Jeff Schroeder’s board for Peter Hook and the Light

Jeff Schroeder is a fantastic guitarist with Smashing Pumpkins. I’ve talked about him before. Stellar gear. Stellar play. But recently, I saw he was doing a couple of shows in Chicago with one of my other favorite bands – Peter Hook and the Light. For those of you not familiar, Peter Hook was the bassist for one of the most influential bands of the post-punk/goth/alternative movement – Joy Division and later New Order.

There has been a pretty public feud between him and the remaining members of New Order. Some say he quit. Some say he was “let go”. Some say something in between. Either way, over the last few years, Hook went on his own with Peter Hook and the Light performing Joy Division and New Order songs. Originally as a tribute, but the demand and response has been so great, that he’s continuing on with this. It is a dream of mine to catch one of these shows. He does an absolute great job fronting this band.

Peter Hook and the Smashing Pumpkins have a relationship – Jack (Peter’s son) toured with the Pumpkins last year. Billy Corgan sang a one or two songs on stage with them last year (possibly more). And now, Jeff played some guitar with them while in Chicago. I noticed this on Jeff’s Instagram a few days ago.

Peter Hook and the Light’s tour this time around in the US if for Joy Division and New Order Substance albums. If you’re like me and were curious what pedals might be needed to pull off a variety of Joy Division and New Order songs – this is a great start.