New Order Settles Lawsuit With Longtime Bassist
After years of acrimony, members of the legendary new wave band New Order reached a legal settlement with former bassist Peter Hook over the use of the band's name. A statement from the remaining members of New Order about the settlement::
"New Order announce that today, a full and final settlement has been reached in the long-running disputes with their former bassist Peter Hook.
"The disputes were based upon Hook’s use of various New Order and Joy Division assets on merchandising and in the promotion of shows by his new band, and the amount of money he receives from the use of the name New Order by his former colleagues since 2011.
"The Joy Division and New Order names mean a great deal to so many of the fans, and the band felt it important to protect the legacy. With these issues now dealt with, Bernard (Sumner), Stephen (Morris) and Gillian (Gilbert) can continue to do what they do best, make music and perform live."
Hook was a key member of New Order, which formed in 1980 from the remains of the band Joy Division following the suicide of frontman Ian Curtis, with Hook's driving basslines featured on hits such as "Blue Monday" and "Regret." Hook rejoined the group when they reformed in 2001 following their hiatus in the 1990s but exited in 2007 amid personal disputes with the group.
In 2015, Hook sued the band, alleging that he was owed millions in royalties, a case which was addressed by the settlement. However, the details of the settlement were not disclosed.
