By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent
Venue: The Ritz, Ybor City, Tampa, Florida–November 19, 2016
Peter Hook & The Light are returning to North America in Fall 2016 to perform Joy Division and New Order’s legendary Factory Records compilation albums Substance live, sequentially and in their entirety.
In Spring 2015 I was able to catch Peter Hook & the Light in St. Petersburg, Florida for their performance of New Order and Joy Division hits in their entirety. It was a fantastic evening and when I heard Hooky was returning to North America this Fall, I was more than thrilled. Joy Division and New Order’s music spoke to me growing up and represented a happy time in my life. I very much wanted to time travel again to that period.
Peter Hook & the Light performed at The Ritz, Ybor City, Tampa on Saturday, November 19th, to a packed audience (the whole floor and balcony), much to my delight. It is always good to be in the same room as other Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers that know every word to the songs and can relate to the music. I noticed a lot of 20-somethings in the audience, which was refreshing, and no doubt grew up in a household listening to classics like “Blue Monday” or “Transmission”.
I found my usual spot at the front of the stage, so I could be ready to shoot photos of Hooky and the band. The lighting in The Ritz was particularly dark and blue that evening (I know…mood atmosphere) but wreaks havoc on photography. I was lucky to meet another Hooky fan, Danny, who stood next to me during the concert. It is always great to enjoy the moment with another aficionado of New Wave/Post-Punk and not a casual fan.
Hooky and the band were introduced by a long-time friend who was able to spend time with him in St. Petersburg earlier in the day. Hooky and the band then emerged and ran through the catalog of New Order music, which sounded fantastic—and Hooky’s voice sounded better than last year’s concert. The pounding disco beat, synths, bass lines, and nice harmonies and singing from fellow band members really recreated the New Order feel—and then some. People in the front row area (where I was) were raising their fists, pointing with the beat, swaying, bouncing, and singing along to the songs. It was really magical! My fav’ during the first part of the concert were “Shell Shocked” and “Bizarre Love Triangle”.
After a brief intermission Hooky and the band played Joy Division’s Substance which brought me back to a dark era, bordering on post-punk and punk with its rawness and innovation at that time. I think the whole audience was jumping up and down to “Transmission” and “She’s Lost Control”.
Honestly, the concert was a blast and I can’t wait to see him again next year (he said he was planning to return). Keep this music alive, Hooky, because we love it so much and new generations need to experience it!
Set List
The Windish Agency Present An Evening With Peter Hook & The Light
Performing Substance – Joy Division & New Order
Thurs 22nd Sept 2016 Webster Hall, New York, NY
Fri 23rd Sept 2016 Webster Hall, New York, NY
Sat 24th Sept 2016 The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
Wed 27th Oct 2016 St Andrews Hall, Detroit, MI
Fri 28th Oct 2016 Metro, Chicago, IL
Sat 29th Oct 2016 Turner Hall, Milwaukee, WI
Sun 30th Oct 2016 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Tues 1st Nov 2016 Venue, Vancouver, BC
Thurs 3rd Nov 2016 Showbox At The Market, Seattle, WA
Fri 4th Nov 2016 Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
Sat 5th Nov 2016 The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
Mon 7th Nov 2016 Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
Tues 8th Nov 2016 House Of Blues, San Diego, CA
Fri 11th Nov 2016 Granada Theatre, Dallas, TX
Sat 12th Nov 2016 The Mohawk, Austin, TX
Mon 14th Nov 2016 Republic, New Orleans, LA
Tue 15th Nov 2016 Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Thu 17th Nov 2016 Plaza Live, Orlando, FL
Fri 18th Nov 2016 Culture Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sat 19th Nov 2016 The Ritz Ybor, Tampa, FL
Mon 21st Nov 2016 The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
Tue 22nd Nov 2016 Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
Weds 23rd Nov 2016 Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
Fri 25th Nov 2016 The Trocadero Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
Sat 26th Nov 2016 The Sinclair, Boston, MA
Sun 27th Nov 2016 Theatre Fairmount, Montreal, QC
Tues 29th Nov 2016 Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
Tickets : ******* / Full Details At www.peterhook.co.uk/events
Photo Gallery
Videos
Tampa
For videos and concert footage from The Light check –www.youtube.com/peterhookandthelight
www.peterhook.co.uk / www.facebook.com/peterhookandthelight / www.twitter.com/peterhook
www.instagram.com/peterhook_thelight
The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission to Rock At Night and the photographer. Use of any image is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws.
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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