In 2014, Iggy Pop told Far Out that Joy Division were one of the five essential bands that everyone should listen to, saying: “These songs are so great. I heard this stuff when I was living in Berlin in the 70s and I was just mighty, mighty impressed. “This is fine art and that’s about all I can say about it. On top of all of its other virtues, these are moral songs and those are very difficult to write.” So, it’s fair to say that he would have been pretty stoked at the opportunity to perform on of their most iconic songs with the original composers.
That same year, New Order and Iggy Pop joined forces at New York’s Carnegie Hall for the annual Tibet House US benefit show, performing a three-song set that culminated in a rendition of the classic Joy Division anthem, “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” charged with Pop’s punk energy.
Once he warms into the song, Pop brings his own unique flair and dance moves to the moment, but his performance also highlights some stark similarities between he and the late Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis’ mode of expression – which may be why New Order singer, Bernard Sumner looks so deep in his element performing with him. Watch below.
Iggy Pop & Bernard Sumner of New Order at Carnegie Hall | “Love Will Tear Us Apart”
The following year, Pop appeared New Order’s 2015 LP, Music Complete to deliver a stirring spoken monologue; a post-punk triumph. Bernard Sumner told Vice he knew right away that Iggy was the man for the job, saying: “I wrote it, then immediately after, thought, ‘Iggy would be good for this.’ …I think that night or the next night, I put the guide vocal down in the mode of Iggy Pop. Like an Iggy Pop impersonation, and then I sent it off to Iggy.”
Last month, New Order announced a special remastered boxset reissue of their defining second album, Power Corruption & Lies, comprised of an LP, two CDs, two DVDs and a book, for will be released on October 2nd.
The limited-edition boxset was designed by the band’s long-time collaborator, Peter Saville. Rarities include previously unreleased writing sessions and their 1982 BBC John Peel Session; DVDs capturing New Order live at The Hacienda and more. The set is completed by a beautiful 48-page hardback book of rare photos and original text.
Pre-order the Power, Corruption & Lies box set here.
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