Peter Hook Celebrates Half a Century of Music in Manchester

On 4 June 1976, a seismic moment in British music quietly unfolded at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall. Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, both of the Buzzcocks, introduced the Sex Pistols to an intimate crowd of approximately 40 people—a modest audience, yet one that included a remarkable concentration of individuals who would later shape the city’s legendary music scene. Among those present were future members of The Smiths and The Fall, Factory Records founder Tony Wilson, punk poet John Cooper Clarke, visionary producer Martin Hannett, and a young Peter Hook accompanied by Bernard Sumner.

The chaotic, electrifying performance left a profound mark on the attendees. Motivated by the intensity of the Sex Pistols’ show, Peter Hook purchased his first bass guitar the very next day, embarking on a musical journey that would redefine British popular music. As a founding member of Joy Division and, later, New Order, Hook pioneered the post-punk aesthetic and the synth-driven soundscapes that influenced generations of musicians worldwide.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of that fateful night, Peter Hook & The Light will return to Manchester on 4 June 2026. Performing at the Academy, the band will present a retrospective set spanning Hook’s extensive career, featuring material from Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Revenge, Monaco, and Freebass. This promises an unforgettable evening for fans and a celebration of Hook’s enduring influence.

Adding to the historic resonance, the Buzzcocks—who made their own indelible mark on Manchester music history that same night in 1976—will join as special guests. Their set will include seminal tracks such as Harmony In My Head, What Do I Get?, and Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve), marking the band’s 50th anniversary.

Following their UK-wide Get Ready tour, the Manchester performance will be Peter Hook & The Light’s sole headline show in the country in 2026. Pre-sale tickets will be available from Wednesday, 3 December, with general sale commencing on Friday, 5 December.

Notable Attendees at Lesser Free Trade Hall, 4 June 1976

This landmark evening not only reshaped Manchester’s musical landscape but also laid the foundations for some of the UK’s most innovative and enduring acts.