a date scheduled at an independent record store here in San Diego and it was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I’ll check your’s out as well!
xoxo
So jealous of you! I have a friend from Wirral that saw one of Joy Division’s last performances before Ian’s untimely departure from this world. He said JD and NO were the main reason he took up the guitar.
Spashionista (Alicia)
Alicia, it was very incredible to meet Hooky because Joy Division and New Order are such legends in this genre! I wish I could have seen JD, but I was only 10 at the time Ian died. I was 19 when I finally saw New Order, and I’m glad I did. How lucky was your friend who got to see JD during that time because they were only around for 4 years!
xoxo
I’m so disappointed that I didn’t go. I thought the lines would be too chaotic but great report. I grew up with Steve West too and still listen to Resurrection Sunday every chance I get.
Did you have a chance to listen to Steve West’s interview with Peter Hook the Sunday after the signing? He asked him the question I’ve always been wondering myself: why do New Order songs never match their lyrics?
Hi Darlene! I thought it would be more crazy than it was, but it was well organized and my friends and I always come to these events as early as we can to avoid the craziness of the lines. Although it wasn’t crazy, the line was very long, and went around the block. I read that Hooky stayed to get everyone that was in line!
I missed Steve’s interview! I’ll have to check their website to see if they have it in their archives.
I’m more of a fashionista but dabble as a foodie every now and again (well, I just like to eat, does that count?). I’m going to have to get to know your blog better!
xoxo
Great! I was lucky to meet Hooky at M-Theory too. I moved to San Diego from England in July 2012 and meeting him eased the homesickness a touch. The kid stood in front of me (in line) was the son of Andy McCluskey of OMD. Needless to say he was a massive JD fan.
Hi Ollie! Where were you in line? Were you in front or further back?
Wasn’t Hooky just awesome? Nice bloke and funny, too. Naturally Andy McCluckey’s kid is a JD fan! I’m sure Andy had some tales of when they toured together! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
xoxo
Hey 🙂 I was some way behind you. I got there before 4pm and the line was already curling round Hawk St. Yeah, Hooky was awesome! I’m still smiling.
I’m one of those people that will get to an event a few hours prior. For Alan Wilder’s signing, I was there very early, so I was first in line. My friend Rob got there at 1pm and I followed soon afterwards. I’ve also been reading about other appearances Hooky has done and have been listening to JD, plus I’m going to finish the book. I’ve got it bad! lol
xoxo
Great post! Thought you might like our interview with Hooky from The Strand bookstore signing in NYC http://rockbookshow.com/rock-book-show/peter-hook-book.html
Thanks Kimberly, I’ll check out the interview!
xoxo
The thing is, musicians — their skill and talent — it’s a quite intangible thing. You don’t know whether you’re gonna gel with someone until you play. That’s the intangible part of it — you don’t have to be friends to do that. It’s a gift, really. It’s a strange, strange thing to witness that you can play really well with someone and yet have no attachment or no common ground other than the fact that you can play well together. I mean, Steve [Morris; drums] is a very, very introverted person; he was never someone to tell you all his problems or his thoughts — he was very, very closed in. Even when he was off his head on drugs, he never used to open up. Everybody else was telling you everything! But he was very guarded. Even when he was off his fucking rocker. Yeah, it was unconscious — it really was.