It has been more than two weeks since I last posted for a simple reason – I have been basking in the glow of another bucket list night!

On September 10, I was honoured for the 3rd TIME to introduce my dear friend and music idol PETER HOOK and his band THE LIGHT before a packed crowd at the Royal Oak Music Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

As most of you know, PETER is the legendary bass player and founding member of two of the most influential bands of the post- punk era- Manchester UK 🇬🇧 legends JOY DIVISION and NEW ORDER.

There is no question that JOY DIVISION is my favourite all- time outfit. I could go on but will save that for another day.

The band includes noted musicians DAVID POTTS (guitar), drummer PAUL KEHOE (MONACO) and MARTIN REBELSKI (DOVES) on keyboards. When HOOK’S son JACK BATES is not touring with the SMASHING PUMPKINS he plays bass with THE LIGHT as well.

[Ed. Note- The band tour the world playing monstrous gigs comprised of two full albums JD or NO LPs and extra songs that rotate each show. The gigs last close to 3 hours with a short intermission. Hook is just 3 months younger than rex btw and the energy of these gigs is legendary.]

The 2024 Tour is hybrid affair. The band are playing their 2 classic compilation LP’s both titled “Substance.”

They first play the full NEW ORDER LP (12 songs) plus on this night a starter of 3 extra tunes “Dreams Never End”, “Hurt” and “Touched By The Handa Of God.”

Here is their rendition of “Bizarre Love Triangle” from the LP “BROTHERHOOD” (1986).

(Ed. Note- If you listen carefully you will hear HOOK give rex a shoutout. The person regarding the song hears this mistakenly thinks the reference is to GEORGE HARRISON of THE BEATLES. For the next song, “ True Faith” HOOK gives ANDREW a shoutout. rex will get that video posted soon.]

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/7FJMRaPU32nqAHK3jMPkyQ?si=in9BvNAQSbmwk4gmkdAYCw

(SONG 833)

Then it was on to another 15 song set from the JOY DIVISION LP “Substance.” (The 3 opening songs were “Exercise One”, “The Sound of Music” and “These Days”.)

Now here is the closing track “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by JOY DIVISION”. Many, including KEANU REEVES consider this the finest song ever recorded. The rendition on this night was, as you will soon see and hear, was scintillating. Enjoy

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/2JO3HwMRPeya8bXbtbyPcf?si=qwfeZS4oSh2f3RqgG0ov9A

(SONG 834)

Thanks again PETER! You are the best!!

September 24, 2024

PLAY LOUD OR PERISH

[Ed. Note- If you would like a video of Rex’s introduction let him know and he will forward same.]