New Order return to the stage, to play Brussels and Paris

They’ve never really gone, but their live shows are extremely rare: New Order, probably the most known name from the Manchester music scene, will be playing two benefit gigs in Brussels and Paris this October. Along with their first live shows since 2006 comes the return of former band member Gillian Gilbert on guitar and keyboard.

The two continental Europe shows are in aid of New Order’s long time friend, artist and film producer Michael Shamberg, who has been struggling with illness since 2005. Besides being responsible for New Order’s early music videos such as ‘Everything’s Gone Green’ (watch below), Shamberg’s production credits include movies such as ‘A Fish Called Wanda’, ‘Garden State’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. Bernard Sumner said in a press release earlier this day, that Shamberg “is very ill and needs constant medical attention. We want to help him, and these shows will contribute financial support towards his ongoing care.”

After the departure of Peter Hook (pictured left) in 2007, New Order now consist of its other founding members Bernard Sumner, Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris alongside Phil Cunningham on guitar and keyboard and Tom Chapman on bass (like Morris both known from Bad Lieutenant).

Gillian Gilbert states: “It’s been a long ten years since I took a break from the band, so I’m really happy to be back, and this is a great place to start. Michael is a very good friend, and I want to help him, so it’s perfect timing to come back now!”

New Order will be playing Ancienne Belgique in Brussels on October 17th and La Bataclan, Paris on October 18th – tickets for both shows will be on sale shortly at these three booking offices.

Published September 05, 2011.