Synopsis
"Chapter and Verse - New Order, Joy Division and Me" is an autobiography by Bernard Sumner, the founding member and guitarist of Joy Division and later the lead singer and guitarist of New Order. Published in 2014, the book offers a personal and introspective account of Sumner’s life, from his challenging childhood in Salford, England, to his pivotal role in shaping two of the most influential bands in post-punk and electronic music history. Known for his reticence in the public eye, Sumner’s decision to write this memoir marks a significant departure from his usual reluctance to share personal details, providing fans and readers with a rare glimpse into the experiences that fueled his creative output. The narrative is framed as a definitive recounting of the events that birthed Joy Division and New Order, told through Sumner’s distinct voice, which blends self-deprecating humor, candid reflection, and a touch of Manchester wit.
The book begins with a vivid portrayal of Sumner’s early years in Salford during the 1950s and 1960s, a period marked by hardship and resilience. Raised in a working-class environment by his grandparents and his mother, who suffered from cerebral palsy, Sumner paints a bleak yet evocative picture of his upbringing. His father was largely absent, and his stepfather offered little warmth, while his grandmother’s eventual blindness added to the family’s struggles. These formative experiences, detailed with a mix of poignancy and understated humor, set the stage for Sumner’s later escape into music. He describes a gritty, often violent Salford, where encounters with gangs wielding swords and spears were not uncommon, yet he frames this without self-pity, suggesting it shaped his worldview and, by extension, the stark, industrial sound of Joy Division.
Sumner’s journey into music begins with a transformative moment: witnessing the Sex Pistols perform in Manchester in 1976, an event that ignited his desire to form a band. This leads to the creation of Joy Division alongside childhood friend Peter Hook, drummer Stephen Morris, and the enigmatic Ian Curtis. The book delves into the band’s rapid rise, capturing the raw energy and emotional depth of their music, which resonated with the post-industrial malaise of late-1970s Britain. Sumner provides detailed accounts of key moments, such as the recording of their seminal album "Unknown Pleasures" and the innovative production techniques of Martin Hannett. However, the narrative takes a somber turn with Curtis’s suicide in 1980, just before Joy Division’s first American tour. Sumner reflects on his friendship with Curtis, including a striking anecdote about hypnotizing him in an amateur attempt to address his struggles, a transcript of which is included as an appendix. This tragedy becomes a pivotal point, marking the end of Joy Division and the beginning of New Order.
The transition to New Order is a central theme, as Sumner recounts the band’s reinvention from post-punk pioneers to trailblazers of electronic dance music. He describes the accidental brilliance behind tracks like "Blue Monday," the best-selling 12-inch single of all time, and the chaotic, hedonistic days of the Haçienda nightclub, which New Order co-owned with Factory Records. These sections are filled with colorful characters—Tony Wilson, Rob Gretton, and Martin Hannett among them—and tales of excess, from wild parties to technical mishaps in the studio. Sumner’s self-description as an “introverted extrovert” shines through as he juxtaposes his love for soldering synthesizers with his immersion in the nightlife of Manchester and beyond. Yet, the book glosses over some later New Order albums, such as "Low Life," and offers less detail as the timeline progresses, suggesting a selective focus on the moments that mattered most to him.
The latter part of the memoir addresses the fractious dissolution of his relationship with Peter Hook, a feud that has become a well-known chapter in New Order’s history. Sumner dedicates a chapter to this fallout, presenting his perspective with a mix of regret and pragmatism, noting that while Hook’s departure was a loss, the band’s spirit endured with its remaining members and crew. The book concludes on an optimistic note, with Sumner asserting a renewed energy in New Order’s later years, reflecting his belief in moving forward rather than dwelling on past conflicts. Throughout, his writing style is conversational and unpolished, at times repetitive or meandering, but it carries an authenticity that resonates with readers. "Chapter and Verse" is not a comprehensive history of every song or album but a personal odyssey, offering insight into how Sumner’s life—marked by tragedy, creativity, and resilience—intertwined with the music that defined an era.