New Order ProfileGillian Gilbert, the keyboardist in the pop-rock group New Order, has shared that she’s “living with cancer.” She shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday (15 September) to clear up misconceptions.
Earlier this month, Gilbert’s husband and fellow New Order bandmate, Stephen Morris, was interviewed by Rolling Stone, in which he discussed his and Gilbert’s absence from touring.
In the interview, he commented, “I’ve got a bit of a health problem at the minute, which precludes leaving the country for any length of time … it’s pretty serious.”
Gilbert has now shared a statement to confirm that Morris isn’t sick, although it’s understandable that people thought he was, and shared that she’s currently facing cancer.
“Thank you everyone who has reached out following Stephen’s recent interview with Rolling Stone. We have both been incredibly touched by all the kind words and well wishes,” Gilbert’s post began.
She continued, “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.
“We completely understand how the misunderstanding arose and simply wanted to ensure that the correct information was shared.”
Gilbert concluded the post by thanking everyone for “everyone’s kindness and support” and said the pair would appreciate “some privacy” as she continues treatment.
The Music wishes Gilbert a smooth recovery.
In 2007, Gilbert was treated and recovered from breast cancer. She then returned to touring with New Order and contributed to the band’s latest album, Music Complete, released in 2015.
Gilbert joined New Order in October 1980, just months after the group formed. The band formed after their Joy Division bandmate, Ian Curtis, passed away.
New Order returned to Australia last March. The tour followed their previous run, in March 2020, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their one-off intimate show at Melbourne’s Forum was cancelled after new restrictions on public gatherings were introduced just days earlier. Luckily, their show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl went ahead.
In a 2025 interview with The Music, Stephen Morris said last year’s tour brought about feelings of “unfinished business.”
