Live Review: New Order in Perth Australia 2025
5 March 2025 at the RAC Arena Perth in Western Australia
Review by Matt Gagen
Photography by Isabelle Haubrich (Bel & Cal Photography)
New Order Kick Off 2025 Tour in Perth with a Powerful Show at RAC Arena
New Order opened their Australia 2025 tour in Perth with a sharp, well-executed performance at RAC Arena. The crowd, a mix of longtime fans and younger listeners, filled the venue with energy – eager for a setlist spanning almost half a century.
The Greater Manchester rock band was formed in 1980 by the members of Joy Division, following the death of lead vocalist Ian Curtis. Under a new name, the remaining musicians pioneered a sonic fusion of post-punk, electronic, and dance music, personifying the anthemic sounds of the 1980s. The synth pop legends were ahead of their time.
Strong Performance and Production
After local openers Great Gable and touring DJ, Tin Tin, wrapped up their sets, anticipation grew as the crowd eagerly awaited New Order’s arrival on stage. As the lights dimmed, the show began with a synth-heavy instrumental to set the tone before Transmission, a nod to their Joy Division roots, immediately enveloped the crowd. This led to Crystal, where the band locked into their signature tight and layered sound. Bernard Sumner greeted the crowd with a wry, “Hello Perth, a city of friendly people… so far anyway,” drawing laughs before launching into Ceremony and Age of Consent. Stephen Morris’s drumming was solid as always, seamlessly blending acoustic and electronic elements. Gillian Gilbert’s synth layers added richness and those famous New Order melody hook-lines. Tom Chapman, handling bass duties, ensured the low-end drive remained at the forefront, particularly on Isolation and Sub-Culture, where the synth-bass sequences precisely pulsed throughout the mix.
Visually, the show was slick but not overdone. A large LED screen above the stage displayed shifting graphics – New Order’s classic digital art infusion of abstractness and geometric waveforms alongside archival footage – a homage that matched the mood of each track. The light show created striking moments, especially on the crowd’s favourite Bizarre Love Triangle, where synchronized laser arrays pulsed. The appearance of a centrepiece disco ball added to the spectacle, scattering beams of light across the arena and defining the nostalgic dance-floor energy. The sound mix was clear, balancing Sumner’s vocals well with the band’s dense layers of electronics, programming and guitars.
Newer material like Be a Rebel blended well with the classics, though the energy in the arena peaked for True Faith, Blue Monday, and Temptation. The latter stood out as a live highlight, with Sumner driving the crowd through its soaring chorus while deep blue lighting and rhythmic strobes continued to dance in sync with the music, elevating the moment into a full-venue singalong.
Returning to the stage, the band went deep into their Joy Division past with Decades a slow-building track that commanded full attention. Finally, the capstone of the night – they ended with Love Will Tear Us Apart, the ultimate Joy Division anthem, which had every voice in the arena singing along.
Verdict
New Order’s Perth performance was a seamless fusion of nostalgia and modern production, proving that their music remains impactful. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound is a testament to their legacy. Forty-plus years on, New Order still command the stage, effortlessly delivering a show that is sonically and visually stunning.
New Order are touring across Australia. Tickets are available from TEG Live
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank On The Map PR, TEG Live and New Order for the media accreditation.
About the Writer: Matt Gagen is a Fremantle-based bass guitarist of Residents’ Club and member of numerous bands on the local scene. With a deep passion for both local and global music, he brings a unique perspective to his creative endeavours. He’s in his final year of pursuing a Master’s in Architecture, blending his interests in music and design.
About the Photographer: Isabelle Haubrich of Brazil is a Photographer based in Perth, Western Australia, specialising in live music and wedding photography. With a keen eye for capturing raw emotion and energy, Isabelle has a unique ability to tell compelling stories through her lens, whether it’s the vibrant atmosphere of a concert or the intimate moments of a wedding day. Drawing inspiration from her diverse cultural background, she infuses her work with passion and creativity, making her a sought-after photographer in local music. She’s a Photography graduate and a Marketing & Events Coordinator at Camera Electronics
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) has been accredited to over 170 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), Backstreet Boys, KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP and P!NK with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS), plus over 80 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Radio as a music journalist.
