Hang Up Yer Boots Boys.

As I said in the "Paris Show" thread I reckon that after this summer's shows we'll hear nothing from the guys ever again. All of the live shows, from Liverpool onwards have basically been about setting up a nice little retirement nest egg.

How else could you explain the decision to support Robbie Williams and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers? The lack of variation in the sets makes it clear that they're merely going through the motions. Cram as many gigs as you can into a 12 month period, do every festival and support slot that you're offered, take the money then hang up yer boots.

Which, to be honest, is fair enough. They've paid their dues and can pretty much do what they want.

My point is that if this summer is to be the last we see or hear from our heroes (and I'm sure it will be) I for one would actually be quite happy. All good things must come to an end and I reckon the end is round about now.

While part of me endorses that POV, there's another part that hopes they stick around, fantasising that they've got another Technique in the tank or at least a couple of sparkling singles.

Bernard's attitude re their future has been fairly sanguine over the past 6 months. He appears eager for the band to roll on, he's written off any more Electronic excursions, he's claiming they'll record again towards the end of this year and he's seeming to enjoy being in New Order again. Granted, some of the gigs have turned a little Rolling Stones, but I think there's life in them as recording artists yet.

If they do reconvene in the studio after these gigs, I'd like to see them go out on a limb with a new producer.

:\pimp2:

Its in their blood, as Hooky said he was lost without NewOrder!!

Ok so they may cut things right down, but expect them to keep their hand in whether it be just dabbling in collaborations or guesttracks or even producing for other bands.

I personally think they've got another album up their sleeve before they wind things down....

I think if they fired Roger and got a new programer, it would really help their live shows. Lets face it Roger sucks. I can't count how many times Barney has asked Roger to fix something during a show. If Roger was any good he should know what the problem is himself and fix it before barney says anything. Also I herd it would take him 6 months to program Perfect kiss. (What ever)

I saw them in Vancouver and they looked good live. Better then they did in "Taras, PFD and Brixton"

Anyways Fire Roger and you will hear a better concert

I think they've got another album at least in them but as far as the live shows go it would'nt bother me one bit if I never saw them again! Maybe i've been spoiled by too many shows over too many years all being different from one night to the next. For me they rely too heavily on computers and programming these days, I mean if they could play a different set every night before they got into this programming shit, then I say ditch the computers, get back to the ethics of the good old days! It riles me to see these 'run through' shows with little or no effort being put into the setlist or performance when I know, as all of the others here who remember the halcyon days of the eighties do, that they are capable of such greatness! For me, these days, going to see the Order is about having a good couple of days with friends and getting pissed and maybe a little high. The show itself is merely a distraction. Roll on Finsbury Park and Old Trafford all the same. I can't wait!