Tag Archives: Peter Hook

Peter Hook Interview on SoundDiego (I'm on the Telly!)

Peter Hook Capture

Check out this awesome little interview that aired this weekend!  SoundDiego is a popular local music blog in San Diego, and their show follows NBC’s Saturday Night Live.  My hubby and I just happened to be watching SNL and saw the commercial for the upcoming episode that featured a segment on the Peter Hook book signing which included an interview with SoundDiego’s Scott McDonald.  We are usually early sleepers, so I decided to DVR the show in case we fell asleep.  Click on the picture above to take you to the video for the segment that aired that night (or click here to bring up the interview on a different page).  My friend Rob and I can be seen in line inside M-Theory, our new friends Tony and Ian talking with Peter Hook, and finally you can also see my very own interaction with Hooky!

(Picture and video courtesy of NBC San Diego and SoundDiego)

Unknown Pleasures: Meeting Peter Hook of Joy Division & New Order

DSC00456 (2) (1280x963)

DSC00459 (2) (1024x1280)

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.

DSC00461 (2) (1280x744)

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!”

DSC00437 (2) (1280x915)

DSC00438 (2) (1280x960)

DSC00457 (2) (1278x1280)

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.

DSC00440 (2) (1280x990)

Rob chatting with Steve West

DSC00443 (2) (1280x1280)

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!

DSC00445 (2) (1280x1280)

DSC00450 (2) (1280x1280)

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!

DSC00452 (2) (1280x1280)

DSC00460 (2) (853x1280)

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!