New Order Drummer Stephen Morris Calls Estranged Bassist Peter Hook an 'Angry Person'

The post-punk icons might be heading into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, but do not expect a cozy family reunion on stage. New Order drummer Stephen Morris is laying out his honest thoughts on former bassist Peter Hook, and his assessment is far from glowing. Speaking with *Rolling Stone* ahead of the band’s upcoming induction, Morris reflected on the massive rift that has separated Hook from his former bandmates for nearly two decades. When pressed about the chances of squashing their infamous beef, the musician made it clear that peace remains far out of reach. According to Morris, his former collaborator simply comes off as a chronically dissatisfied figure. He described Hook as "quite an angry person" who rarely seems content, adding that the bassist "doesn't strike me as being happy" regardless of what era or music project he is involved with.

Why did Peter Hook leave New Order?

Morris went on to question whether the musician ever actually enjoyed his time in their pioneering projects. While he mused that Hook might have been content during their initial run as Joy Division, Morris admitted he is not even confident about that. He pointed out that the bassist did not seem happy during his decades in New Order, nor does he appear pleased while touring his own current shows playing their old catalog. The bad blood between the legendary Manchester musicians runs deep. Hook walked away from New Order back in 2007, kicking off a bitter feud with Morris, frontman Bernard Sumner, and keyboardist Gillian Gilbert. That split eventually escalated into a high-stakes legal battle over royalties and the use of the group's name, souring personal relationships beyond repair.

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Will Peter Hook reunite with New Order?

Before the fallout, the core group shared an undeniable musical legacy. Following the tragic death of Joy Division vocalist Ian Curtis in 1980, Sumner, Hook, and Morris regrouped to launch New Order, eventually building one of the most influential synth-pop and alternative dance acts in modern history. Despite that shared journey, Morris's latest remarks demonstrate that time has not healed these wounds. As the group prepares to celebrate their Rock Hall milestone, the long-standing friction proves that some rock-and-roll rivalries never truly fade.