Joy Division and New Order bassist, Peter Hook has shared a new version of the classic Joy Division song “Ceremony,” which was originally written by Joy Division but not released before the death of frontman Ian Curtis in 1980. It was eventually released in 1981 as the debut single of the remaining members’ subsequent incantation, New Order.

This updated rendition features Hooky’s son Jack Bates who joins his dad on bass duties; and is completed by Smashing Pumpkins’ guitarist Jeff Schroeder and drummer Shane Graham. The four musicians recorded their parts remotely for the performance video, which you can watch below. 

Peter Hook, Jack Bates, Jeff Schroeder & Shane Graham | “Ceremony”

Hook’s rendition of the iconic tune was recorded for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund’s recent online fundraiser For The Crew, raising money for all of the touring crews who have been out of work for over a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Back in 2019, Peter Hook performed Joy Division songs with the Metropolitan Orchestra in a very special run at the Sydney Opera House, celebrating the enduring legacy of Joy Division and the 40th anniversary of their seminal LP, 1979's Unknown Pleasures.

And in 2020, he collaborated with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz on the Song Machine project, lending his unmistakable bouncy bass playing to a dreamy track titled “Aries” – have a listen, here. 

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