Former New Order bassist Peter Hook has spoken out about alleged domestic abuse he suffered at the hands of his ex-wife, the late comedienne Caroline Aherne, in his new autobiography.
Hook, 60, who co-founded the legendary Joy Division who later became New Order, wrote in his new book ‘Substance’ that he put up with years of abuse that often turned physical during his two-year marriage to Aherne which ended in 1996.
“Yes I loved her, yes she could be very funny, and there were times I felt privileged to have a private audience with such a great comic talent. But she was also a very troubled person and nowhere did that manifest itself more than in our relationship.”
Peter Hook, former bassist of Joy Division and New Order, pictured in 2015
The bass player, who quit New Order back in 2007, said that he “couldn’t in all good conscience” add to the tributes paid to Aherne when she died from cancer this July, at the age of just 52.
“She attacked me, using her nails to scratch at my neck, tearing off my necklace and ripping my top. It was proper shocking stuff,” he writes, describing the beginning of the violence. “And although she was really contrite the next morning it marked the beginning of some serious screaming-banshee behaviour – putting cigarettes out on my arm, attacking me with bottles, knives, chairs and other assorted furniture.”
In the book, which is released on October 6th, Hook describes an incident where she slapped him in front of dozens of people at a British Comedy Awards afterparty, and another where she attacked his possessions with a pair of scissors, including photos of his children from his first relationship.
“It would be set off by the slightest thing – talking or looking at another woman was a favourite. I was an abused husband and it’s embarrassing, and you feel ashamed, and you can’t tell anyone. I needed help.”
The revelations have caused a split opinion online. Many have questioned the timing of Hook’s comments, coming as they do barely three months after Aherne’s passing; however, charities supporting male victims of domestic violence have praised his decision to reveal his experiences.
More: Friends and co-stars pay tribute to the late Caroline Aherne
