It struck me the other day that this second reformation of New Order has lasted longer than the 1998-2007 one. Yet, the latter was a more productive period in terms of new material.

1998 - 2007: Two studio albums (with another scrapped), soundtracking Control, a standalone single and two contributions to soundtracks/charity records.

2011 - present: One studio album and one standalone single.

I've often wondered if this is because the market for reformations/80's nostalgia is greater today than it was nearly 20 years ago, therefore the possibility of playing bigger venues and raking in more money is more likely, therefore the need to record something and promote it with a tour is gone. Of course, age is also a factor.

But it seems that, without Hooky, the pressure is off and so the likelihood of another MC appearing soon might be a while. And while some would argue that they'd be happy to wait, I can't help but feel that the drive to produce consistently is what gave us their best work.

As I say, I accept that those days are gone. But it is a shame.