Why has Hooky become so genial?

Looking back over the years, it seems that Hooky is a very different person to what he used to be. For example in "Touching From A Distance" I read of him launching into the audience for a scrap, chasing the guy out of the audience, and not coming back. He definitely had a reputation for being fiery and stand-offish, and always with that cool mean expression and back to the audience, but nowadays he seems so laid back and the only member of NO who really wants to carry on til he kicks off that mortal coil, and he is always jokey and happy in interviews. Is this something that happens to us all in middle age? Has something happened to make him like this, cos if so Id like to know the secret. Well, I still got 20 years to go...

Cos he's a cock?

Oh wait, you said "genial."

He has changed from the wild rock and roll ways. Glad that happened.

perhaps it's a combination of middle age, growing wiser, cessation of drinking, having kids?

I'd be willing to bet though that you'd still wouldn't want to piss off the man though. ;)

Aktivist wrote: Is this something that happens to us all in middle age?

I think so....

Didn't Hooky admit to his image in Joy Division / early New Order being a facade to cover up for his shyness?

Maybe he thinks that being truly nice is better than being a feisty guy?

Think his music and the connection it gives him with the likes of us lot has something to do with it. Also, he strikes me as a man who gives what he gets. If you're pleasant and respectful to him, he will respond in kind, act the wanker, and he'll rip on you royally, piss him off at your peril. And I think the great unwashed of new order fandom show the man a bit more respect too. In JD days te audience were by and large punk fuckwitts, the chaps were still finding their feet too, if you hear from Hooky OFF stage in those days, while not as chatty, he's hardly some stroppy celeb :D

He's a bigger fan of NO ( tho maybe not as anal as some) than any of us here too ;)

I think he is enjoying what he's doing and being older will have changed his attitude.

Aren't the fans a bit less aggressive too nowadays??

probably coz he's sacked the ale off.

With age comes wisdom...

...and osteoporosis...

Ness Order wrote: Aren't the fans a bit less aggressive too nowadays??

One or two aren't

Flaming June wrote:

Ness Order wrote: Aren't the fans a bit less aggressive too nowadays??

One or two aren't

I can vouch for that.

I was molested by a drunk female at their Oakland, CA concert, and before that concert the only other NO gig I have ever been to was Area:1 in Mountain View, CA 2001 where people were pretty calm. I can't say that the audience has gotten any, ahem.. more civilized based on just these 2 accounts, but then again, I'm not really complaining. :evil2:

I think within interviews, people just aren't asking inane stuff anymore (well, not to the degree they did early on).. and he can relax more during them. I've heard one or two interviews where the journo was popping some of the most beaten down JD questions that I could just about hear him rolling his eyes in annoyance.

Why has Hooky become so genial?

Hmmmm, let me see...

Cos we bullied him tonight, he had no choice!!!

I think it is maturity on his part and on the audience's part. Maybe we just haven't given him enough reason to jump on us :-) Maturity is good though...just look at Axl Rose...

Perhaps not dealing with the young gentleman from Gouch Close in his nightclub anymore has something to do with it.

Cheers

i don't really think hooky has ever been shy ! He's cool,that's obvious, and relaxed. Whith JD the members of the band were not so confident in themselves, of course...But remember they were very young men! And JD 'music was wild and 'tensive" with an uncertain lead singer, sometimes collapsing; sometimes ill, sometimes furious...U have to take care of what u're doing on stage when u're playin with a man like Ian!Cos , i think, u never really knows what is going to happen! Things are obviously different today.They enjoy what they are doing. The music ain't as dark as it once was.There's no tension anymore in NO 'music. AND I don't see any drama in NO material. Drama was audible through JD numbers. But Hooky isn't "genial".Certainly not - sorry.He"s just a great musician ( et c'est beaucoup). So The word is ,maybe ,not right! He's a bass legend and a very cery cool man on stage.That's the truth. But...i LOVE HOOKY

Each to their own I suppose. I'd definitely say that Hooky is genial now, he's mellowed with age and responsibility. By his own words the other week he's matured and become more responsible.

Twenty years ago he'd have headstocked that security twat on Saturday!

I think you are being so harsh on Hooky he's my #1 favorite band member. That is very hurtful to be saying things like that. He's just shy. Missy

missy wrote: I think you are being so harsh on Hooky he's my #1 favorite band member. That is very hurtful to be saying things like that. He's just shy. Missy

don't worry. your second post should be better.

missy wrote: I think you are being so harsh on Hooky he's my #1 favorite band member. That is very hurtful to be saying things like that. He's just shy. Missy

I assumed you were about 10 from this post, but you're not, are you?

I think people tend to calm down as they get older generally speaking....in past interviews like the one from 1987 Brixton video he seemed very gracious......

SiLeakHunt wrote: Perhaps not dealing with the young gentleman from Gouch Close in his nightclub anymore has something to do with it.

Cheers

Is that not maybe 'Gooch' Close??? Being a Mancunian an all?

Most people tend to calm down a bit as they get older. It's true that you receive back what you put out, attitude-wise. I've found that out myself the hard way..... I'd love to meet Hooky.....:D

Ask Jack Hook

Wasim wrote: Didn't Hooky admit to his image in Joy Division / early New Order being a facade to cover up for his shyness?

Seems quite plausible to me :shy: