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.
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.
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“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.
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“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
Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025
Danny Jones
With festival season officially underway and a music-filled summer approaching faster than Stone Folca down the final furlong, we’ll take any chance to sing and dance under the sun we can get, so it’s a good job that what’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this year is great and there’s plenty of it.
That’s right, The Jockey Club Live experience at Haydock Park is back for 2025, and there’s another incredible lineup of acts joining the punters over the next few months.
Having already seen the likes of Craig David, Busted and the Sugababes, as well as rather fittingly named local band, Red Rum Club, most recently, we’ve had some ruddy good times soaking up The Jockey Club festivities and libations, and this year is already off to a storming start.
You can catch a glimpse of our latest visit to the races down below for a taster. In short, it was a blast.
As you can see, not only are the spirits high and free-flowing (if you catch our drift) at Haydock Park, but there’s more than just racing and betting slips when it comes to what’s on there during the summer.
In addition to plenty of food and drink, every year as part of their Music Night programme, The Jockey Club well and truly puts the Live in ‘live entertainment’ with a whole host of big names.
For instance, here’s who is coming up at Haydock this summer…
What’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer?
Tom Jones – Friday, 4 July
Perhaps the biggest name on the bill this year is the legendary Welsh soul singer and pop veteran SIR Tom Jones; that’s right, you could be in the presence of a real knight this July.
The 85-year-old who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades on stage clearly couldn’t get enough the first time around, as Mr ‘Sex Bomb’ himself is coming back to the racecourse for a full headline slot as part of his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour.
Speaking ahead of another visit, he said: “Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Haydock Park Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience. The Jockey Club Live shows are exciting dates in my calendar – the fans really enjoy the day, so [they] are always sensational.”
‘I can’t wait to spend a Summer’s evening with everyone this July.’ (Credit: Raph_PH via Flickr)
Becky Hill – Friday, 8 August
A month later, you can catch a contemporary pop queen and fellow British chart favourite, as solo star Becky Hill will be heading to Haydock for a headline performance of her own.
The Bewdley-born singer-songwriter and regular dance track feature artist already has 22 top 40 songs to her name and is pushing even further into the electronic music scene of late, with one of her newest hits, Swim’, becoming another big hit.
Jockey Club said of her date: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Becky and her phenomenal live show to Haydock Park. Tickets start from just £40, continuing our reputation for providing value-for-money entertainment destination for the region and beyond.”
‘With thousands of tickets for Red Rum Club sold in the presale alone, we’re urging fans to secure their spot for next summer soon to avoid disappointment.’ (Credit: Press shot supplied via Chuff Media)
Next up: Jamie Webster – 21 June
But before both of these big British names is a local Merseyside legend, as indie guitarist and Liverpool-fan anthem specialist Jamie Webster will be heading down the road for what is sure to be a very popular night on home turf.
The ‘Weekend In Paradise’ and ‘This Place’ singer may have got his break performing to supporters around Anfield, but his music journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable – a real Northern, working-class success story in action.
Our Audio North team spoke to Webster ahead of his Haydock Park show on Saturday, 21 June and let’s just say we’re now more invested than ever in hearing Jamie play his third studio album, 10 For The People, for… well – you get it.
Better still, the party doesn’t stop once the summer is over, as The Jockey Club Live will be holding a number of other events throughout the rest of the year, not to mention all the usual horse-racing action at Haydock Park.
You can find out more information on the above and everything else on at the racecourse, as well as grab tickets to any of the dates that take your fancy right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied)
Music
The UK’s first official Oasis merch fan store is opening in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
An official Oasis Live ’25 fan store, selling official tour merch and limited-edition products, is opening in Manchester this week.
The flagship store will open in an as-yet mystery location ahead of a nationwide roll-out of official Oasis fan stores.
Set to open on Friday 20 June, the Oasis Live ’25 fan store in Manchester will be stocked with the official merch for the hotly-anticipated reunion tour, which will be launching in store and online later this week.
As well as the official tour merchandise, the stores will sell exclusive brand collaborations, limited-edition products, and items not available to buy anywhere else.
The news has been announced ahead of the Oasis Live ’25 shows, which will see the Gallagher brothers back together for the first time since 2009.
They’ll be performing five nights at Heaton Park, on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July.
The Manchester Oasis Live ’25 fan store will be the first to open in the UK and the flagship, based in the brothers’ home city.
Further stores are set to open in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, Dublin and Birmingham.
It’s hoped these are going to enrich the overall fan experience of the massive tour, that now spans stadium shows across the UK, Ireland, North America, Asia, Australia and South America.
More details on the Manchester fan store location and tour merchandise collection will be released later this week, with other store addresses to be revealed.
The Manchester Oasis fan store will be open between 20 June and 27 July.
The Manc -
2nd March 2021 
