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New Order rose from tragedy to become one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Formed by the surviving members of Joy Division, they fused post-punk guitars with the electronic dance music of New York clubs, and in doing so helped invent the sound of modern alternative dance music. “Blue Monday” is still one of the most important singles ever released.
| Formed | 1980, Manchester, England |
| Current members | Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Phil Cunningham, Tom Chapman |
| Former member | Peter Hook (bass, 1980–2007) |
| Genres | Post-punk, synth-pop, alternative dance, new wave |
| Label | Factory Records, later London and Mute |
In May 1980, Joy Division singer Ian Curtis died on the eve of the band’s first American tour. Guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris decided to continue under a new name, with Sumner reluctantly taking over vocals. Keyboardist and guitarist Gillian Gilbert joined later that year.
Their debut album Movement (1981) still sounded haunted by Joy Division. But the band was spending time in New York clubs and discovering electronic dance music, and that changed everything.
The breakthrough, blending melodic guitars and synthesizers on “Age of Consent” and “Your Silent Face.” The non-album single “Blue Monday,” released the same year, became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.
Confident, varied albums with “The Perfect Kiss,” “Love Vigilantes” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.”
The singles compilation that introduced millions of listeners to the band, including “True Faith,” a new single for the collection.
Partly recorded in Ibiza and shaped by acid house, with “Fine Time” and “Round & Round.”
Republic brought “Regret.” After a break, Get Ready (2001) and Waiting for the Sirens’ Call (2005) returned to guitars. Peter Hook left in 2007. With Gillian Gilbert back and Tom Chapman on bass, Music Complete (2015) was hailed as a return to their electronic best.
Built around drum machines, sequencers and a stuttering kick-drum pattern, “Blue Monday” bridged rock and dance music in a way nobody had before. Its die-cut sleeve, designed to look like a floppy disk, famously cost so much to make that Factory Records reportedly lost money on early copies.
New Order helped create alternative dance and influenced everyone from the Madchester scene to The Killers, LCD Soundsystem and today’s synth-pop revival. Their link between post-punk and electronic music is central to our guide on new wave vs. alternative rock.
Joy Division, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Electronic, LCD Soundsystem and The Killers.
From Joy Division after singer Ian Curtis died in 1980.
“Blue Monday” (1983).
Bernard Sumner, who also plays guitar.
Yes. The band continues to tour, with Sumner, Morris, Gilbert, Cunningham and Chapman.
New Order is a bridge we cross daily on air, between post-punk guitars and the synth-driven alternative that followed. Catch it on The Modern Rock Radio Show, check the radio show schedule, or press play on the live stream. Want a specific song? Send a request or dedication.
About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: www.neworder.com. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.
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