Joy Division Orchestrated is a reworking of the band’s iconic catalogue performed by original bassist Peter Hook and joined by The Metropolitan Orchestra. The project marks the first time any surviving member of Joy Division has brought the influential sound back to audiences. The show arrived in Perth on Friday 11th August and played to a near full Perth Concert Hall.
As the house lights dimmed, the show kicked off to the hauntingly beautiful piano chorus of Love Will Tear Apart. With hits such as Heart and Soul, Atmosphere, Isolation, She’s Lost Control and Dead Souls, the night showcased a series of classic compositions from Joy Division and celebrated the influence of the seminal post-punk band. The audience were mesmerised by Peter Hook’s legendary presence, as well as the incredible guest vocals of Bastien Marshal and Mics Millar. Backed by one of the most versatile and independent orchestras, who added a more epic and immense sound, the overall performance powerfully accentuated the beauty and melancholy behind Joy Division’s Catalogue.
Transmission was the only real track of noted absence from the setlist and interesting additions were added such as Higher Higher Higher Love and a mash-up of Captain & Tennille’s Love Will Keep Us Together and Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, with shared vocals from Mashal and Millar. The best part of the show was the encore where Peter Hook overtook vocals and the audience stood to Digital, Ceremony and Love Will Tear Us Apart.
Overall, Peter Hook and The Metropolitan Orchestra put on an immense show that recognised the songs of one of the most iconic post-punk bands of all time, and re-emphasied Joy Division’s important role in shaping popular culture and their continued influence throughout generations. The show was mesmerising and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates Joy Division’s sound.
Set List:
Love will tear us apart – Piano version
Atmosphere Intro
Day of the Lords
New Dawn Fades
Means to an End
Isolation
Disorder
Heart and Soul
24 Hours
Higher Higher Higher Love
Rachel’s Song
Atrocity Exhibition
Insight
Dead Souls
She’s Lost Control
Funeral March Interlude
Shadowplay
These Days
Love Will Keep Us Together / Love Will Tear Us Apart
The Eternal
Decades
Digital
Ceremony
Love Will Tear Us Apart
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Joe MacDonald
