To be honest, something about the story didn't seem legit, or at the very least, we didn't seem to be getting the full story - after all, if the tapes in question were indeed original masters (one recording was alleged to be the original masters of Unknown Pleasures), why WOULDN'T New Order or any key players want to regain control of these historic tapes?
Today more light was shed on the situation courtesy of Pitchfork, who got in touch with Peter Hook and asked him about it. According to Pitchfork's update, Hooky claims he wasn't contacted about the tapes prior to Adamson making her Facebook post:
"I must admit that we’re absolutely delighted that these tapes have been rescued. There is no way on earth that I, renowned collector of all things Joy Division and New Order, would have not been interested."
Hooky reveals he's in negotiations with Adamson to regain control of the masters and it sounds like it's just a matter of naming the right price. Hooky also explained that under English law the band has to give their ok anyway before Adamson can give or sell them to anyone else:
"The band owned the copyright and the music, and under English law it’s illegal to give away people’s music without their consent. So, if Julia did want to give them away, she needs our permission."
Hook hopes eventually to be able to commercially release some of the contents from the tapes as some kind of Joy Division outtakes/alternate mixes collection. The situation may be muddled a bit due to the ongoing Hook/New Order legal battle, but at least it's nice to know the tapes are legit and they will soon enough be in the custody of someone who helped create them.
Read the full update over at Pitchfork.
Meanwhile, Peter Hook is preparing to come to North America for his Movement/Power Corruption & Lies tour. Ahead of the tour Hook was interviewed by the Dumbing of America and talked about those first two New Order albums. The interview is a great read especially for fans of New Order's early material. Read the interview here.
Don't miss Peter Hook on tour in North America this September. Dates are posted below. Chicago fans should also note that today a Riot Fest after show featuring Peter Hook will take place September 15th at the Double Door. Hook has confirmed the after show will be a New Order Movement/PCL set (Hook's set at Riot Fest will be a Joy Division set).
September 10th - Boston @ Paradise Rock Club
September 11th - Ferndale @ Magic Bag
September 13th - NYC @ Webster Hall
September 14th - Philadelphia @ The Trocadero
September 15th - Chicago @ Riot Fest (Joy Division set)
September 15th - Chicago @ Double Door (New Order set)
September 17th - Austin @ The Belmont
September 18th - Montreal @ Club Soda
September 19th - Toronto @ The Hoxton
September 21st - Los Angeles @ Henry Fonda Theater
September 23rd - Vancouver @ Venue
September 25th - Seattle @ Decibel Festival
September 26th - Portland @ Wonder Ballroom
September 27th - San Francisco @ Mezzanine
September 28th - Denver @ Gothic Theater
September 30th - Mexico City @ Auditorio Lunario
Published August 28th, 2013 @ 9:00 PM