New Order Return to the Stage in October After Nearly Five Years

After a nearly five-year absence from the stage, renowned Manchester outfit New Order have signed on to play a pair of gigs this October in Europe.

According to BBC6Music, the concerts also mark the return of guitarist/keyboardist Gillian Gilbert to the fold, which includes drummer Stephen Morris on drums, singer-guitarist Bernard Sumner, bassist Tom Chapman and guitarist/keyboardist Phil Cunningham. Noticeably absence from the lineup is founding member and bassist Peter Hook, who left the band back in 2007. (Following the announcement Monday, Hook expressed concern that this meant the end of his other project with the members of New Order. "It's a shame that," he tweeted, "I thought Bad Lieutenant weren't bad!")

The shows, which are slated for Oct. 17 in Brussels and Oct. 18 in Paris, are to benefit respected artist and film producer Michael Shamberg -- the Academy Award-nominated auteur is also famed for producing a handful of New Order music videos, including 'Touched by the Hand of God' and 'True Faith.' Shamberg has been seriously ill since 2005.

"Michael has been with us from the very start. Initially he was in charge of Factory New York, then became creative producer for all our early videos," said Sumner of what prompted the group to rally behind their longtime friend. "He brought our attention to the early works of Directors such as Kathryn Bigelow, Gina Birch, Robert Breer, Peter Care and Philippe Decouffle. Michael is very ill and needs constant medical attention. We want to help him, and these shows will contribute financial support towards his ongoing care."

"Michael is a very good friend," added Gilbert. "And I want to help him, so it's perfect timing for me to comeback now. It's been a long ten years since I took a break from the band, so I'm really happy to be back, and this is a great place to start."

Watch New Order's Video for 'True Faith'

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