Following a recent interview with Rolling Stone, a significant misunderstanding regarding the health of New Order drummer Stephen Morris has been clarified by the band. While initial reports suggested that Morris was facing a serious, incurable illness, it has now been revealed that keyboardist Gillian Gilbert is the member currently living with cancer.
The confusion stemmed from a discussion about the upcoming Joy Division box set, Eternal (Live), during which Morris mentioned a serious health issue that would prevent him from traveling or participating in the band’s upcoming South American tour. In a heartfelt statement, Gilbert, who has been married to Morris for 32 years, addressed the situation directly to set the record straight.
“Thank you everyone who has reached out following Stephen’s recent interview,” Gilbert wrote. “I would like to gently clarify a misunderstanding from the interview, in the course of which comments were misinterpreted leading people to believe that Stephen is seriously ill. Thankfully, he is well. It is in fact me, who like many other people, is living with cancer.”
Gilbert expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and requested privacy as she continues her treatment. The band had previously announced in late June that both Morris and Gilbert would be sitting out the upcoming South American tour, marking a rare instance where the group would perform without Morris. While the tour is set to proceed, the band’s participation in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 14 remains a subject of speculation, with Peter Hook currently the only member confirmed to attend.