New Order live @ Hammerstein Ballroom - NYC (USA) - 2005.05.05

yes...to all those i met and those i didn't get a chance to speak with at TGIF--i hope everyone had a fantastic time with the NOOL COMMUNITY!

oldmonkey wrote: Bit of a recurring theme here at all the US shows (and indeed just about all the 2002 gigs across the world as well) - desperate sound that ruins the spirit they put into the performance.

! nothing wrong with their spirit last night!

Thief Like Me wrote: Forgot to mention that Barney blamed his lack of dancing skillz on a shark bite while surfing.

He used that joke in Chicago and it fell flat. Surprised he resurrected for N.Y. No wonder why people say Manchester is so bleak, could be a lacking in the humour department.

First time poster, long-time lurker:

I was at the show last night and it was flat out amazing. I run a blog with a friend and I've posted my review along with a bunch of photos I took.

They're over here:

New Order - Hammerstein Ballroom 5.5.05

Great photos!! Thanks.

does anyone have pics of the t shirts on sale?

(First, a disclaimer. I probably have some of the exact quotes wrong, or in the wrong order. But's it's my best recollection of what happened - feel free to correct me!)

What a great f**kin' show!

I left Boston 2 at and made good time all the way down to the Bruckner Expressway... and I thought, what the hell? I'll go down the FDR and look for a spot near MSG... after about an hour getting to midtown I found a spot on 32nd and Broadway! No parking fees or trains!

The wife wanted to get to the venue but I persuaded her to stop by TGIF's and meet you lot. I'm so glad we did. I forget so many of the names, but John, Al, Gaz (cheers for the pint) and Rob among others were so friendly and cool.

We headed over about 7:45 or so - the Hammerstein was pretty empty when I walked over at 7:15 but it was packed. There were about a million scalpers, which I thought was a little odd. Call me cynical, but I somehow don't think a lot of the blokes asking for tickets actually planned to see New Order...

A bunch of us from TGIF's started at the back and inched forward to the fifth row or so. Hammerstein was a nice venue, much larger than I'd anticipated. I'd say there were easily about 2000 people there. I settled in a spot stage right and watched the opening act. They weren't much cop, I'm afraid. At least to my ears. The folks around me seemed to be friends with the band, so they were going on about how this one looked, and how that one played so much better... Thanks, guys, but it's a FINE TIME for New Order!

As they were setting up the stage it struck me - the most legendary and influential band of our time (in my opinion) were about to be on stage. Now follow my logic here. With JD, the boys gave the punk movement an industrial, iconic image and sound. When I first heard Hannett's production I thought, "I have never heard anything like this before..." Listen to the start of "Autosuggestion." Have you ever heard a track open like that? The match (or whatever it is) being struck, the ambient noise... Amazing. Then they emerged from the ashes with NO, created a completely different sound, even experimented with NYC urban music (Confusion) and created one of those songs everyone knows (Blue Monday). They invented Madchester with Technique. Even when they were on hiatus we've got connections with the band and The Smiths (Electronic, Freebass), Chemical Bros., 808 State... I was about to witness the three lads from up North who changed popular music.

Then some weird stuff started to happen. These canisters of dry ice started going off. I mean, about five feet from me. The girls up close were completely enveloped in it. It was fine for me, as I'm a little taller than most folks around me, but still weird. They kept discharging, I guess because it never remained particularly smoky. From my side of the stage, you could see a little window in a staircase - and about 8:55 I saw a familiar figure, Steve Morris! Followed by some other people, Barney, Hooky, and Phil. Then the lights started to flash, the floor rumbled and...

F**KIN' NEW ORDER WAS ON THE STAGE!!!

Phil comes to my side with the red Les Paul. Barney has the Gibson SG with the Confederate flag on the scratchplate (seriously, Barn, what's up with that?), Steve goes to his digital set (replete with Roland digital cymbals!) and The Viking, Hooky, arrives stage left with the lowest-slung bass in rock 'n roll history. He's got a black Eccleshall hollowbody that just looks like it may have been an axe in a former life.

Barney says the ceremonial hello to the crowd, which explodes when the band takes the stage. He looks back at Steve, whips out a recorder thingy, and says, "This is Love Vigilantes!" And they're off. Phil is expertly playing in front of us, handling the chords as Barney sings "I want to see/My family..." My whole section is legit - boys, girls, younger, older, all are singing in unison and pogoing like mad. At this point I take out my earplugs. I agree the sound wasn't perfect, but it was pretty good and it didn't kill my ears like the Graham Coxon show I saw last month did. Barney ends by saying, "That song's about Vietnam." Who knew?

Barney next says, "This is a song of our last record, Crystal," and again the crowd goes mad. It's here where I realize that the song is heavily sequenced - the "whoos" after "We're like crystal/we break easy" are sequenced. Nevertheless, it sounds top, and Hooky ventures over to our end of the stage, behind all of the wires, and gives us the full Hooky treatment, playing his bass at angle length. We, of course, go nuts!

I think here Barney engages in a little banter. He says, "Do you want us to play or do you want us to f*** off?" Of course, the crowd yells, "PLAY!" Barney smiles and says, "Well, if you want us to play, we'll f*** off. If you want us to f*** off we'll play." It was a funny exchange between the band and the audience.

Next is Regret - again, sounds great. After, Barney tells us a story about how he went surfing in California, and a mate of his was attacked by a shark. So he saved his friend, who was unharmed by the shark, but it bit him instead. "'Cause that's the kind of person I am," he sasses. Hey Now What You Doing comes next, sounding in the beginning like Hole's Malibu. But it's fresh sounding, and we're subjected to some of the twee-est lyrics in the NO catalog (doing/ruin and future/computer replete with the typing hand gestures). But it's good, and conveys the despair of the character who's about to fall off the edge. (Is it the same bloke Barney sings about in Like No Other? It's not the friend from Perfect Kiss, as he "took his final breath" in that one.) Krafty is next, and the crowd perks up and sings along - these guys know their way around a (no pun intended) hooky chorus.

Now Hooky comes on the mic (agreed, his mic is better sounding than Barney's) and says, "It's time for a good old fashioned singalong, like we do up North." Or something like that. The familiar duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-DUH-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh-duh comes on and we know it's TRANSMISSION! This rocks like a bastard, especially when Barney yells, "Dance, dance, dance to the radio!" And we do.

Then it's True Faith. I have to admit I was disappointed with this one: TF is either a song a love to hear or I skip it, depending on the mood. (And which came first, Peter Schilling's song or TF?) The explosive drumming from Steve is missing - it's a simpler, less impressive drum pattern. And Barney sings the line "When I was a very small boy/Very small boys talked to me/Now that we've grown up together/They're afraid of what they see" instead of the "now they're taking drugs with me" bit like he does in the 511 DVD. A newer, teetotal Barney? TF ends... it's okay, but not as incredible as it might have been.

Run Wild is next, and Barney comments after that "that's not a song you can dance to, but we need some of those to bring it down." (Or something like that.) He mentions that it's a sensitive lyric. I wasn't a big fan of it on Get Ready, but it's okay here. Again, not earth-shattering but nice (Ear plugs went in here).

Next, Barney tells us he has a surprise - NYC's own Ana Matronic, for Jetstream. For me, it's a "Let's Go" - this song does nothing for me! I'm shocked to hear Barney say it's the next single. Why? Why not Who's Joe? Ana does a good job I guess, but I'm not too impressed with the Scissor Sisters so I'm ready for what's next." Barney thanks here at the end and says, "She's fuckin' great!"

WFTSC is next, again, it's a nice tune but I'm ready for some of the other tracks off the album, or some older stuff (I only bought the CD a week ago so I'm not totally familiar with it). Clearly, Barney senses my impatience, as he summons Bizarre Love Triangle - again another song everyone knows. Here the crowd sings along, and Barney treats us to a show of his... dancing. How to describe it? It definitely has a monkey-like vibe to it. The gurning he does when he's really into it makes this even more memorable. But it suits him, he doesn't look *too* daft doing it, and it's fun. The BLT version is a carbon copy of the recorded version and we see our kid Phil doing the keys work up front stage right along with Steve in the back. It's a crowd pleaser for sure.

Next, I think Barney switches the SG for a Rickenbacker and says, "It's been 25 years since our lead singer died, so we'd like to do this song for him." It's LOVE WILL TEAR US APART! This is when we, as a crowd, get emotional. For some, the song reminds them of their own adolescence. For others, it's a disturbing recount of a crumbling relationship. And for some of us, it's almost IC's suicide note. It's a great song but hard to hear. The lads do a nice job of it, but the old fans for sure think about how much we miss Ian. I'm sure they do too.

Temptation is next, and thanks to the billions of compilations it appears on (along with the prominent role of the song in Trainspotting), everyone knows this as well. It's a great way to end the show. At the end, Barney says, "Thanks for coming out, we hope we can come back again a lot sooner." Cheekily, he adds, "If you clap for five minutes we might come back."

So we do, and they come back. Barney mentions that they'll do two JD songs. First up is She's Lost Control, which is played live like the version on Substance 1977-1980. Again, it's a poignant moment for band and audience, but it sounds great. Next it's Atmosphere. Phil is doing the keyboards and it sounds spot on for a Barney take on Ian's lyrics. We know the end is near so...

There's a lot of commotion stage right with the technology near Phil's Roland keyboard. A rack similar to the one you can see Gillian messing with in the TPK video is there, and Hooky shouts, "Hey Phil, is the technology ready?" Barney gives up his guitar and grabs a mic. You know what's coming next.

It's Blue Monday.

We're all teens again. Steve is back on the keys in the back and occasionally Barney twiddles a knob on the computer. It becomes obvious to me why Hooky is known as "The Viking" - he has the massive six-string bass this time, and a drum pad set up. He pounds the pads in a majestic, primeval way - like Thor forging steel - and it looks like he is fashioning a weapon rather than playing a song. Yes, boys and girls, Peter Hook is the coolest mutha in rock 'n roll. Quite possibly topping The Clash's Paul Simonon. Like Paul, he took the most awkward, dull instrument in the band - most frequently played by the unhippest, swottiest musician - the bass (hey it's cool, I am a bassist as well) - and made it cool for a generation of us to look cooler than the guitarists! Thanks Hooky!!!

The band retire one-by-one, except for one Peter Hook, who remains on stage slowly playing the Blue Monday bass riff. He hands it over to the roadie, but not before bashing it a couple of times. He walks off, and it's over.

Music for pleasure, indeed!

We headed out of the Hammerstein. I was so freakin' high that I walked past t-shirts without picking one up (oops!). I saw Al and Gary a little behind us as we walked out - hope it was ace for you as well. You were right - it was a life changing experience!

I didn't mention this earlier, but one of the best parts of the show was watching the folks backstage (Scissor Sisters/entourage?). They were dancing on the risers, all backstage - no one stood or sat quietly. They were all dancing their arses off! Really fun to see that.

So I got home at 3 am, after driving back. I was so buzzed (and in need of preparing for my 8:30 class which I was leading!) that I only got 4 hours of kip last night, but before I crash on the sofa, just want to say that this show is up there for me with Blur in '97 as far as energy goes. Crowd was great! Another amazing thing to me is the fact that the lads all have all of their hair! No one appears to be thinning. Steve looks timeless, while Hooky looks like that cool dad of your mate's that rides a motorcycle. He wears the beer belly quite well. Barney looks like... well, Barney, only with a little more poundage and wrinkles. The lads are remarkably well preserved. Phil seems to have this very mellow air about him, the lads don't give him grief and seem to genuinely like him. If Gillian comes back (let's hope so) I could imagine them keeping him as well.

That's my report. You are in for a treat if you are a NO concert virgin like me!!!

GBUK wrote: But what was the deal with the crowd? I couldn't see the front but where we were nobody was dancing except for the geezers like me. I remember when they opened the Meadowlands show with Regret and 18,000 people simultaneously started jumping.

I was up front and many of us in the middle area were jumping like mad. My legs are still aching! There were a bunch of people on the right side of the stage who didn't do shit the whole show. What a waste of space. BTW, there were some photogenically challenged people in the front, excluding myself of course.

Fantastic show last night indeed..So much better then their set at Coachella..I think the problems Sunday were the sound of Hooky's bass being way too loud in the mix and a lot of the crowd not being too into it..Partially because so many of them were waiting for NIN..

Highlights for me included True Faith and She's Lost Control..Unlike some people, I'm very happy that they still play Joy Division songs..Thoses songs still need to be heard and who better to perform them then New Order. I've seen Ian Brown and Morrissey this past year and hearing those Roses/Smiths were so touching..

One think I'd like to add is that I thought the opening band last night, Dragonette was one of the wrots band I've ever heard. Totally riping off bands like The Killers and The Bravery who are just rip offs of bands from the 80's. How do they know to open such a prestegious show?? Bloody awful I reckon..

Darren

I hate Hammerstein. NY crowds are even worse. That's why I skipped this one.. seeing New Order at Big Day Out in Australia is enough for me forever.

over from little england can not beleive how little the fans dance or show any sign of life. been to all four shows and really upset people for showing any emotion or passion. give me a european gig any time. saying that all the people i have met have been great. its just the rest that have displayed coma like symptoms. chicago best gig out the four period, atmospheric areana, band played well. yes hooky did say ugly fuckers on the front row. prozac munchers would have been more appropriate. with love from Portsmouth uk

forgot to say that we were guest listed upstairs. we had to use all our colditz escape spirit and a service lift and distraction techniques to get down stairs to give the show any kind of atmosphere. we definately broke federal law

M wrote:

Thief Like Me wrote: Forgot to mention that Barney blamed his lack of dancing skillz on a shark bite while surfing.

He used that joke in Chicago and it fell flat. Surprised he resurrected for N.Y. No wonder why people say Manchester is so bleak, could be a lacking in the humour department.

Funny thing is, when Morris tried to help out the joke with a "Bada Bing" hit on the Drum kit, lol!

M wrote:

Thief Like Me wrote: Forgot to mention that Barney blamed his lack of dancing skillz on a shark bite while surfing.

He used that joke in Chicago and it fell flat. Surprised he resurrected for N.Y. No wonder why people say Manchester is so bleak, could be a lacking in the humour department.

Last night he gave his first explanatory joke after Love Vigilantes. He says "That's about Vietnam...I was there...I got shot in the foot and that's why I can't dance." (paraphrased)

I believe Hooky's comment about the ugly first row was followed up by him saying: "I feel PERFECTLY at home."

Jason Bell wrote: First time poster, long-time lurker:

I was at the show last night and it was flat out amazing. I run a blog with a friend and I've posted my review along with a bunch of photos I took.

They're over here:

New Order - Hammerstein Ballroom 5.5.05

That's excellent man, thanks for sharing.

Bringing a tear of joy to my eye.

May not have been the most technicaly brilliant concert I have ever seen in my life, but it sure was one of the most emotionaly satisfying for me.

Mike

Raz Jazza, that was the best thing I have read on here in ages!

I hope someone from the UK Music press sees this - they need you on their staff!

You even know to say "rose from the ashes"

Excellent review mate, glad you enjoyed it!

I think Barney sprung "She's Lost Control" as a change from the originally planned encore with "Your Silent Face". From what I could see, the list read as:

Atmosphere + KW1 Blue Monday

After Barney announced SLC, Hooky looked over at Barney bewilderingly.

I figured if they were going to make a dvd of this performance, Barney would be on better behavior with controlling his voice, but he wasn't even really singing during the 2nd verse of LWTUA, more of read/sing mode. And he added some more "whoops" and "..2-3-4"s in parts of other songs where he hasn't done it before.

Hehe, you can bet they'll cut away from Barney when he falls on his ass during Jetstream. Poor guy. It was funny seeing Ana turn around with a "what the heck just happened" sort of expression when she saw him on the ground.

Spotnick wrote: I am back! I am copying pictures right now.

Did anybody post yet that they taped the show? there was 3 cameras... so I have no idea what they will do, but it's taped!

I spoke with the crane operator and one of the hand held operators. Both said it was a for a DVD release. However, the hand held operators were morons. Both synchronized the tape recording at the same time, meaning that they would both would have to stop recording at the same time while they inserted a new tape. There wasn't any overlap. And they missed some great shots of hooky playing in front of the fog machine. I think there were four cameras from what I could see. The crane, the two hand helds in the front, and one by Morris in the back.

Spotnick wrote:

I think this is my best one.

No, this is the best one!

Brilliant pics, Nic!

I know the reception toward Dragonette was mixed. I haven't actually heard them yet, but I had posted earlier wanting pics from their set if it was at possible. The reason being, that two of the members are part of Hamilton, Ontario band called Flux a.d (http://fluxad.net). that I really like. For those who were unimpressed by the apparent Killers-esque sound of Dragonette, I think you would be more impressed with Flux-who are influenced by bands such as Radiohead, New Order, The Beatles, Neil Young. So if anybody took one or two pictures just for the hell of it, I would be greatful, as I would really like to put them on my website. You would get credit of course.

As for the New Order concert, I am glad it was fun, I wish I could have flown out there. We may not be getting a New Order show in Toronto, but it looks like Peter Hook is doing a DJ set here tonight. I might just make it out for that. What kind of set does he typically play?

Well, the 20 year wait was well fuckin' worth it. I felt priveledged to be part of the experience. Yeah, the sound wasn't perfect (i found it to be charming in a vinyl vs. cd kind of way), and NYC hipster types often don't know how to have fun, but there were enough people dancing and singing their asses off to boost the energy level. The classics were great, and the JD songs were priceless as far as I'm concerned. Ceremony and Perfect Kiss would have made it perfection for me. Maybe next time Hooky Rocks. Enough said there. Only gripes were the damn kids holding their cell phone/pda cameras in the air for the length of a whole song. It's gonna look like shit. It's gonna sound like shit. So put it away. Live the moment, dance like your ass is on fire, and etch that experience into your heart and soul so you'll have it as a part of yourself forever. I've been waiting a LONG time to see the boys play live, and they far exceeded my expectations. I'm still buzzing from the experience.

TGIF pre-show was a good way to meet some other fan/freaks, and get in the spirit. Kyle, Sung,Tracy, Spotnick, Wenorder, and the others whose name I forgot, it was nice to meet you. You all seem like real kind hearted people. Just what I would expect from a New Order fan. Hopefully there will be more shows with next years release, and we can do it again.

Show was amazing. I had always heard stories of their live shows never beeing good compared to the CD's, NOT TRUE! I was up front to the right of the stage, about 20 feet back. Was really glad everyone around me was dancing so we all had fun in our area. Too many people though were just standing there, its a real shame.

Also, does anyone else get annoyed when people decide they are gonna leave the front to get a tray of beers, then expect to push and shove their way back front while still carrying all of the beers and tellign you to stop dancing so they can walk past?? was getting soo pissed. If you need a beer and can't wait till the show is over, drink it in the back.

All in all, last night was great.

Spotnick,

Thanks for the pics. They will serve as a visual reminder of one of the greatest nights of my life.

Not the first time I've seen them, but the closest I've ever been, and the best venue. The set list was amazing. I'd have liked a better sound, especially with the lads on top of their game.

At any rate, it's a night I'll never forget. I was speaking with my brother earlier today, with whom I attended the show, and he and I agree...today was like the day after Christmas. The gifts are all unwrapped, and now you count down to the tree being taken down.

What a great show - possibly the best concert I've ever been to. Went with my brother, fiancee and a friend from college.

Stood stage left to watch Hooky, but Barney was compelling viewing too.

Was impressed by the fact that just about EVERYONE in the crowd sang along with with every song, except the really new stuff, and quite a few were in synch with that. But it added to, rather than detract from, the show. There was so much heart and so much energy.

I'm closer to 40 than I might like, and Joy Division was history when the New Wave swept me up. But I found it so emotional to hear those songs, particularly Atmosphere.

Looked like they were shooting video. Hope something comes out. Just one of those special nights in one's life.