New Order brought back State of the Nation for the first time since 1987 during their Osaka show on February 25.
The track, originally released as a standalone single in 1986 and later included on the CD version of Brotherhood, had been absent from their setlists for nearly four decades.
Unlike their more electronic-driven hits of the late ‘80s, State of the Nation leans into the band’s post-punk roots, driven by Peter Hook’s unmistakable bassline and Stephen Morris’ crisp, mechanical drumming. Bernard Sumner’s restrained vocal delivery adds to the track’s detached energy, balancing sharp political undertones with the kind of cold, melodic precision that defined much of their early work. While it never reached the same commercial heights as Blue Monday or Bizarre Love Triangle, the song remains a standout of that era, particularly among longtime fans.
The Osaka crowd also witnessed another rarity—the Japanese version of Krafty, played for the first time since 2012. The setlist pulled from across the band’s catalogue, blending Crystal and Sub-Culture with Joy Division classics like Transmission, Atmosphere, and Love Will Tear Us Apart. With their next stop in Tokyo on February 27, it’s possible they’ll dig even deeper into their archives.
New Order’s recent shows suggest they’re willing to revisit songs they’ve left behind in the locker. The decision to bring back State of the Nation is significant, considering the band’s ever-evolving setlists tend to focus on their biggest tracks. Whether this signals a broader shift in their live approach remains to be seen, but fans in Australia will soon find out when the band arrives in the country next month.
While the band has denied rumours of a new album or a full world tour, their willingness to reintroduce lost songs hints at a renewed focus on their past. If nothing else, it proves that even after more than 40 years, New Order is still capable of keeping things interesting.
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