Last month, Peter Hook filed a lawsuit against his former band, claiming that New Order owed him over £2.3 million in unpaid royalties. The remaining members of the group issued a statement at the time, saying that they were “disappointed that Peter is pursuing this claim in this particular way.” Now, in a new interview with Loaded, two of the band’s newest members — Phil Cunningham and Tom Chapman — spoke about the suit.

The obvious low point of the year would be Peter Hook suing the band. What would you say to him if you met him?

Tom: He’s had plenty to say about me, but I’ve never actually met him. I’d tell him ‘I think it’d be good to support young musicians. Maybe you could wish good luck to musicians who’ve had a break.’ I’d also tell him that it’s an absolute joy and lots of fun to play in New Order, but I don’t think he’d want to hear that.

Phil: Peter phoned me a couple of years ago, because I said something in an interview that offended him. He said: ‘Look, it’s all getting a bit personal, this. It’s ridiculous. I’ve got my thing, you’ve got yours, and it’s cool. Everyone’s happy.’ But that’s obviously not the case. He’s not happy. He decided to leave the house, and now he’s outside it, chucking bricks through the window.

Does it sadden you that it’s come to a court case?

Phil: It saddened me a few years ago, but he’s said such horrible things about Bernard and the rest of the band that it just makes me angry now. They’re my friends, so it makes me more angry than sad. Things will have to play out how they play out now. It’s so unfortunate.