New Order Guitarist Gillian Gilbert Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and Ongoing Treatment

Gilbert previously underwent successful treatment for breast cancer in 2007, according to The Guardian.
Gilbert joined New Order shortly after its formation from Joy Division and performed and co-wrote on every album from the debut *Movement* through 2001’s *Get Ready*.
Gilbert took an approximately decade-long break from New Order to care for the couple’s children, including their daughter Grace, who became physically disabled after an illness.
The band’s South American dates will mark the first time New Order performs without drummer Stephen Morris, while Gilbert had previously taken an extended break from the group in the early 2000s.
Morris’s comments about his health came during an interview about the upcoming Joy Division live box set *Eternal (Live)*, which provided the context for the remarks that triggered the misunderstanding.
New Order keyboardist Gillian Gilbert has revealed she is living with cancer and undergoing treatment, clarifying confusion from recent comments about a "pretty serious" illness. Yahoo News confirmed that Gilbert, not her husband and bandmate drummer Stephen Morris, is the one diagnosed. Gilbert thanked fans for their support and asked for privacy as the couple steps away from touring.
The band has postponed its South American dates indefinitely while Gilbert receives care. Morris remains healthy, and the couple continues to manage New Order's commitments around Gilbert's treatment. Gilbert previously battled breast cancer successfully in 2007, according to The Guardian.
The confusion began when Stephen Morris discussed his health in an interview about the upcoming Joy Division live box set *Eternal (Live)*. His comments led fans and media to believe he was seriously ill. The Independent reported that Gilbert's announcement clarified the actual diagnosis belonged to her, not Morris.
Gilbert's statement quickly set the record straight. She confirmed Morris is well and thanked supporters for their messages. The clarification came after days of speculation about whether Morris would attend New Order's November Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Gilbert joined New Order shortly after the band formed from Joy Division's ashes. She performed and co-wrote on every album from the 1981 debut *Movement* through 2001's *Get Ready*. Her musical contributions shaped the band's synth-driven sound for two decades.
In the early 2000s, Gilbert took roughly a decade off to raise the couple's children, including their daughter Grace, who became physically disabled after an illness. She later rejoined the band for performances and recording work.
The band's South American tour will now proceed without Stephen Morris, marking the first time in years New Order performs without its original drummer. Gilbert will also be absent as she focuses on her cancer treatment and recovery.
New Order's upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in November adds another layer to the timing. The band has not confirmed whether Gilbert or Morris will attend the ceremony. Fans continue to express support for Gilbert as she navigates this difficult period.
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