Peter Hook is a name synonymous with the iconic post-punk and new wave movements that emerged from Manchester, England. Best known as the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order, his distinctive high-register melodic bass lines became a defining feature of both bands’ sounds. But for those just discovering his immense contribution to music, a common question arises: How Old Is Peter Hook?
Born on February 13, 1956, Peter Hook is currently 67 years old (as of late 2023). His enduring career spans over four decades, marked by creative innovation, personal struggles, and an undeniable influence on generations of musicians. Understanding his age provides a crucial context for appreciating the breadth and depth of his musical journey, from the raw energy of late 1970s punk to the sophisticated electronic soundscapes of the 1980s and beyond.
Hook’s story is more than just a timeline of musical achievements; it’s a compelling narrative of artistic evolution and personal resilience. Growing up in Salford, his early life was shaped by the social and cultural landscape of post-industrial England. The punk explosion of the late 1970s ignited his passion for music, leading him and Bernard Sumner to form a band that would eventually become Joy Division.
Image alt text: Peter Hook energetically playing bass guitar on stage with The Light, bathed in blue stage lighting.
Joy Division, fronted by the enigmatic Ian Curtis, emerged as a pivotal force in post-punk. Hook’s bass playing was integral to the band’s atmospheric and emotionally charged sound, contributing to classics like “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and “Transmission”. The tragic suicide of Ian Curtis in 1980 could have marked the end, but instead, it led to the formation of New Order.
New Order saw Hook and his bandmates – Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert – pioneering a sound that blended post-punk with electronic and dance music. The Haçienda, the legendary Manchester nightclub co-founded by New Order and Factory Records, became a cultural epicenter of this era. Hook reflects on the club’s significance:
The Haçienda was incredible. Obviously, we lost loads of money, which, depending on what day it is, I can still get angry about. But the Summer of Love, from ’87 to ’89, will for ever be a blissful time in our memories. That club changed lives. And, I believe, changed the world.
Image alt text: The iconic facade of the Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, featuring its distinctive signage and architectural style.
New Order achieved global success with hits like “Blue Monday” and “Bizarre Love Triangle”, solidifying Peter Hook’s status as a highly influential bassist. Despite the band’s achievements, internal tensions and disagreements eventually led to Hook’s departure in 2007. This period was marked by significant personal and professional challenges for Hook. As he candidly admits:
I don’t think I’ll ever let go of my anger about how I was treated by New Order. I have to fight the nasty side of my character to deal with it in a businesslike way. It helps that I have a wonderful life, a wonderful family, and a wonderful career. But it’s like a divorce where you have to share the kids. We’ve got the songs.
Following his exit from New Order, Peter Hook has remained active in music. He formed Peter Hook and The Light, a band dedicated to performing Joy Division and New Order’s albums live, much to the delight of fans worldwide. This project allows audiences to experience the classic albums in their entirety and celebrates Hook’s crucial role in shaping their iconic sound.
Beyond his musical career, Hook has also been open about his personal battles, including his struggles with addiction. His honesty provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the music:
I’m an alcohol and cocaine addict. I almost lost everything. I’ve been clean for 17 years now. It was bloody hard.
Peter Hook’s journey, from his youth in Salford to his enduring presence on the global music stage at 67 years old, is a testament to his talent, resilience, and lasting impact. His age is not just a number, but a marker of a rich and influential career that continues to evolve and inspire. Whether through his pioneering basslines, his candid reflections, or his ongoing performances, Peter Hook remains a vital figure in music history.
