
Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
New Order formed in 1980 in Manchester, England, following the dissolution of Joy Division after the tragic death of lead singer Ian Curtis. Emerging from the post-punk era and pivoting toward electronic and dance music, New Order became known for their blend of new wave, post-punk, and electronic styles. Throughout their career, they released ten studio albums, from Movement in 1981 through Music Complete in 2015, achieving considerable chart success and critical acclaim worldwide. Their work has earned them numerous awards and a broad fan base. Over the years, New Order has seen various lineup changes, but their core members have played pivotal roles in shaping the sound and direction of the band. The current five-member lineup consists of Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Phil Cunningham, and Tom Chapman, although Morris and Gilbert stepped away from touring for the foreseeable future in 2026 because of personal health reasons.
Bernard Sumner
Bernard Sumner, a founding member of New Order, joined the band in 1980 after the end of Joy Division, where he was also a member. As the lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist, Sumner has been a constant presence in the band. He has played on all New Order albums, contributing significantly to their sound and songwriting. Notable albums featuring his work include Power, Corruption & Lies and Technique. Sumner also has an illustrious career outside of New Order, including his involvement in the supergroup Electronic with Johnny Marr and collaborations with other artists such as the Chemical Brothers. His influence extends into electronic music, and he has been a part of several other music projects.
Stephen Morris
Drummer Stephen Morris has been with New Order since its inception, having also been a member of Joy Division before the remaining members transitioned into New Order. His drumming style is noted for its precision and incorporation of electronic percussion and synthesizers. Morris has played on every New Order album, impacting their evolution from post-punk to electronic dance music. Outside of New Order, he and his wife Gillian Gilbert formed The Other Two, a musical project that released its debut album in the early 1990s. Morris has also been involved in music production and remixing. In June 2026, New Order announced that Morris would not be touring for the foreseeable future because of personal health reasons, although he remained a member of the band.
Gillian Gilbert
Gillian Gilbert joined New Order in October 1980 and played a key role as a keyboardist and guitarist. Her addition coincided with the band’s early development toward a more electronic sound that would become increasingly prominent on releases such as Power, Corruption & Lies. Gilbert remained with the band until 2001, when she took a hiatus to focus on family, and returned in 2011. She contributed to significant albums including Brotherhood, Republic, and Music Complete. Gilbert’s other musical involvements include The Other Two, the project with her husband, Stephen Morris, where they explored various electronic pop sounds. In June 2026, New Order announced that Gilbert would not be touring for the foreseeable future because of personal health reasons, although she remained a member of the band.
Phil Cunningham
Phil Cunningham joined New Order in 2001 after Gillian Gilbert stepped away from the band to focus on her family. Before joining New Order, he was a member of Marion, an alternative rock band. As a guitarist and keyboardist, Cunningham played on New Order’s later albums, including Waiting for the Sirens’ Call and Music Complete. When Gilbert returned to New Order in 2011, Cunningham remained in the lineup, helping establish the band’s five-member configuration. His versatility has helped the band maintain its blend of guitar-driven and electronic music.
Tom Chapman
Tom Chapman joined New Order as bassist in 2011 following the departure of Peter Hook. Chapman was previously part of Bad Lieutenant, another project involving Bernard Sumner and Phil Cunningham. His contributions to New Order include playing on the band’s 2015 album, Music Complete, which was the group’s tenth studio album and its first full studio album without Hook. Chapman has helped carry the band’s legacy into its later era, continuing to tour and record with New Order.
Former Member
Peter Hook
Peter Hook was the bassist and a founding member of New Order from its formation in 1980 until his departure in 2007. Known for his distinctive high-register bass playing, Hook’s contributions were integral to the band’s sound, particularly on albums like Movement, Power, Corruption & Lies, and Low-Life. After leaving New Order, Hook formed Peter Hook and the Light, where he has performed material from both Joy Division and New Order. He has also written several books about his time with the two bands.
Read More: Top 10 New Order Songs
Updated August 26, 2026.
Complete List Of New Order Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026



























