This September, we’ve got Peter Hook on the cover of Bass Empire, and there’s a good reason for it. Peter’s been a key figure in shaping the way many of us approach the bass guitar. Whether it’s the raw, emotional pull of Joy Division or the groundbreaking sounds of New Order, Hooky’s bass lines have always stood out, taking the lead when most bassists were content to stay in the background.
As Peter Hook & The Light get ready for their UK tour this October and November, it feels like the perfect time to shine a light on his ongoing journey. He’s not just replaying old hits; he’s dedicated to faithfully reproducing the original sounds, giving fans the authentic experience they know and love. If you’ve ever seen him live, you know what I’m talking about — the energy, the connection with the audience, and the way those songs still feel so alive.
This tour will see him and the band performing the Substance albums from Joy Division and New Order, and if you’re a fan, you already know what a big deal that is. The mix of tracks from both bands highlights the evolution of a sound that many of us grew up with, and it’s a rare chance to hear these songs the way they were meant to be heard — loud, live, and full of emotion.
In this issue, we’ve got an interview where Hooky shares his thoughts on the upcoming UK shows, the experience of playing these iconic songs, and what keeps him going after all these years. Whether you’ve followed him from the start or you’re just curious, it’s a read worth your time. So, here’s to Peter Hook — a bassist who’s still playing music that matters.
We also feature interviews with Emma Anzai (Sick Puppies, Evanescence) and Alan Robert (Life of Agony), alongside discussions with luthiers from Maurizio Über Basses, Rama Basses and Moondot Music. In our Track Down section, we’ve also discussed music and bass gear with God Dethroned, Bandito Deathlicker, Caffeine, and Reversed Chakra, and we’ve got a full review of the Becos FX Twain Pro Mk2. Over in Bass Tales, we had a great chat with Lucas Abreu, who’s been living in Vancouver for two years, but his journey as a bassist began much earlier in Brazil.
To explore these stories and more, purchase your copy and subscribe to Bass Empire on Magzter today.
, Emma Anzai (Sick Puppies, Evanescence), and Alan Robert (Life of Agony), with gear reviews including the Becos FX Twain Pro Mk2, and discussions with luthiers from Maurizio Über Basses, Rama Basses, and Moondot Music.){kind=link}