"Peter Hook's response when asked to adhere to the main melody is blunt: 'Why don't you go away?' His unique approach to punk bass-playing led to an aversion for low notes, which he redefined the conventions of the genre."
Peter Hook, co-founder of the influential British band Joy Division, is renowned for his unique approach to punk-rock bass guitar. His distinctive high-register, melodic bass style, paired with effects such as heavy chorus, helped define the iconic sound of Joy Division's music.
Hook's bass guitar arsenal during Joy Division's performances was varied. His first basses included a Gibson EB-0 copy and a Gibson EB-1. Later, he played a Hondo Rickenbacker 4001 bass copy before settling on the Rickenbacker 4001S as his main instrument. The Rickenbacker, with its bright and twangy tone, was well-suited to Hook's melodic, upper-register basslines.
For amplification, Hook initially used a Sound City 120 amp, which he purchased for just 60 quid. Although not of the best quality, the amp was adequate for delivering the high notes in Joy Division's music. Hook's mother financed the purchase of this amp. His first decent amplifier, other than the Sound City 120, was a Hiwatt, which he bought after seeing Jean-Jacques Burnell use one with The Stranglers.
Hook's approach to bass guitar playing was characterised by a desire to rock and a disregard for conventional bass playing techniques. He often played melodic, upper-register basslines as a lead instrument, a departure from the traditional low bass notes typically associated with punk-rock. This unconventional style, combined with the use of effects, helped set Joy Division apart from other bands of the time.
Hook's bass playing was heavily influenced by the melodies he was given by Ian Curtis, the band's singer. Curtis encouraged Hook to keep playing high up on the D and G strings, a technique that became a signature of Hook's style.
In 2010, Hook went on to found the band The Light, recruiting his son, Jack Bates, to augment and anchor the bass parts. However, the article does not provide information on whether Jack Bates has sung any songs in The Light.
Joy Division's music, with its innovative bass playing, scorched the British punk-rock landscape and planted the seeds of the mid-1980s' 'Madchester' sound. Hits such as "She's Lost Control", "Inside", "24 Hours", and "Love Will Tear Us Apart" are testament to the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking band.
Despite initially thinking that singing bass players were the "kiss of death", Hook has become one himself. His son, Jack, is also a very good bass player, able to emulate Hook's playing style. However, the article does not mention any new instruments or techniques used by either Peter or Jack in The Light.
[1] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/peter-hook-joy-division-new-order-interview-113121/ [2] https://www.nme.com/features/features-the-life-and-times-of-peter-hook-2546644 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/may/12/peter-hook-joy-division-new-order-the-light-interview-manchester-music-scene
- Peter Hook, known for his distinct approach to punk-rock bass guitar, utilized a variety of bass guitars during Joy Division's performances, such as a Gibson EB-0 copy, a Gibson EB-1, a Hondo Rickenbacker 4001 bass copy, and ultimately, his main instrument, the Rickenbacker 4001S, renowned for its bright and twangy tone.
- For amplification, Hook initially used a Sound City 120 amp, which was financed by his mother, followed by a Hiwatt, a substantial upgrade that he purchased after being inspired by Jean-Jacques Burnell's use with The Stranglers.
- Hook's unique bass playing style in Joy Division was characterized by melodic, upper-register basslines, a departure from conventional punk-rock techniques, and was heavily influenced by the melodies given to him by Ian Curtis, the band's vocalist.
- In The Light, Hook's band formed in 2010 and featuring his son, Jack Bates, the music continues to draw inspiration from Joy Division's innovative bass playing style, with both father and son showcasing their abilities on bass guitars.
