Electric Picnic putting a fresh twist on New Order

The Electric Picnic headliners are relevant again, despite four decades on the road, writes Ed Power

BACK in the day, New Order were the ultimate reluctant rock stars. The 1980s indie icons may have been responsible for such enduring anthems as ‘Blue Monday’ and ‘True Faith’ (and, if one includes their earlier tragic incarnation as Joy Division, ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’). Yet they were introverted and visibly uncomfortable in the spotlight. And they toured only when absolutely necessary.

“A few things played a part,” says guitarist Phil Cunningham. “There was an element of wanting to be around as kids were growing up and not spend too long on the road. But it ultimately had to do with being really scared of hangovers. In the ’80s, New Order would go out and do an amazing gig and then everyone would stay out all night partying. The next gig would be dreadful — the hangovers were too much. Everyone’s that bit older now and staying up all night isn’t an option.”