On the evening of 18th May 2010, Peter Hook & Friends performed the entire Joy Division album 'Unknown Pleasures' track by track to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of lead singer, Ian Curtis.
This was the first tribute gig since the death of Ian performed by a former band member. And in this case, former Joy Division bassist Peter Hook took over on vocals.
Hooky did unbelievably well on vocals and rocked the crowd! we all went wild for him and he put on such a great performance. It was also amazing to see Rowetta join on a couple of tracks and for them both to duet together.
I was lucky enough to get to the front row and had a great view of the band. It was the best gig of my life and I'll never forget how proud I felt wearing my 'Unknown Pleasures' t.shirt swaying along to the music and really feeling the atmosphere of Ian's lyrics on such an emotional night. I had also visited his graveside in Macclesfield earlier that day so the gig made the whole days experience complete. It made me so happy to be there and to be the closest I would ever be to my favourite band performing live (some 30 years later).
It was only right that the gig was held at FAC 251: The Factory, Manchester. Co-owned by Peter Hook, FAC 251 is the former Hacienda and home of Factory Records founded by the late Tony Wilson. The film '24 hour party people' is focused on the Factory Records label and explains more about the club and the famous bands that signed with them such as Joy Division and the Happy Mondays. Inside it was quite dark and dusty which was perfect for a gig and there was enough space for the great crowd that arrived to commemorate Ian's legacy.
At the end of the gig the band finished with 'Love will tear us apart'. I don't think they could have left it out really! the crowd went wild for it! and we all left the gig on a high. I've seen Peter Hook & The Light perform now on numerous occasions now but it will never top this night! absolutely breathtaking.
Here is a video from the night.. Im 15 seconds in! loved the front row, best view ever!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPG4uNo69tQ#t=28
"To the centre of the city in the night, waiting for you..."
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