Gillian Gilbert clarified that she had been receiving cancer treatment after a health scare involving her husband, Stephen Morris. The New Order keyboardist asked fans for privacy while correcting confusion sparked by Morris’ recent interview.
The 65-year-old musician shared the update after Morris discussed a serious health problem a few days ago. His comments led readers to believe the New Order drummer faced a serious illness, but Gilbert revealed otherwise.
Gillian Gilbert clarifies she is receiving cancer treatment and asks for privacy from fans
According to Gilbert’s Instagram statement, she wanted to “gently clarify a misunderstanding” surrounding Morris’ comments. She explained, “Thankfully, he is well. It is in fact me, who like many other people, is living with cancer.” Gilbert also thanked fans for their “kind words and well wishes” during the confusion. She then asked for privacy “as I continue with my treatment,” while expressing gratitude for the support.
Morris had earlier told Rolling Stone, “I’ve got a bit of a health problem at the minute.” He added that the issue prevented him from leaving the country and called it “pretty serious.” The couple had both withdrawn from New Order’s South American tour because of “personal health reasons.” The band announced the change on Instagram in June, marking the first tour without Morris.
Gilbert had already taken an extended break from New Order during the early 2000s. She focused on caring for the couple’s children, including daughter Grace after an illness left her physically disabled. Gilbert joined New Order shortly after the band formed from Joy Division. Ian Curtis’ death preceded the group’s formation, with Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Morris continuing together.
In 2023, Gilbert recalled feeling “a bit daunted” when she joined. She could not play keyboards, so she borrowed her sister’s Bontempi organ. She later performed and co-wrote every New Order album from Movement through 2001’s Get Ready. Gilbert previously received successful breast cancer treatment in 2007.
She eventually returned to New Order’s touring lineup and contributed to 2015’s Music Complete. The band’s South American shows remained scheduled for November, with touring musicians replacing Gilbert and Morris.
New Order also faced a major milestone that month. The group was scheduled for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 14 in Los Angeles. Peter Hook remained the only original New Order member confirmed to attend. Bernard Sumner’s attendance had not been confirmed.
