http://menmedia.co.uk/tv_and_showbiz/s/1423329_bernard-sumner-rules-out-a-new-order-reunion
With the release of a new greatest hits collection, fans might hope a New Order reunion is edging a little Closer.
But, alas, after The Diary caught up with frontman Bernard Sumner at a signing event for the new Joy Division and New Order hits album, it sounds like a reconciliation with bassist Peter Hook is more unlikely than ever.
The new CD, which is called Total: From Joy Division To New Order, is the first time the hits of both bands have been released together.
And it has been down to the bands’ former members – Bernard, Hooky and drummer Stephen Morris – to divvy up publicity around the new album.
Not the easiest when New Order ceased working together in 2007.
But the issue of the “split” itself remains raw.
Bernard said: “New Order haven’t disbanded, Peter Hook left.
“I still work with Steve, but I don’t work with Peter.”
He adds: “I can’t see me working with Peter ever again.”
But it would be a shame for the band not to come together at some point again, wouldn’t it?
“It’s a shame, let’s leave it at that,” Bernard says firmly.
Ah well, at least there’s plenty in the pipeline for Sumner and Morris’s new band, Bad Lieutenant.
Bernard confirms he and Steve are halfway through recording a new Bad Lieutenant album, which should be ready by Christmas, and that he’s also working with producer Stuart Price on another new music project.
With Bernard heading to the fan signing of the new album at HMV on Market Street this week, I ask how did the new hits compilation come about?
He laughed: “The story I’m putting out is that it shows that both music came from the same band really, but of course the real reason is the record company want to sell a few more records!
“It’s the first time we’ve done it though, having Joy Division and New Order songs together, and it does make for a great album.”
Strangely, though, Bernard says he’s not one for “looking back” or “nostalgia”.
He says: “I don’t really like poring over the past, I’m a forward-looking person.
“That’s why I’m writing new material.
“But, of course, I’m very proud of our achievements and the great songs that we’ve written that have taken us all around the world.
“I’m also really proud we stayed in Manchester, it’s our hometown.”
However, he reckons he may well pen his memoirs before too long.
He smiles: “I’ll write a book one day, just to get the facts straight. But I’ll publish it after my death.”
Oh, but where’s the fun in that?
