Music

Peter Hook is bringing his Joy Division Orchestrated show to Manchester Apollo

Peter Hook has confirmed that he will be bringing his Joy Division Orchestrated show to Manchester for the first time later this year.

The Manc The Manc - 2nd March 2021
Joy Division Orchestrated at the Royal Albert Hall / Image: magikmoment via YouTube

Peter Hook has confirmed that he will be bringing his ‘Sound of Joy Division Orchestrated’ show to Manchester for the first time later this year.

Back in 2019, the former Joy Division bassist collaborated with Manchester Camerata – a local chamber orchestra – to reimagine the seminal music created by Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and ‘Hooky’ himself in the seventies.

The product was ‘Joy Division Orchestrated’ – a remarkable show which played to packed crowds at Sydney Opera House and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Audiences were described as being “blown away” by the adventurous renditions of classic tracks from Unknown Pleasures and Closer – and now Hook has confirmed he is bringing the project back for 2021.

Best of all, there’s a gig date in Joy Division’s home region scheduled for September.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hook played in two of the biggest British bands of all time in Joy Division and New Order, but the musician has described the orchestral project “one the most nerve-wracking things” he’s ever done.

“To sell out the Royal Albert Hall before anyone had even heard it was a fantastic compliment it has to be said,” Hook stated.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The reaction has been wonderful and this time around I’m looking forward to being able to enjoy it myself. To bring it to Manchester for the first time will be very, very special.”

Musical director Tim Crooks added: “It’s great news that we’ll be bringing this amazing show to The Palladium and The Apollo, two of my favourite ever venues.

“As musicians we’ve all missed being able to perform over the last year, just as fans have missed their favourite gigs.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Let’s hope these concerts promise a long-awaited release for everybody there.”

The Sound of Joy Division Orchestrated show will play in London on Friday 10 September, heading up to Manchester the following week on Friday 17 September.

Tickets for both gigs go on sale at 9am on Friday 5 March at 9am.

Follow the ticket link to set a release reminder and purchase tickets when they become available.

Music

Watch Eurovision star Sam Ryder surprise Mancs with busking set at St Peter’s Square

Danny Jones Danny Jones Sam Ryder surprise gig Manchester St Peters Square

Eurovision star Sam Ryder caught local Mancunians off-guard when he popped up to perform a surprise busking set in St Peter’s Square.

Making the unexpected appearance on Thursday, 8 December, the ‘Space Man’ singer left passers-by and locals simply going about their workday chuffed to bits as he played a number of recognisable hits.

While Mancs were wrapped up in their winter layers, they were more than happy to stand around and listen to the soulful singer do renditions of Queen, Stevie Wonder, as well as a couple of his own songs.

What a voice.

The 33-year-old who came second to Ukraine in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest obviously played his smash-hit entry as well as one his most recent tracks, ‘All The Way Over’.

He went on to explain he and his team had decided to travel across the country to perform a number of these surprise sets to not only promote his upcoming album, but to spread some festive cheer and return some of the love he’s received from the nation this year.

Ryder wasn’t the only one to surprise Manc music lovers with a live performance this week either.

Read more:

The Essex boy seemed to have a lot of appreciation for the city of Manchester and it certainly looks to be reciprocated.

His new record, There’s Nothing But Space, Man!, drops on Friday 9 December and he’s hoping to whip up regional support with surprise sets like this to send his album to number one in time for Christmas.

You can watch Sam Ryder’s surprise set back again in full on our Facebook Live below:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — The Manc Group

Music

Celine Dion diagnosed with ‘very rare’ incurable stiff-person syndrome and reschedules Manchester gigs again

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Celine Dion has been forced to cancel and postpone another batch of tour dates after being diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease.

The Canadian superstar updated fans on her health with a video message posted on her social media platforms today.

She has already had to move her two concerts at Manchester’s AO Arena several times, once for Covid restrictions and again for her health.

She last moved the dates because she was ‘experiencing spasms’ and had planned to be back on stage on 5 and 6 April.

But in her video message, a visibly emotional Celine told fans she was too ill to perform for the time being.

Her Manchester shows have now been moved to 9 and 10 April, 2024.

She revealed that she’s been diagnosed with the ‘very rare’ stiff person syndrome, which she says only affects one in a million people.

Celine Dion when she had to reschedule previous dates. Credit: Celine Dion

The condition has caused her to experience spasms, which have affected everything from her ability to walk to her vocal chords.

She said: “As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which effects something like one in a million people.

“While we are still learning about this rare condition we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.

“Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Celine continued: “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope,” she said. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.

“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much, I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”

The star added: “This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves, be well. I love you guys so much. And I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

Featured image: Instagram, @celinedion

More Music

Audio

England vs France World Cup game will be screened at massive Manchester gigs this weekend

Audio

Watch the moment Blossoms surprise fans with intimate Night & Day gig

Liam Fray charity gig homeless Manchester

Audio

Liam Fray is playing a one-off charity gig to raise money for Manchester’s homeless community

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches