New Order are "disappointed" former bassist Peter Hook is suing them for millions in unpaid royalties.
The 59-year-old musician claims to be £2.3 million out of pocket since he quit the band he co-founded in 2007 and Judge David Cook ruled on Monday (30.11.15) the case should go to full trial.
Hook has filed the suit against "former friends" Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris and Gillian Morris, and in it he accuses the trio of setting up a new company without him to handle the band’s income after he left the group.
The trio have now posted a statement on the group’s official website on the matter which reads: "Obviously the band are disappointed that Peter is pursuing this claim in this particular way. The reports so far take a number of things out of context. Peter still, for instance, receives his full share of all back catalogue royalties. This dispute relates only to the share of income he takes from our work without him since 2011.
"Not much more we can say as nothing has been decided by the Court on the facts other than he has a right to proceed with the claim, so this matter is still in play."
New Order this year released a critically acclaimed album, ‘Music Complete’, – their first without the original bassist – and in the wake of Hook’s departure they have been a successful touring outfit.
There’s no sign of a reconciliation between the quartet and New Order say they’re determined to plough ahead with the music.
They added: "We’re getting on with life and concentrating on touring and promoting our new album."
Hook has also issued a statement saying he is "delighted" his application was granted and his court fees will be paid by the defendants.
It reads: "I’m naturally delighted with the decision made on my application to the High Court in London last week. It found in my favour and justifies the stance I have taken. The judge made a number of important points when giving his judgement and rejected a lot of the defendants’ submissions. Both sides’ costs in this case are very substantial. I was obviously pleased that the judge ordered the defendants to pay mine. I’m very happy with the outcome and it bodes well for the future. I am grateful to my legal team for the hard work which went into achieving this judgement."
Hook, Sumner and Morris were all members of seminal indie band Joy Division and went on to create New Order in 1980 after lead singer Ian Curtis committed suicide.
Hook currently tours with a band called Peter Hook And The Light.
New Order ‘disappointed’ Peter Hook has sued them
