Watching New Order at Wythenshaw Park Was Just Spectacular.

Editor Stephen Hill 25th August 2024

After their recent cancellation in Cardiff due to bad weather, New Order's Saturday gig marked their first show since November and their return to Manchester after three years. 

As a first-time viewer, the experience felt like a homecoming, especially with Manchester-born Johnny Marr and Róisín Murphy, who lived in Manchester, contributing to the nostalgic atmosphere for fans and hometown heroes. 

The day was particularly memorable for the 40,000 fans who attended the show.  however before we delve into New Order's set, I must commend Johnny Marr for his outstanding performance. 

Despite missing out on his spring tour, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the legendary guitarist, and he did not disappoint. Marr performed classics from The Smiths' catalog, including "This Charming Man" and "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want," which received an electrifying reaction from the audience. 

He also included tracks from his days in Electronic and his own material, creating a perfect balance of the past and present.  Amid chants of "Johnny Johnny Marr," Marr expressed his love and memories of Wythenshawe before inviting local hero The Cult's Billy Duffy to join him for a captivating rendition of "How Soon is Now," with 30,000 people singing in unison, creating an atmospheric feeling that reverberated around Wythenshawe Park. 

 Following Marr's impressive set, New Order took the stage and opened with a bang, performing "Academic" and "Crystal," followed by "Age of Consent," "Regret," and "Ceremony," igniting the audience's energy. Throughout the last four decades, New Order has remained influential in Manchester's music scene, alongside bands such as The Stone Roses, Oasis, The 1975, Take That, and The Smiths, proving their enduring ability and relevance.  

Noteworthy moments from the evening included a captivating performance of "Your Silent Face," accompanied by a video montage of a trip across the United States, an upbeat rendition of their biggest hit "Blue Monday," and the psychedelic "Sub-Culture," which was a delight to experience live. However, the most significant highlight for many was the encore, where the band paid tribute to Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis with performances of "Atmosphere," "Transmission," and "Love Will Tear Us Apart," closing the evening on an emotional note.