New Order are an English indie rock band that formed in the early 1980s from Joy Division after the suicide of Ian Curtis, the lead singer.
New Order initially started on a similar route as their previous incarnation, performing melodic, yet dark songs. Soon however, they found their own sound and became a well known icon in new wave and alternative circuits, exhibiting a good deal of longevity. They even were cited with influencing techno, although they freely admitted that they had been influenced by the likes of Donna Summer.
New Order were originally managed by Factory Records and also partnered with them in the financing of the Manchester club The Hacienda. Each member of this band was involved in other bands — Bernard Sumner (guitar/vocals) partnered with former member of The Smiths, Johnny Marr in Electronic, Peter Hook (bass) formed the bands Revenge and Monaco and a short-lived marriage to comedy actress Caroline Aherne. Stephen Morris (drums) and Gillian Gilbert (keyboards) formed the ironically named The Other Two.
Their music tended to be very heavily synth based like other new wave bands, and among their better known hits were "True Faith" (1987), and "Bizarre Love Triangle" (1986). The 12"-only release "Blue Monday" is unique in being the best selling 12" single of all time. New Order acquired mainstream success whilst maintaining their cult status when they recorded the official song for English football team's 1990 World Cup bid, "World in Motion". The song, co-written with comedian Keith Allen, was a number one hit.
Discography
Studio albums
Compilations
See also: post punk, List of songs whose title does not appear in the lyrics