Bernard Sumner

Bernard Sumner (born 4 January 1956 in Salford near Manchester, England) is a British singer, songwriter, musician (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and music producer.

He is a founding member of Joy Division and New Order and has been primarily responsible for New Order's style development over the years.

Life and work

Sumner is the child of a mother who was severely disabled from birth (infantile cerebral palsy) and whose second husband (surnamed Dicken) was also severely disabled. Because of this, he was raised mostly by his grandparents. He uses his mother's maiden name, who took the name Dicken for herself and her son after they married. Nowadays, Bernard only uses the name Sumner.

Sumner was the guitarist and keyboardist for the band Joy Division until 1980. After the suicide of singer Ian Curtis in May 1980, Sumner formed New Order with the remaining band members Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Morris' wife Gillian Gilbert. He emerged as the band's permanent vocalist and lyricist, despite vocal contributions from New Order band members Peter Hook and Stephen Morris. In 1989, Sumner formed the side project Electronic with former The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr. This post-punk supergroup's recordings included Pet Shop Boys singer Neil Tennant and, initially, former Kraftwerk musician Karl Bartos.

In 2008, Sumner continued to form the music project Bad Lieutenant with Phil Cunningham and Jake Evans, serving as lead singer, guitarist, keyboardist and songwriter.

Since his school days, he has been called Barney by friends, his bandmates (and now fans), a nickname he doesn't like and attributed to an alleged resemblance to Barney Geröllheimer.

Discography

Singles with Bernard Sumner as guitarist or singer

• 1991: Spanish Heart - 808 State
• 1997: This Time I'm Not Wrong - Sub Sub feat. Bernard Sumner
• 1999: Out of Control - The Chemical Brothers
• 2000: Shoot Speed Kill Light - Primal Scream
• 2008: Miracle Cure - Blank & Jones feat. Bernard Sumner
• 2013: She Wants - Westbam feat. Bernard Sumner