Throwback: Happy 68th Birthday, Peter Hook!

February is a busy month. Not only is it Black History Month — but there are a batch of birthdays this month that include:

• Rick James, who was born 76 years ago on February 1
• OutKast‘s Big Boi, who celebrated his 49th birthday on February 1
• The Temptations‘ second and longest tenured lead vocalist Dennis Edwards, who was born 81 years ago on February 4
• Bobby Brown, who celebrated his 55th birthday on February 5
• Bob Marley, who was born 79 years ago on February 6
• J. Dilla, who was born 50 years ago on February 7
• French touch pioneer and one-half of acclaimed electronic outfit Daft Punk, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, celebrated his 50th birthday on February 8
• Motley Crüe‘s Vince Neil celebrated his 63rd birthday on February 8
• The 84th anniversary of The Doors‘ Ray Manzarek was on February 12
• Bad Brains‘ H.R. celebrated his 68th birthday on February 12
• The Monkees‘ Peter Tork was born 82 years ago today
• Peter Gabriel celebrates his 74th birthday today.

Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook celebrates his 68th birthday today. Along with his former bandmates, Hook is a pioneer in the genres of post-punk, synth pop and electronica. His work with both Joy Division and New Order has been cited as influencing countless bands. He’s also a instrumental member of the Manchester scene that would inspire the “Madchester” movement of the late 80s and early 90s.

I love both Joy Division and as a child of the 80s, I adore New Order immensely. So, happy birthday, Peter! Thank you for being a part of songs that have been a major part of my life. May there be many, many more!