Peter Hook Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Peter Hook net worth, relationships, age/birthdate, and birthday in this detailed profile of the iconic musician and his lasting influence.
Peter Hook Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Peter Hook is an influential English musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of seminal post-punk bands Joy Division and New Order.
Introduction
Peter Hook is an iconic English musician whose bass playing helped define the sound of post-punk and alternative music through his work with Joy Division and New Order. Born Peter Woodhead on February 13, 1956, he is renowned for his melodic, high-string bass style that doubled as a lead instrument. Hook’s influence extends across decades of music, and his creative ventures include multiple bands, club ownership, and published books. His estimated net worth is around $20 million, reflecting earnings from his music career, DJing, authorship, and other business pursuits.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Woodhead |
| Age/Birthdate | February 13, 1956 |
| Birthday | February 13 |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Musician, Singer, DJ, Author, Club Owner |
| Estimated Net Worth | $20 million (approx.) |
| Relationship Status | Married (Rebecca Jones); previously married to Caroline Aherne |
| Known For | Co-founding Joy Division and New Order |
How a Bassist Redefined Rock
Peter Hook’s journey began in Broughton, Salford, England, where he was born on February 13, 1956. Raised by his maternal grandmother after his parents’ divorce, Hook later adopted the surname of his stepfather, Ernest Hook, shaping not only his identity but also the nickname “Hooky.”
From attending a Sex Pistols concert in 1976 with childhood friend Bernard Sumner to buying his first bass, early experiences in Manchester’s vibrant music scene set Hook on a trajectory that would influence generations of musicians. His approach to the bass—treating it as a melodic lead instrument—became a defining element of Joy Division’s sound and later carried over into New Order’s genre-blending explorations.
Defining moments in Peter Hook’s journey include:
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Forming the band that evolved into Joy Division in the mid-1970s.
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Co-founding New Order following the tragic death of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis in 1980.
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Launching Peter Hook & the Light with performances centered around Joy Division and New Order catalogs.
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Publishing acclaimed autobiographical books about his experiences with both bands.
The Core Pillars of Peter Hook’s Wealth
The foundation of Hook’s wealth stems from diverse sources tied to his enduring career in music and beyond:
Primary income drivers include:
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Music royalties and performances from Joy Division, New Order, and subsequent projects.
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Solo and ensemble tours with Peter Hook & the Light.
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Book sales and publishing rights from his autobiographical works.
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DJing, club ventures, and merchandise related to his musical legacy.
Relationships & Family Life
Peter Hook’s personal life has seen both challenges and commitments. In his early adult life, he married comedian and writer Caroline Aherne in 1994; the relationship ended in the late 1990s. Hook later described the marriage as turbulent.
He then married Rebecca Jones, with whom he has a daughter. From his first marriage to Iris Bates, Hook has two children: Jack and Heather. His son Jack has followed in his musical footsteps, serving as a touring bassist for major acts.
Key insights into Peter Hook’s relationships and personal life:
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Two children (Jack and Heather) from his first marriage to Iris Bates.
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Marriage to Caroline Aherne in 1994–1997, which Hook described as difficult.
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Later marriage to Rebecca Jones, with whom he has a daughter.
Beyond the Bass: Passion and Lifestyle
Beyond his public achievements, Peter Hook’s personal interests reflect a deep engagement with music history and culture. He founded FAC 251 – The Factory, a club and venue in Manchester, preserving the spirit of Factory Records’s legacy. He also contributes to music education through academic partnerships.
Beyond career success, Peter Hook leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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Ownership and operation of live music venues.
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Involvement in music industry education and mentorship.
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Writing and publishing books on music history.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Estimates of Hook’s net worth—commonly cited at around $20 million—are based on aggregated earnings from his multifaceted career.
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Music Career & Royalties | $12M | CelebrityNetWorth |
| Tours & Performances | $5M | Mabumbe |
| Book Sales & Publications | $2M | Mabumbe |
| Other Ventures (DJing, Venue) | $1M | CelebrityNetWorth |
This breakdown highlights the enduring commercial appeal of Hook’s musical legacy and his adaptability across different revenue streams.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Peter Hook is widely respected as a pioneering bassist whose approach reshaped post-punk and alternative music. His candid reflections on his career and band relationships—such as ongoing tensions with former New Order bandmates—have also contributed to his public persona as an authentic and outspoken figure in rock history.
His influence is evident in how contemporary bassists cite his melodic style and how fans gravitate toward performances that celebrate Joy Division and New Order classics.
Conclusion
Peter Hook’s story is one of creative innovation, resilience, and legacy. From shaping the sound of post-punk with Joy Division through co-founding New Order to building a solo career that spans music, writing, and cultural preservation, his journey reflects both artistic depth and entrepreneurial spirit. His Peter Hook net worth, rich relationships, and celebrated age/birthdate of February 13, 1956, along with his birthday tradition among fans, all underscore a life devoted to music and influence. Hook’s narrative continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world.
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