New Order Members Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert Withdraw from Upcoming Tour

Founding New Order drummer Stephen Morris and keyboardist Gillian Gilbert will not participate in the band’s upcoming live performances, including a scheduled appearance at the Fauna Primavera festival in Chile this November, due to personal health reasons. The band confirmed the withdrawal in a statement posted to social media, noting that while founding member Bernard Sumner and longtime sideman Phil Cunningham and Tom Chapman remain committed to the group’s schedule, the current circumstances make the full lineup’s participation impossible for the foreseeable future.

Why are Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert stepping back?

The decision for Morris and Gilbert to exit the touring lineup is attributed to undisclosed personal health concerns. According to the band’s official statement, the remaining members of New Order expressed regret over the change, stating, “We are really sorry, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible.” No further medical details or recovery timelines have been provided by the band or their representatives regarding the two musicians, who have been married since 1994.

How does this impact New Order’s upcoming schedule?

New Order has significantly reduced its touring volume over the last decade. While the band performed nine shows in 2025, their activity in recent years has remained sparse, rarely exceeding 30 performances annually. The upcoming appearance at Fauna Primavera in Chile represents one of the few confirmed dates for the group as they navigate these changes to their live roster.

What is the status of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction?

The news of the touring hiatus arrives shortly before the scheduled induction of New Order and its predecessor band Joy Division into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 14. The ceremony has drawn attention due to the long-standing tensions between the founding members and former bassist Peter Hook. Hook was fired from the band in 2007 and has since engaged in a protracted public feud with them in the press. It remains unclear how the group will handle the induction ceremony or if the health-related absences will affect the attendance of the founding members.

Context of New Order’s touring philosophy

The band’s approach to touring has remained consistent with their long-term outlook on the music industry. In a 1985 interview with SPIN, drummer Stephen Morris reflected on the band’s goals, noting that their primary ambition was to maintain the resources necessary to continue creating music rather than pursuing global stardom. “We don’t really hope for anything, just that we will continue to be around and able to do this,” Morris said at the time. This pragmatic view of their career has defined the group’s trajectory through decades of lineup changes and evolving musical landscapes.

Key Takeaways

• Health hiatus: Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert have withdrawn from all upcoming live dates, citing personal health reasons.
• Tour status: The band plans to continue with Bernard Sumner, Phil Cunningham, and Tom Chapman, though the full lineup is sidelined for the foreseeable future.
• Hall of Fame: The band is set for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 14, amidst ongoing public friction with former bassist Peter Hook.
• Performance history: New Order has limited its live footprint in recent years, performing only nine shows in 2025.