New Order - The Metro - 30 January 2002

It's mid 1985 (I'm going on 12) and learning to play the guitar. I'm watching whatever music show was on (Sounds, I think) and on comes this video of a band comprising 3 blokes and a woman behind a set of keyboards and drum machines. One of the blokes completely mesmerises me with his bass playing...his name is Peter Hook, the video is 'Perfect Kiss' and from that moment on, I'm hooked on a band called New Order

<Fast forward 17 years to January 2002>

Mrs Moby & I arrived at the Metro in time to see the Underground Lovers perform at 9.15pm. I've forgotten just how good the 'The Undies' are, having last seen them when they opened for the Cure in 1992. In a (2) word/s, they ROCK!

Arthur Baker, a well known DJ who's done plenty of remixing for NO over the years comes on at 10. Very wicked. [I am curious why he began his set with 'Hells Bells' by AC/DC - but each to his own I guess] Aside from a great Beach Boys mix of 'Good Vibrations' along with something hard'n'fast (ala Satisfaction Skank), my ears were assaulted with lots of "doof, doof, doof!"...[Time to check the watch - it's 11pm - THEY'RE ALMOST HERE!!!!]

17 years of waiting has come to an end (I wasn't allowed to go in 1987 - parents said not old enough....grrrr) I've read almost all there is to read about Warsaw/Joy Division/ New Order, and know all the words to their songs (and most of the guitar chords); I know all about Ian Curtis' life & suicide; I know that the band couln't stand to be in the same room as each other from 1992 to 2000; etc etc.....

<Insert pause for Rant...>

We've located a prime viewing position, however right next to me is the teeny-bopper brigade - NO!!!!!!!!! What have I done to deserve this? At the risk of sounding elitist, some people should be quizzed about their knowledge of the band before they're even sold a ticket, let alone allowed access to the gig... Sheesh! I mean turning to one of their friends and asking "Who's Joy Division?" prior to 'Transmission'... Anyway, I digress...

</end rant...>

NO appear on stage at precisely 11pm. They're joined on stage by an extra guitarist (Phil someoneorother - I think).. Barney is showing signs of aging, Hooky looks all revved up, while Steve cooly takes his place behind his drum kit.. Ther's an air about the Metro that's electric...

I won't comment on each song individually, I'd be here all night otherwise, however I'll simply provide the setlist:

Crystal; Transmission; Regret; Ceremony; 60MPH; Atmosphere; Slow Jam; Close Range; Touched by the hand of God; Bizarre Love Triangle; True Faith; Temptation; Love Will Tear Us Apart; (encore) Isolation & Blue Monday

NO ROCKED!!! Favourite songs for the night: Atmosphere; Ceremony, LWTUA, Transmission & BLT..... They managed to drag all their soungs from the late 70s/early 80s kicking and screaming into the 21st century...

During 'Atmosphere', I think I saw amongst all the lights (and only for a split second) the haunting silhouette of Ian Curtis, singing along in his flat & dark voice... It was strange hearing Joy Division's songs being sung by Barney instead of Ian. Barney's dancing leaves alot to be desired (at least Ian C could blame epilepsy), yet his voice was superb; Hooky - well, let's just say, he's my hero... as for Steve... he didn't miss a beat all night...[Okay the drum machine/ sequencers did play havoc in some songs]....

I'm glad I went and saw New Order. Highly likely I'll never see them again too... but I'm happy... the $65 I paid for 90 minutes of my life soundtrack was worth waiting 17 years for...

Thanks lads. And cheers - for the show... I feel so much happier now....It's something I'll never forget....