Peter Hook has revealed plans to re-record four Joy Division songs for a new EP.
Joy Division's legacy looms larger than ever, with the band's brief story immortalised in two acclaimed motion pictures. With a small yet immaculate back catalogue the Manchester legends are perhaps more influential than ever.
Which makes Peter Hook's role in their legacy controversial. Sure, the bass player was an integral part of what made Joy Division tick but his decision to take 'Unknown Pleasures' on the road created discord amongst fans.
Forced to justify his actions, Peter Hook has become something of a controversial figure. A mainstay on the Hacienda tours, the bass player suffered criticism from pundits such as the Fuc51 blog.
Now the bass player has confirmed plans to re-record certain Joy Division songs. Working with his band The Light, Peter Hook intends to re-craft four tracks with the help of Manchester singer Rowetta.
Speaking to SlicingUpEyeballs the bass player said: "She (Rowetta) wants us to record an EP of the four (Joy Division songs) that she sings (live). Which are 'Insight', 'New Dawn Fades', 'Atmosphere' and a track called 'Pictures'."
Of the songs picked, two are immediately going to raise heckles. 'New Dawn Fades' is a deeply personal meditation on suicide, with Ian Curtis intoning the line 'A loaded gun won't set you free'.
Meanwhile 'Atmosphere' is one of the band's finest tracks, released after Ian Curtis' death with the lyrics 'don't walk away in silence'.
However Peter Hook has kept his reasons for recording the EP very simple. Appearing to do the recording as a favour to Rowetta, the bass player explained: "we're going to do an EP of that".
"Just because the versions of the songs with Rowetta singing have a really nice quality."
Bonus track 'Pictures' is an unfinished Joy Division song which Peter Hook has been including in his live set.