Just a few weeks ago, I caught Peter Hook & The Light tearing it up at Punk Rock Bowling—a sharp, unforgettable festival set that left me hungry for more. So when I saw they were coming to Atlanta with a full show of their own, I jumped at the chance. I expected something special. What I got was something monumental.
On June 7th at The Eastern, Hook and his band delivered a two-set odyssey that swept through the emotional and sonic landscapes of both New Order and Joy Division. It was more than a concert—it was a carefully curated celebration of influence, memory, and sheer musical endurance.
The Eastern: A Perfect Fit for a Monumental Set
The Eastern proved to be an ideal backdrop for the night. One of Atlanta’s most beautiful and well-designed venues, it features ample floor space for the passionate fans up front, balcony seating for those wanting a more elevated view, and even a rooftop bar offering skyline views and a relaxed pre-show atmosphere. The venue’s thoughtful layout allowed the energy to breathe and build—whether you were pressed up close near the stage or swaying under the lights from above. Crisp acoustics and a moody, elegant lighting design made every song hit just right.
Rare Cuts & Raw Power
The show opened with “Crystal”—not just a song, but a signal. This wouldn’t be a basic greatest-hits night. Instead, Hook dove into a set rich with New Order deep cuts, especially from the Get Ready and Waiting for the Sirens’ Call eras. Fans were treated to songs that rarely surface in live shows, and the crowd—clearly filled with longtime listeners—embraced every moment.
Hook’s signature basslines snarled and shimmered throughout the set, while his voice—gritty and weathered—lent the songs a raw, grounded power. His band played tight and true, adding a modern sharpness to tracks that were once buried deep in New Order’s catalogue. It was a gift for the devoted.
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The Haunting Legacy of Joy Division (and New Order’s Heart)
After a brief intermission, the stage darkened and shifted gears. Set two opened with “Dead Souls”, diving headfirst into the shadowy legacy of Joy Division. What followed was a stunning tribute—intense, reverent, and emotionally immersive. From the bleak urgency of “Exercise One” to the aching atmosphere of “Atmosphere” and “Decades,” Hook and the band brought the music’s weight and history to life without ever feeling stuck in the past.
What could have been a sombre exercise in nostalgia instead felt vital and current. The crowd responded in kind—silent when it mattered, alive when it burned. Songs like “She’s Lost Control” and “Transmission” pulsed with energy, and the reverence in the room during the slower tracks was unmistakable.
And then, as if lifting the fog, Hook guided us back into brighter territory with a run of New Order favourites. The synth shimmer returned with “Your Silent Face” and “Ceremony,” and by the time “True Faith” hit, there was an almost euphoric buzz through the crowd. The balance of shadow and shine was masterful.
A Shared Release
Then came the final benediction: “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”
There’s something sacred about that song—something that hits differently when it’s live. I’d heard it just weeks before at Punk Rock Bowling, and even then, in the middle of a packed festival crowd, it hit me square in the chest. But this time, standing in The Eastern with the lights dimmed low and a room full of people singing like they meant it, it was something else entirely.
It wasn’t just a closer. It was a shared release—grief, memory, joy, all tangled up in three unforgettable minutes. I stood there with goosebumps, overwhelmed and grateful to be there, witnessing a moment that felt almost suspended in time.
In an era where many artists lean on backing tracks and nostalgia, Peter Hook & The Light showed what it means to perform with authenticity, memory, and muscle. This wasn’t a trip down memory lane—it was a journey through survival, influence, and devotion.
Atlanta didn’t just see a show. Atlanta witnessed a resurrection.
Special thanks to the organisers.
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