Bernard Sumner

Date of Birth: January 4, 1956

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Bernard Sumner, born on January 4, 1956, in Broughton, Salford, England, is a renowned English musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the influential band New Order, which emerged from the ashes of the post-punk band Joy Division after the tragic suicide of its lead singer, Ian Curtis, in 1980. Sumner’s musical journey began in the late 1970s when he co-founded Joy Division alongside Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Ian Curtis. The band’s unique sound, characterized by Curtis’s haunting vocals and the band’s innovative use of synthesizers, quickly gained a fervent following. Joy Division released two seminal albums, “Unknown Pleasures” and “Closer,” before Curtis’s untimely death. Following Curtis’s death, the remaining members of Joy Division reformed as New Order, with Sumner taking on lead vocal duties. New Order achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim with hits like “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith.” The band is credited with pioneering the electronic dance music genre and blending rock with electronic elements. In addition to his work with New Order, Sumner has been involved in various side projects, including Electronic, a collaboration with Johnny Marr of The Smiths, and Bad Lieutenant. He continues to be an influential figure in the music industry, known for his innovative approach to music production and songwriting.

5 Interesting Facts about Bernard Sumner

1. Bernard Sumner was a key figure in the development of the Madchester and rave scenes in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

2. New Order’s single “Blue Monday” is the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.

3. Sumner also contributed to the production of several tracks for other artists, including Happy Mondays and The Chemical Brothers.

4. He played a significant role in the establishment of the iconic Manchester nightclub, The Haçienda, which was a major hub for the city’s music scene.

5. Sumner’s autobiographical book, “Chapter and Verse – New Order, Joy Division and Me,” was published in 2014, providing an in-depth look at his career and personal life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernard Sumner

1. “We were very idealistic in Joy Division. We wanted to change the world.”

2. “Music is a powerful tool in galvanizing people around an issue. There’s no better way to get your point across than to put it in a beautiful song.”

3. “I think the reason we survived as a band is because we never tried to be commercial.”

4. “I like the idea of taking a piece of technology and making it do something it’s not supposed to do.”

5. “We didn’t want to be rock stars, we just wanted to make music that moved people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Bernard Sumner’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $30 million.

Children

Bernard Sumner has three children. His first child, James, was born in 1983 from his marriage to Sue Barlow. He has two other children, a son and a daughter, from his subsequent marriage to Sarah Dalton.