Last week in a conversation withRolling Stoneabout Joy Division’s upcoming box setEternal (Live)Joy Division/New Order drummer Stephen Morris has explained why he likely won’t be attending the band’s upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction or New Order’s upcoming South American tour.
“At the moment I have a minor health problem that prevents me from leaving the country for any period of time,” he said. “I don’t really want to dwell on what the disease is, but it’s pretty serious. It’s not something that anyone can find a cure for.”
This caused headlines around the world that the drummer was seriously ill. But in a new statement from New Order, keyboardist Gillian Gilbert – Stephen’s 32-year-old wife and original member of the band – revealed that she was, in fact, suffering from health problems.
“Thank you to everyone who contacted us following Stephen’s recent interview withRolling Stone“,” Gilbert wrote in his statement. “We have both been incredibly touched by all the kind words and well wishes. I would like to gently clear up a misunderstanding from an interview in which comments were misinterpreted into leading people to believe that Stephen was seriously ill. Thankfully, he is fine. In fact, it is I, like many other people, living with cancer. We fully understand how the misunderstanding arose and just wanted to make sure the correct information was conveyed. We are extremely grateful to everyone for your kindness and support and would appreciate some privacy while I continue my treatment.”
Rumors about the New Order member’s health problems first became public in late June when the band announced that Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert would sit out the band’s upcoming South American tour, marking the first time they would perform without Morris. (Gilbert took a long break from the band in the early 2000s).
“New Order are thrilled to perform at Primavera in Chile in November, marking the band’s first show there in seven years,” the band wrote on Instagram. “Due to health reasons, Steven and Gillian will not be touring for the foreseeable future and will not be joining this show.”
The South American tour comes just days after the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 14 at a ceremony in Los Angeles. It is unclear whether New Order singer and guitarist Bernard Sumner plans to attend the event. As of now, the only member confirmed to take part is original New Order bassist Peter Hook, who has been estranged from the band for the better part of two decades.
From Rolling Stone USA.
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