Peter Hook

Peter Hook is an English musician known as the co-founder, bassist, and backing vocalist for the influential post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order. His distinctive bass playing style and contributions have made him a significant figure in alternative music. After co-founding the influential post-punk band Joy Division in 1976 and debuting as Joy Division on January 25, 1978, at Manchester’s Pip’s Disco, Peter Hook went on to shape the sound of alternative music for decades. As bassist and backing vocalist for Joy Division, he was integral to their seminal albums, including Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980), which cemented the band’s iconic status.

In 2009, he published his first book, How Not to Run a Club. He formed Freebass, releasing the album It’s a Beautiful Life in 2010, the same year he established Peter Hook & the Light. With Peter Hook & the Light, he embarked on acclaimed tours performing entire albums by both Joy Division and New Order. Also in 2010, Hook opened FAC 251 – The Factory club in Manchester, a significant venue reflecting his enduring connection to the city’s music scene.

In 2012, the University of Central Lancashire awarded him an honorary fellowship and launched a master’s degree program in Music Industry Management and Promotion in collaboration with Hook. Hook further shared his insights through published works, including Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division (2013) and Substance: Inside New Order (2016). His extensive influence was recognized in 2020 through a collaboration with Gorillaz on their track ‘Aries’. That same year, Yamaha released the Peter Hook Signature Bass, a testament to his unique and enduring impact on bass playing and music.

Peter Hook continues to tour internationally with Peter Hook & the Light, maintaining his legacy as a pivotal figure in alternative music.