This anthology brings together two legendary live sessions recorded by New Order for the BBC’s John Peel Sessions, during 1981 and 1982 respectively.

New Order recorded four John Peel sessions, but the most famous are the two presented here – from the very early days. By this time the band just had one album and a handful of singles under their belts.

Their first appearance, comfortably two months before the release of their debut single, Ceremony, is perhaps the most intriguing. Recorded at the end of January 1981, it captures an embryonic but polished set from the very birth of a legend. All four tracks would later be recorded with Martin Hannett and released on Movement. The production and arrangements differ notably from those on the album.

The 1982 session caught the band in search of a new musical direction. We All Stand and 5-8-6 appeared on the subsequent Power, Corruption & Lies album. Turn the Heater On and Too Late were only ever recorded for the Peel session, and neither were ever performed live. Turn the Heater On, a Keith Hudson reggae cover, was known to be one of Ian Curtis’ favourite songs, and New Order recorded their version as a tribute to him.

Track Listing

Side One *

Truth
Senses
I.C.B.
Dreams Never End

Side Two **

Turn The Heater On
We All Stand
Too Late
5-8-6

* 26 January 1981

** 1 June 1982

Format: Vinyl / 12” Album

Label: Room On Fire

Catalogue No: ROOM191

Barcode: 0729859422091

Release Date: 28 Nov 2025

1980s VINYL

New Order – John Peel Sessions 1981–1982 (12-Inch Album)