New Order Keyboardist Gillian Gilbert Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Gillian Gilbert, keyboardist for the band New Order, has announced she is living with cancer. The 65-year-old musician shared the news in a statement on Instagram, clarifying comments made by her husband and bandmate, Stephen Morris, which had led to misunderstandings about his health.

Morris, the band's drummer, had recently told Rolling Stone magazine that he had a "health problem" that precluded him from leaving the country for extended periods, leading to speculation about his well-being. He also described the illness as "pretty serious."

Gilbert's statement, issued on Tuesday, aimed to correct the public's understanding. "Thankfully, he is well," she wrote. "It is in fact me, who like many other people is living with cancer." She expressed gratitude for the public's concern and well wishes following Morris's interview and requested privacy as she undergoes treatment.

The couple had previously announced in June that they would be stepping back from New Order's touring commitments due to personal health reasons. The band confirmed at the time that Morris and Gilbert would not be joining for upcoming shows, including a performance in Chile, citing that "circumstances make it impossible."

This news emerged after former bassist Peter Hook suggested that Morris and Gilbert had left the band, leading to speculation that frontman Bernard Sumner would tour solo under the New Order name. Hook claimed Sumner had booked a gig in Chile as the sole member of the band.

New Order, formed in 1980 after the death of Joy Division's Ian Curtis, has recently featured Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert in its touring lineup, alongside guitarist Phil Cunningham and bassist Tom Chapman.