New Order's Gillian Gilbert reveals she's 'seriously ill' with cancer
She clarifies comments her husband Stephen Morris recently made
Last updated 15th Sep 2026
New Order keyboardist and guitarist Gillian Gilbert has revealed she’s "seriously ill" with cancer.
Gilbert took to social media today (15th September) to clarify comments her husband and New Order bandmate Stephen Morris made in a recent interview.
Explaining why he’s not travelling to Los Angeles in November for New Order and Joy Division’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Morris told Rolling Stone: “I’ve got a bit of a health problem at the minute, which precludes leaving the country for any length of time.”
Asked if he’ll ever play the US again with New Order, Morris replied: “I don’t know. I really don’t want to dwell on what this illness is, but it’s pretty serious. It’s not something that someone’s going to come up with a cure for.”
Shedding more light on Morris’ comments, Gilbert said: “Thank you everyone who has reached out following Stephen’s recent interview with Rolling Stone.
“We have both been incredibly touched by all the kind words and well wishes.
“I would like to gently clarify a misunderstanding from the interview, in the course of which comments were misinterpreted leading people to believe that Stephen is seriously ill.
“Thankfully, he is well. It is in fact me, who like many other people, is living with cancer.
"We completely understand how the misunderstanding arose and simply wanted to ensure that the correct information was shared.
“We are enormously grateful for everyone’s kindness and support and would appreciate some privacy as I continue with my treatment.”
Back in June, New Order confirmed that Gilbert and Morris won’t be hitting the road for the “foreseeable future” because of “personal health reasons”.
Gillian Gilbert joined New Order in late 1980 just a few months after former Joy Division band mates Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris formed the band.
Everyone at Absolute Radio wishes the Gillian the very best with her cancer battle.