Running around the European festival circuit all summer didn’t do much to slow down the British synth-pop band New Order. Picking up yet another fall leg of their 2019 European tour, the post-punk legends set out on a limited-date run at the start of the month and just wrapped in Amsterdam on October 17.
Following a busy touring schedule since mid-year, the band is finally taking a bit of down time before they’re set to make their way to the United States, Japan and Australia come 2020. Talk about a nonstop mentality.
However, the tour has been in support of new content after the release of a recent live album entitled ∑(No,12k,Lg,17Mif) New Order + Liam Gillick: So it goes… And no, that’s not an abbreviation. Of course, New Order hasn’t released a studio album since Music Complete in 2015, but a live album is the next best thing. Recorded with the support of a synthesizer orchestra at the 2017 Manchester International Festival, the new album pays tribute to their UK roots while also appealing to the masses with an incredible setlist and unmatched sound.
They continued to show off that talent on the final date of their 2019 European tour in Amsterdam. Playing at AFAS Live, New Order were ready to put on a show to remember. Accompanied by a mesmerizing stage setup, the band had everything they needed for an epic tour wrap.
As a band heavily influenced by the newer electronic scene of the 1980s, it only made sense that this tour’s production would represent their perfect blend of rock, post-punk and synthetic vibes. From the intricate laser light arrangement to the unbelievably long monitor backdrop hoisting narrative designs itself, New Order’s production was the perfect compliment to a stylized band.
Yet, in the end, what would the show be without the music? The setlist was well-rounded when it came to the distribution of eras and albums. However, New Order pulled the greatest number of songs off of their most recent studio album, Music Complete including “Plastic,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Academic” and “Superheated.”
Moving forward with their well-versed set, New Order was sure to touch on a few classic albums as well such as Movement (1981), Power, Corruption & Lies (1983) and Low-Life (1985), ultimately performing hits like “Temptation,” “Blue Monday,” “Age of Consent,” “Your Silent Face” and “Subculture.”
Obviously, it wouldn’t be a New Order show without the effort to honor their roots and of course, the late Ian Curtis.
Up for the challenge, Bernard Sumner (vocals & guitar), Stephen Morris (drums) and Gillian Gilbert (keyboards) were sure to cover numerous Joy Division hits throughout the night including “She’s Lost Control” and “Disorder” during the main set, as well as “Atmosphere” and “Love Will Tear Us Apart” to round out the encore.
What a perfect tribute to a musical talent gone too soon, as well as the band’s origins from the rock and roll world of the 1970s. And what a perfect ending to a spectacular night and 2019 European tour.
See the full setlist from AFAS Live here!
Although they’re not scheduled to get back on the road until 2020, it’s never too early to find out the details. Check out all things New Order and learn more about the upcoming tour and ticket info on their official website!
