Monaco

Monaco formed after the end of Revenge. Peter Hook continued working with David Potts, who had joined Revenge near the end of that band's run, and the two began developing a new project with a more melodic pop direction.

Peter Hook and David Potts worked extensively on the debut album through 1996, signing to Polydor for the release. The album's production drew on the melodic side of Hook's New Order work while Potts took on lead vocal duties.

What Do You Want From Me? was released as Monaco's debut single, reaching No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. It became the band's signature song and drew favourable comparisons to early New Order.

Sweet Lips was released as the second single, reaching No. 18 in the UK and helping maintain Monaco's chart profile into the spring of 1997.

Music for Pleasure was released on Polydor, reaching No. 11 in the UK. The album mixed Hook's melodic bass, Potts' vocals, and polished electronic production.

Shine was released as a third single from Music for Pleasure. Monaco continued to promote the album across the UK and Europe.

Monaco toured extensively in support of Music for Pleasure. Hook balanced Monaco commitments with the beginning of New Order's own renewed activity.

Monaco began working on their second album, taking a darker and more introspective direction than Music for Pleasure. The sessions moved slowly as both Hook and Potts had other commitments.

Shine was released as a preview single for the second album. The song maintained the Monaco melodic style but hinted at the more atmospheric tone of the record to come.

Monaco's self-titled second album was released by Papillon. The record had a darker tone than Music for Pleasure, but received little promotion and became a cult item rather than a mainstream success.

Creative tensions within the project and Peter Hook's return to New Order activity led Monaco to wind down. David Potts continued solo work.

Peter Hook returned to New Order activity, while David Potts later reconnected with Hook through Peter Hook & The Light, where he became a core member.

The Monaco name resurfaced when Peter Hook performed new Monaco material during the Joy Division Orchestrated period.

Music for Pleasure was reissued by Music On Vinyl in an expanded edition, and the self-titled second album received a 25th anniversary expanded reissue, helping reframe the full Monaco catalogue for a new audience.