New Order’s Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert to take touring hiatus due to health reasons
New Order members Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert have revealed that they are set to step back from touring duties in the band.
The Manchester electronic icons are yet to perform live in 2026, but are set to make a comeback later this year ahead of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November.
However, in a new update issued to Instagram on June 29th, the band shared the unfortunate news that Morris and Gilbert, founding members of New Order and Joy Division, are due to step back from live commitments for personal reasons.
Noting their inclusion close to the top of the bill for Primavera Sound in Chile, taking place in November, they said: “New Order are very happy to be playing Primavera in Chile in November marking the band’s first performance there in seven years.”
Despite this, the band added, “Due to personal health reasons, Stephen and Gillian won’t be touring for the foreseeable future and will not be joining for this show. Bernard, Phil and Tom are really sorry that Stephen and Gillian can’t join us this time, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible.”
New Order shared no further details as to the health circumstances causing Morris and Gilbert to have to step back from the band at this time.
Posting a photo of the band’s last performance in Chile, which took place in 2019, it seems that Bernard Summer, Phil Cunningham, and Tom Chapman are still set to proceed with their live date as planned.
It comes as the band recently announced the impending release of a new greatest hits collection on July 17th. The Best and The Rest Of will bring together their previous two compilation records, The Best of New Order and The Rest of New Order.
They are also set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the combined effort of Joy Division/New Order in November, the same month as Primavera Sound in Santiago is due to take place.
Given the current health update, it remains to be seen whether all members of the band will be present at the prestigious ceremony or not, where they are set to be honoured alongside fellow Manchester legends Oasis.
Other inductees include the likes of Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, and Sade.
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