New Order's Triumphant Homecoming in Wythenshawe Park

While Storm Lillian wreaked havoc across the country, New Order fans in Manchester enjoyed a blissful homecoming gig at Wythenshawe Park, escaping the weather woes that forced the cancellation of their planned Cardiff Bay performance.

The Saturday night show, the band's only UK date this year and their first Manchester appearance since 2021, drew a crowd of 30,000 eager to celebrate their return. The event, part of the "Live From Wythenshawe Park" series, offered a full afternoon of music before the main act took the stage.

The afternoon was a veritable who's who of Manchester music, with sets from Kyris, Nadine Shah, and Roisin Murphy setting the scene. The penultimate support slot was filled by the legendary Johnny Marr, who captivated the audience with a blend of his solo work, Electronic era classics, and Smiths hits. Marr even shared anecdotes about his youthful days spent at Wythenshawe Park, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

The crowd was further electrified by a special guest appearance from Billy Duffy, guitarist from The Cult and fellow Wythenshawe native. The two musicians, who first met in their youth in the 1970s, shared the stage for a rousing rendition of The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?", much to the delight of the crowd.

With the crowd suitably warmed up, New Order finally took the stage, launching into "Academic" from their 2015 album "Music Complete" to the cheers of the crowd. Behind them, a large screen displayed footage of divers while a laser show added a visual spectacle to the performance.

The current New Order lineup, featuring long-time member Gillian Gilbert and bassist Tom Chapman (replacing Peter Hook), joined frontman Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Phil Cunningham for a setlist that drew heavily on their most iconic tracks. The familiar songs were met with enthusiastic singalongs from the crowd, demonstrating their timeless appeal.

Sumner even shared a light-hearted story about his youth, recalling being warned to avoid Wythenshawe Park due to fear of being harassed by local youths. He quipped that, judging by the friendly faces in the crowd, things seemed to have changed for the better.

The setlist included fan favourites like "Age of Consent", "True Faith", and "Blue Monday", showcasing the band's enduring ability to engage audiences. The first half culminated in a performance of "Temptation", leaving the crowd eager for more.

The encore brought a nod to the band's Joy Division roots, with a powerful performance of "Atmosphere", "Transmission", and "Love Will Tear Us Apart", accompanied by visuals of Ian Curtis on the large screen. The tribute was a poignant reminder of the band's legacy and the enduring power of their music.

Despite relying on a well-tested formula, New Order managed to remain fresh and relevant, delivering a nostalgic and energetic performance that left the crowd in a state of euphoric contentment.

Setlist:

Academic
Crystal
Age of Consent
Regret
Ceremony
Isolation
Your Silent Face
Be a Rebel
Nothing But a Fool
Subculture
Bizarre Love Triangle
Vanishing Point
Plastic
True Faith
Blue Monday
Temptation

Encore:

Atmosphere
Transmission
Love Will Tear Us Apart