Monaco/Closer - El Rey Theatre

L.A., the city of KROQ, turned out in force to see Peter Hook and his hired guns.  I got the impression that most of the audience were New Order fans who missed the last tour and are desperately trying to make up for it, although admittedly everyone around me knew all the lyrics to all of Monaco's songs.  Hooky was obviously ego tripping, making sure that he was the center of attention for the entire show. I do have to admit that it was pretty cool being five feet away from a guy who was actually in Joy Division.  I also have to give the man credit where it is due - it is obvious that his basslines are at the heart of all New Order songs.  I had just hoped that Monaco would not sound so much like New Order (someone tell me if there is any difference between Monaco and Hooky's last band, Revenge).  On the plus side, a couple of songs stood out as being more original, being influenced by britpop stalwarts Blur and Oasis.  Ok, maybe not totally original, but at least Hook realizes he's in the 90's now.  As a special treat, the encore consisted of a single song - Joy Division's "Failures."  I'd guess that this will be the only time in my life that I ever hear a Joy Division song performed by an original band member.