Chicago Show Review

Last night was the most amazing show I've been to since moving here. I could be biased, because I love the band, but at one point in the night the thousands in the crowd were "one," and it was better than any buzz I can think of or have experienced. It was totally unexpected, and I think even the band was impressed/shocked. So if you start a band, don't tour for more than ten years. I was also incredibly and utterly impressed and shocked at the amount of young kids freaking out over the Joy Division songs. One of the songs that was spiritual, that moved the crowd, was Love Will Tear Us Apart Again and I finally understood the meaning of that song. But I'm not going to tell you.

There was a good review at Chicago's Metromix: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/reviews/critics/mmx-g511sh0cn.12may03,0,6390408.story?coll=mmx-critics\_heds

Great concert, but a bit short. Bernard spoke with such thick accent that we couldn't understand most of what he said. They played the expected popular songs, but also left some out opting for some from older albums that many i'm sure, didn't know. Loved that they did some Joy Division too. Seeing them live was fabulous though. After listening to them for 20 years, I gained more appreciation for their music. Most strange aspect of concert was the crowds reaction to them; was not as enthusiastic except for blue monday & love triangle. I was on main level in back and observing many people just standing there, or talking during several songs. The crowds lack of interest, i'm thinking, played a big part in New Order not playing longer or doing a better encore.

Laura Keyes wrote: The crowds lack of interest, i'm thinking, played a big part in New Order not playing longer or doing a better encore.

Doubt it, sorry. They only do that sort of length set on a night when they are getting people throw knickers on stage and things!

Two things.....

OldMonkey, My gf has offered to do said thing at the NYC show....a nice thong for Peter and a nice thong for Barney.

Two open to anyone,

What time did the band hit the stage in Chicago??? Time concerns in NYC for me and the transportation....

Thanks!!

Laura Keyes wrote: I was on main level in back and observing many people just standing there, or talking during several songs.

Thanks for the review from the "back of the venue" ;)

I was surprised they played for 90 minutes + (counting the encores), so I can't image why anyoone would think they would play longer! They seldom do.

Maybe it was different in the back, but near the front and middle, almost everyone knew the words to most songs.

Old and new songs got good reactions.

Sounds like an amazing show guys...im glad you all got to see Your Silent Face, i hope they are playing that tomorrow in NYC, i would go nuts.

Who's Joe? wrote: What time did the band hit the stage in Chicago??? Time concerns in NYC for me and the transportation....

The tickets said things started at 7pm; Assassins started at 7:40, and New Order hit the stage at about 8:40-8:45, as I recall.

My girlfriend claims that one of the roadies came out and told Assassins they were playing too long... I didn't notice anything of the sort.

Laura Keyes wrote: I was on main level in back and observing many people just standing there, or talking during several songs. The crowds lack of interest, i'm thinking, played a big part in New Order not playing longer or doing a better encore.

that's where all the old people were.

I considered the show a lovefest. Fantastic crowd on the Peter Hook side of the stage. Everyone kept their mouths shut unless they were singing along. This is the third time I've seen the band. What a difference seeing them at a smaller indoor venue as opposed to a stadium. You could see every line in Peter Hook's face. New Order today are a much different band live. They look like they really enjoy playing live. Bernard Sumner is considerably more animated and vocally agressive than ever. Peter Hook is simply a god. As far as ticket prices go, $50 is a steal considering how often New Order tour. Their set was also longer than usual. I've never seen them play for more than an hour. If you're stuck in the back, you're not that big of a fan. Why surround yourself with a bunch of people who are only going to talk over the show and complain about the ticket price? The show's in front of the stage. That was the place to be.

The big question. I decided not to sneak my camera in via my underwear. I'm looking for fantastic photos from the show.

BOYABOUTUPTOWN wrote: I considered the show a lovefest. Fantastic crowd on the Peter Hook side of the stage. Everyone kept their mouths shut unless they were singing along. This is the third time I've seen the band. What a difference seeing them at a smaller indoor venue as opposed to a stadium. You could see every line in Peter Hook's face. New Order today are a much different band live. They look like they really enjoy playing live. Bernard Sumner is considerably more animated and vocally agressive than ever. Peter Hook is simply a god. As far as ticket prices go, $50 is a steal considering how often New Order tour. Their set was also longer than usual. I've never seen them play for more than an hour. If you're stuck in the back, you're not that big of a fan. Why surround yourself with a bunch of people who are only going to talk over the show and complain about the ticket price? The show's in front of the stage. That was the place to be.

The big question. I decided not to sneak my camera in via my underwear. I'm looking for fantastic photos from the show.

I was in the front row on that side Hook came over to many times!!!!!!

HE ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, up front was different. I was 5 people back from Hooky's usual spot, right next to some awesome Brits with a flag (I happened across them at the Green Mill prior to the show, and I know they're NOOL'ers.) I kept doubting whether I was being too much of a hooligan though. But I could tell that whether rowdy or not, everyone around me knew every single word. And whether they knew the song at the first note or not, it was a blast.

Especially cos of all the young people going nuts! I thought I was too young to be such a fan (19), but I was pleasantly surprised to see all the JD recognition from young and old, and how many people knew Temptaion and YSF at the first note. I've got cellphone pics whoever wants em.

Agreed, The Perfect Kiss would have been surreal.

Sure let's take a look at the cell phone pics. You can use Photobucket.com