Legendary UK band and patron saint of Vanyaland New Order are set to play Boston on Wednesday, but will do so as frontman Bernard Sumner suffers with a broken leg.
Earlier today, Sumner posted a message to the band’s official website, newordernow.com, explaining that he’s in a lot of pain due to the bone fracture and asks for our understanding as New Order, currently on tour without founding bassist Peter Hook, finish up the last four dates of their North American tour. The “Other Three” are in Maryland tonight, Boston’s Bank of America Pavilion on Wednesday, then hit Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 2 and Montreal’s Osheaga Festival two days later. Sumner does not reveal exactly how he broke his leg (dancing, perhaps?), but Hooky’s North American tour doesn’t start until September so we can rule him out as a suspect in any potential foul play.
On one hand (or leg, I suppose), it sucks that we’re not getting the famed Uncle Bernie dance, but at the end of the day at least the gigs aren’t getting nixed. Who knows how long we’ll have here in America to watch three-fourths of New Order play some of the greatest songs of the 20th century.
Here’s Sumner’s statement, in full. It is oddly passive aggressive and I already feel guilty for attending the Boston show and making Bernie go up there with broken bones in his body. Beware the Sumner Tunnel, indeed.
Bernard’s Message to New Order’s North American Fans
I have just been diagnosed with a bone fracture in my leg. Don’t worry I’m not going to cancel the North American tour. I wouldn’t do that. It just means that when I go on stage I am in pain and physically unable to give it my all. It’s frustrating and makes performing very difficult but I’m doing the best that I can and ask for your understanding of the situation. As I was leaving a hotel one of the doormen said “Break a leg” apparently that’s just what I have done ouch! Thank you I hope y’all still enjoy the shows.
Here are some clips of New Order performing at Coachella back in March…