John Barnes the star at Peter Hook Academy gig

A fantastic evening of fun and nostalgia at the Manchester Academy

Peter Hook & The Light  rifled through the vaults to perform songs by Joy Division and New Order. 

Author | Sophie T

The career-spanning setlist included a special surprise: a rare outing for ‘World In Motion’, complete with a guest appearance from John Barnes, who delivered his famous rap in full.

The former Joy Division and New Order bassist was performing at Manchester Academy to mark the 50th anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ legendary show in the city, and welcomed the England great on stage for a rendition of the 1990 World Cup anthem.

Hook’s epic 35-song set took the audience on a chronological journey through his career, with Barnes joining him midway through for the track that became synonymous with England’s run to the semi-finals of Italia ’90 and remains New Order’s only Number One single.

Barnes wrote and performed the rap himself in 1990, with legend suggesting it was recorded in a single take.

Reflecting on the show afterwards, Hook wrote on Instagram that it had been a “truly memorable show”, while also thanking Rowetta and Buzzcocks for their appearances.

A celebration of Manchester’s music scene

The gig was organised to celebrate a key anniversary in the history of Manchester’s music scene. The Sex Pistols’ historic 1976 performance at the Lesser Free Trade Hill. 

Hook was himself in attendance for that historic 1976 performance. Famously, he bought his first bass guitar the following day and went on to form Warsaw, the band that would later become Joy Division. A unique sliding doors for a so many people that was celebrated throughout this beautiful evening.

Were you there?

Dan M said: "Magical night."

GM Super News writer Liam C told us: "The John Barnes rap was a highlight but the whole gig was fantastic."

Fellow contributor Olivia T added: "One of the best gigs I've witnessed in a long time. Best one since Oasis for the pure nostalgia elements."