Monaco (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Peter Hook, David Potts |
| Defunct | 2000 (initially) |
| Fate | Reformed in 2019 |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Monaco emerged in 1995 as an English rock ensemble initiated by New Order bassist Peter Hook alongside David Potts, the last remaining member of Hook's earlier venture, Revenge. The group gained prominence through their 1997 hit single "What Do You Want from Me?" and the accompanying album Music for Pleasure, which achieved sales exceeding 500,000 copies. Presently, Hook, Potts, and Kehoe collaborate within Peter Hook and the Light.
In July 2019, Hook revealed Monaco's revival by unveiling a fresh track titled "Higher, Higher, Higher Love" during the 'Joy Division Orchestrated' performance by Peter Hook and the Light at London's Royal Albert Hall.
Debut album
Potts initially connected with Hook while employed as a tape operator in Hook’s studio and subsequently contributed guitar work to Revenge’s 1992 EP, Gun World Porn. Following Revenge's dissolution, Hook and Potts established Monaco to explore a more dance-inflected alternative style. Their inaugural album, Music for Pleasure, was launched in 1997. Critics frequently drew parallels to New Order, citing Hook’s signature bass lines and Potts’ vocal tone reminiscent of Bernard Sumner. This record yielded three singles: "What Do You Want from Me?", "Sweet Lips", and "Shine (Someone Who Needs Me)".
Second album
Monaco's self-titled sophomore album faced rejection from Polydor Records in 1999 amid evolving musical trends. Subsequently, Papillon Records agreed to distribute the record; however, the UK single "I've Got a Feeling" was withdrawn due to unresolved sample clearance complications. A limited 12" release of "See-Saw" followed. Despite garnering favorable reviews, the album received scant promotional effort and has since become a sought-after collector’s item.
Break-up, live reunions and The Light
By 2000, mounting dissatisfaction from Potts regarding both the band’s resemblance to New Order’s sound and his increasing responsibilities culminated in tensions. After a notably poor performance at the Eclipse festival, a significant dispute between Hook and Potts resulted in Monaco's disbandment. Potts went on to form RAM and issued his solo work Coming Up for Air. Meanwhile, Hook rejoined New Order until 2007 before launching Freebass that same year.
Following successful reissues of Revenge material in 2005, Hook announced intentions to reissue Monaco’s catalog in 2007; however, these plans never materialized.
In March 2007, under the moniker "Hooky & Pottsy," Hook and Potts performed Monaco tracks at Manchester’s Hard Rock Cafe, accompanied by original drummer Paul Kehoe and Hook’s son Jack. Later that year in October, they played again as Monaco at Manchester’s Ritz venue to support Oxfam fundraising efforts.
Potts joined Hook’s project the Light as guitarist in July 2013. During promotion of Hook’s New Order biography Substance, he disclosed intentions to revive Monaco in January 2017; nevertheless, this reunion was postponed as Potts prioritized family commitments.
2019 return
During the 'Joy Division Orchestrated' event at the Royal Albert Hall on July 6, 2019, Hook announced Monaco's comeback by premiering "Higher, Higher, Higher Love," their first new composition in two decades.
In April 2025, "I've Got A Feeling" was issued as a vinyl single for Record Store Day, peaking at No. 38 on the UK Physical Singles Chart and No. 75 on the UK Singles Sales Chart.
Both Monaco albums were re-released on colored double vinyl by Music On Vinyl—Music For Pleasure in 2024 featuring bonus tracks, followed by Monaco in 2025 including additional songs and an accompanying booklet.
Studio albums
| Year | Album information | Chart rankings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Australia | Sweden | ||
| 1997 | Music for Pleasure
|
11 | 127 | 33 |
| 2000 | Monaco
|
84 | – | – |
Singles
| Title | Release date | UK | Australia | US Modern Rock |
US Airplay |
Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "What Do You Want from Me?" | March 1997 | 11 | 75 | 24 | 61 | Music for Pleasure |
| "Sweet Lips" | May 1997 | 18 | 131 | — | — | |
| "Shine (Someone Who Needs Me)" | September 1997 | 55 | — | — | — | |
| "I’ve Got a Feeling" (withdrawn from UK release) | July 2000 | — | — | — | — | Monaco |
| "See-Saw" (issued exclusively as a limited 12" vinyl) | March 2001 | — | — | — | — |
External links
- Alternative dance musical groups
- English house music groups
- Alternative rock groups from Manchester
- Musical groups established in 1995
- Musical groups disbanded in 2000
- Musical groups reformed in 2019
- English electronic music duos
- English alternative rock groups
- Polydor Records artists
- English post-punk music groups
- English rock music duos
- Musical groups disestablished in 2000