Peter Hook is "immensely" proud of his son for joining The Smashing Pumpkins.
The legendary 62-year-old bassist – famous for playing in the bands Joy Division and New Order – has opened up about his son Jack Bates, 28, becoming bass player for the alternative rock group and joked that frontman Billy Corgan "stole his son".
In an interview with NME, he said: "Billy Corgan very kindly helped The Light out when we first started, and New Order when we came back. He’s a massive Joy Division fan, and he repaid me by stealing my son! It just goes to show that you can’t trust anybody!
"He’s having a lovely time; he’s a chip off the old block. He’s the best bass player I’ve heard for a long time and I’m immensely proud of him. Billy has been absolutely wonderful."
The musician admitted that his son – who he has with Iris Bates – has a heavier music taste than he does, and due to their extensive tour dates he’s not sure how often he’ll be able to see Jack.
He said: "I must admit that my son’s taste in music is a lot ‘harder’ than mine.
"He’s a massive fan of Smashing Pumpkins, Queens Of The Stone Age, people of that ilk. For him, this is a dream come true.
"They did 55 American arena dates playing to so many people. They’ve got so much work lined up; I don’t know if I’ll be getting him back for a while."
Peter recently joined the band on stage for their 30th anniversary show, and has divulged that if Billy, 51, was to ask him – he would agree immediately.
He said: "There has been a rumour of it. They’re playing Wembley, and I’m certainly on call. It’s a pleasure to play with Billy. If [Billy] offers, I’ll be there straight away."
Peter Hook is ‘immensely’ proud of son for joining Smashing Pumpkins
