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New Order.

Last night I went to see New Order at Roseland with Jenna. New Order are one of my favorite bands, but I’d only seen live them once before last night, and that was 7 years ago. Prior to their 2005 tour, the last time they played in NYC was in 1987, and, well, I wasn’t going to New Order concerts when I was 12, you know? So this show was a big deal. It’s really important for me to see the bands I care the most about live, preferably multiple times.

Much has been made of the fact that bassist extraordinaire Peter Hook (who effectively left New Order in 2006) was not along for this tour, and I will admit I felt a bit skeptical going in as to whether it would still feel like a New Order show. Let me assure you: It did. I’ve seen New Order with Hooky, Hooky without New Order (when he toured last year performing Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures in its entirety), and now New Order without Hooky. As sad as it is that the JD/NO unit is no longer intact, Tom Chapman is doing an excellent job in Peter Hook’s absence. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to fill in for such a legendary musician from an iconic band, so hats off to Tom!

Oh, and also: STEPHEN MORRIS. The man is a machine (sometimes literally). It’s too bad that you don’t really get to SEE drummers much at concerts unless they’re Phil Collins, because I’d have loved to be able to watch Morris play. I’m not one of those people who gets all worked up about stuff like awesome drummers (I tend to just absorb music as a whole, probably because I’m not a musician), either.

OK, I’m babbling now. This is why I shy away from writing reviews of anything, especially music.

To the point, the show was GREAT. And by great I mean it was truly excellent. Jenna and I both had a really good time. The setlist was pretty much perfect, the light show/projections were AMAZING, and Barney’s energy was totally contagious. I was bouncing and clapping and dancing and generally looking stupid but not caring—and that’s really what it’s all about. New Order make the kind of music that’s perfect in crowds, and not dancing really isn’t an option. One of the first things I said to Jenna when we walked out is that the show kind of made me feel like going out to clubs again. I don’t think I really mean that, but just in case, I’m keeping my eye on Thursday nights at the Pyramid Club.

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16 Comments

  • Reply Caroline Royce October 19, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Marvelous. The only show near me is Chicago (I live in Mpls) and know two people going. So very jealous as I feel this would’ve been my only chance ever to see them. JD/NO had a huge part on shaping my destiny as a Graphic Designer and a music fan. Oh, to have been able to see them.
    Go to clubs! Especially ones that play awesome music.

  • Reply Jenna @ sweetfineday October 19, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    wha? omg, the Pyramid club!!!

    • Anna @ D16 October 19, 2012 at 6:15 pm

      Hahaha, you know you want to!!! I’ll even wear eyeliner.

  • Reply Christina October 19, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    This brings back memories. I saw the Sugarcubes, New Order and Public Image Limited on a triple bill back in the summer of 1989.

    • Anna @ D16 October 19, 2012 at 6:38 pm

      Great lineup!

    • EG June 2, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      i saw that same triple bill. 2nd row. Johnny hawked a loogie at us. good times!

  • Reply taste area October 20, 2012 at 2:08 am

    Ok I’m jealous now.

  • Reply Lizzie October 20, 2012 at 2:17 am

    Wow, Morrissey and now New Order — totally jealous!

  • Reply Sandra October 20, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I was there Thursday also, it was amazing.
    I won’t put up with annoying drunk people for just anyone!

  • Reply elisabeth October 22, 2012 at 9:51 am

    !! I saw New Order in 1987 in NYC! And, back in the day (my day) Pyramid Club was my playground! Things have changed…

  • Reply Stephanie (afunhouse) October 22, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Oh! Great memories! The last time I saw New Order was with Echo and the Bunnymen at Northrup Auditorium in Mpls Aug 13, 1987! It was the. best.

  • Reply Kiki October 22, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    I love Pyramid, but beware: there is a major creeper (I think that is Britspeak?) who haunts their dance floor during eighties night who gets way way way to close to women and won’t leave them alone. I’ve complained about the guy and I’ve seen him drive patrons away and I’m not sure why he’s tolerated by staff. All to say, Pyramid is still so magical on eighties night but if you start to be approached by a short guy who seems like he’s on something and won’t take a hint, it’s not just you, and don’t feel like you have to play along. I have really enjoyed all the staff there, the barkeeps are great.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 9:20 pm

      Ew! Thanks for the heads-up, Kiki. That guy sounds like a creeper indeed!

  • Reply Heather October 24, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    I was so sad to miss this show! I’m glad it was great. For clubs, you should check this guy out: http://djceremony.com/ I have a feeling you’d really dig him.

    • Anna @ D16 October 24, 2012 at 3:43 pm

      Yeah, I’m on his mailing list! I always think about going to those Smiths parties…

  • Reply Ryan October 31, 2012 at 1:24 am

    So so so so so so SOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!

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