It’s been a long running dispute between bandmates when former New Order bassist Peter Hook sued ex-bandmates Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert over their business practices. Now, it seems like both sides have finally reached an agreement according to Pitchfork.
Peter Hook, the former bassist of New Order has finally reached a “full and final settlement” in the long running dispute over the ownership of both New Order and Joy Division assets. The trouble started back in 2005 when Hook decided to sue his former bandmates Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert in royalties. According to Hook who claims that the band excluded him after New Order set up a new company in 2011 to take care of the band’s finances. They ended up shorting Hook more than £2.3 million (around $3.5 million at the time of the claim).
In November of 2015, Hook accused frontman Sumner and drummer Morris of creating a new business that would administer the New Order and Joy Division trademarks.
In the end, the band says that Hook “receives his full share of all back catalogue royalties” and contested his use of New Order and Joy Division assets in merchandising and promotion of Peter Hook & the Light shows.
The band wrote in a statement that; “New Order announce that today, a full and final settlement has been reached in the long running disputes with their former bassist Peter Hook.” The statement went on to say that, “The Joy Division and New Order names mean a great deal to so many of the fans, and the band felt it important to protect the legacy. With these issues now dealt with, Bernard, Stephen and Gillian can continue to do what they do best, make music and perform live.”
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