New Order's Epic Return: Live Performance of 'State Of The Nation' After 36 Years

Catch the thrilling live performance of 'State Of The Nation' by New Order, marking an impressive comeback since 1987.

The Historic Performance in Osaka

Last night, February 25, New Order graced the stage in Japan, delivering a nostalgic treat for fans as they performed their iconic single ‘State Of The Nation’ live for the first time since 1987. This remarkable event took place at the Zepp Namba venue in Osaka, where the Manchester band played an impressive 18-track set.

A Look Back at 'State Of The Nation'

Originally featured as a bonus track on the CD version of New Order’s fourth studio album, ‘Brotherhood’ (1986), ‘State Of The Nation’ also enjoyed success as a single, peaking at Number 30 on the UK charts and hitting Number One on the UK indie chart. It was a pivotal moment for the band, and its live return brought back a wave of nostalgia for dedicated fans.

Midway through their main set, frontman Bernard Sumner and the band reignited this classic, showcasing their enduring legacy in the music industry.

Setlist Highlights

New Order's Osaka show was packed with a mix of their greatest hits and fan favorites. The setlist included:

• Transmission (Joy Division cover)
• Crystal
• Ceremony
• Age Of Consent
• Isolation (Joy Division cover)
• Krafty (Japanese version, first time since 2012)
• Your Silent Face
• State Of The Nation (first time since 1987)
• Be A Rebel
• Sub-Culture
• Bizarre Love Triangle
• Vanishing Point
• Plastic
• True Faith
• Blue Monday
• Temptation

Encore:

• Atmosphere (Joy Division cover)
• Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover)

The concert was a night to remember, described by New Order as “an unforgettable night in Osaka.”

Watch the Live Performance

Sharing a series of stunning photographs from the concert, New Order expressed their excitement over this memorable return.

Looking Ahead

New Order’s Osaka performance also marked the return of ‘Krafty’ in its Japanese version for the first time since 2012, along with a plethora of classic hits from their extensive catalog, including several tracks from the pioneering band Joy Division.

In a recent announcement, New Order revealed that they had released a definitive box set reissue of ‘Brotherhood’, complete with a digitally remastered version of ‘State Of The Nation’ and the previously unreleased ‘Japan Demo’ of the song.

Much speculation surrounds the future of New Order, including rumors of a new album and a potential world tour in 2025. "We always want to keep our fans informed of the latest news about New Order, and we share official updates via our social media and website," the band clarified, assuring fans that they would remain updated on any developments.

New Order's Upcoming Shows

Following their Japan dates, the band is set to tour Australia, including performances in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. They are also scheduled to headline major events like Kilby Block Party 2025 and Cruel World Festival in the US.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nomination

In exciting news, New Order was nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025, joining a formidable lineup that includes rock legends like Oasis, The White Stripes, Billy Idol, and Mariah Carey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of 'State Of The Nation'? 'State Of The Nation' is a track that signifies New Order's evolution and impact in the music scene, making its live return a nostalgic event for fans.
• When did New Order perform 'State Of The Nation' live last? The last live performance of 'State Of The Nation' before this was in 1987.
• What are some highlights from New Order's Osaka concert setlist? The setlist included classics like 'Blue Monday', 'Bizarre Love Triangle', and several Joy Division covers.
• Will New Order tour again after Japan? Yes, New Order is scheduled for shows in Australia and has upcoming appearances at major festivals in the US.
• What recent releases have New Order made? They released a definitive box set reissue of their album ‘Brotherhood’, featuring remastered tracks and demos.