New Order drummer Stephen Morris has responded to founding bassist Peter Hook's ongoing public criticism of the band, which has intensified since Hook's acrimonious departure and the band's 2011 reformation without him. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Morris suggested Hook is simply an unhappy person by nature, saying he "doesn't seem happy about anything" and never really did, even during their Joy Division days. The exchange matters because it highlights a long-running rift within one of Britain's most influential post-punk bands, one that shows no sign of healing ahead of a major career honour.

Hook has repeatedly attacked the current New Order line-up, calling their 2011 continuation without him "disgusting" and unforgivable, and dismissing their music as sounding "nothing like New Order". With the band's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction due in November, Hook has ruled out any reunion, while Morris admitted Hook's comments are "a bit upsetting" but left the door open to reconciliation. Morris also revealed he will miss the Hall of Fame ceremony himself owing to an undisclosed, apparently incurable health condition that prevents him travelling abroad for any length of time.