Steve's one of the few drummers out there who really makes a difference within a band and he strikes me as the sort of chap you could have a really interesting chat with over a pint. Personally, I don't consider Bernard or Hooky or Steve any better than each other; simply each a third of an entity that simply wouldn't be the same if one were missing. Individually since Joy Division (barring Phil, great guy I'm sure but obviously not in the same league) Bernard, Peter and Steven have all had their solo successes respectively, these being Get the message (Electronic), What do you want from me? (Music for pleasure), and Tasty Fish (The Other Two & You). They have nothing left to prove, they've done it as a whole, and done it (OK, recognition-wise to a lesser extent) on their own. We're not dealing with Oasis (Shit these days) or The Cure (Great band I admit) here where the guitarist carries the entire band and everyone else is replaceable; Joy Division/New Order were never like that.
Steve's a cool guy, would love to have an in-depth chat with him about what keyboards/drums/sequencers he uses and his various methods with them. From the interviews I have both heard and read, he's a pretty witty person and his importance in New Order should never be underestimated.
to Steve!
Ally.
