Monaco

To many, the starkly undulating basslines of Peter Hook (b. 13 February 1956, Salford, Lancashire, England) were what gave New Order its propulsion during their peak years in the late 80s and early 90s. However, when that band broke up (or at least lost its work ethic on a permanent basis), Hook's initial attempts to form his own outfit were sniped at by critics. With the subsequent success of Monaco, Hook could afford to be candid about the folly that was Revenge. Their 1991 EP, Gun World Porn, featured the guitar work of David Potts, formerly tape operator at Hook's studio. Potts duly became the second member of Monaco, which Hook launched in 1996, to more favourable critical reviews and much stronger sales. Rather than attempting to nullify Hook's lineage, as Revenge had done with over-complex synthesizer work, the first Monaco single, the UK Top 20 hit "What Do You Want From Me', was driven by his distinctive bass work. Just as distinctive was Potts" singing voice. The attendant album, Music For Pleasure, also proved popular with critics, although the return of New Order in 1998 meant that a second collection was not forthcoming until autumn 2000 .