New Order Split Gets Messy
7/30/2007 By Cam Lindsay

The status of New Order is so officially unofficial, according to its members, that all three members could end up in court fighting for the right to either make or not make music in the near or distant future.

Back in May, Peter Hook, bassist for New Order, told London, UK radio station XFM that he was indeed done working with the band and was relieved to get the secret out. He later told NME: "We've decided not to work together anymore. It's been on-off-on for a while and last time we just went our separate ways."

This month, on July 20, however, singer/guitarist Bernard Sumner and drummer Stephen Morris countered Hook's claim that the band was over, stating: "After 30 years in a band together we are very disappointed that Hooky has decided to go to the press and announce unilaterally that New Order have split up. We would have hoped that he could have approached us personally first. He does not speak for all the band, therefore we can only assume he no longer wants to be a part of New Order."

And now here's where it's about to get messy. On a blog entitled "Disappointment!" posted on his MySpace page, Hook has threatened to sue his "former" band members if they decide to carry on New Order without him.

The blog reads:

"Well im here at last with my statement! im travellin round america at the moment so its difficult for me to reply properly> Ive decided to tell the whole story? so itll be an amusing? insight into how groups work...

FIRST. Damning me for doing something as in not coming to you personally? and then doin the same thing , never heard of two wrongs dont make a right?

My god if i was to list my disappointments with this group id miss my plane to frisco.My first thoughts were very angry but now ive slept on it or not rather its sadness really ! this is getting political and personal so here goes......................

SECOND> never assume anything! This group has SPLIT UP! you are no more new order than i am! you may have two thirds but dont assume you have the rights to do anything NEW ordery cos you dont ive still got a third! But am open to negotiation.

THIRD. Just in case you hadnt noticed weve not had a "PERSONAL" relationship for a long time now...years in fact! whenever you contact me its through the management(like hale and pace eh?) i did exactly the same you all knew what was happening re the split! in FEBRUARY! using cannes and mojo as some excuse to at last get your own back is wrong.

FOURTH. i have never spoken on your behalf i wouldnt presume to. i spoke for myself WE HAVE SPLIT! as traceyBB would say "deal wiv it!so as one third of ex new order im off to gate 36 and pizza hut. ive got a lot to tell you all but this has worn me out for a while so normal; service will be resumed as soon as possible!

See you in court! love hookyx"

Can't we all just get along???

New Order "The Perfect Kiss"
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