Gillian Gilbert Clarifies She Is Living With Cancer, Not Husband Stephen Morris

New Order keyboardist and guitarist Gillian Gilbert has revealed that she is living with cancer, correcting a misunderstanding that arose from recent comments made by her husband and bandmate Stephen Morris.

In a statement shared on New Order’s official social media accounts on Tuesday, September 15, Gilbert said Morris is well and that she is the one undergoing treatment.

Gilbert Corrects Misinterpreted Interview Comments

Gilbert’s statement followed a Rolling Stone interview with Morris published last week, in which he discussed a health problem that prevented him from traveling abroad for extended periods.

Morris said at the time: ‘I’ve got a bit of a health problem at the minute, which precludes leaving the country for any length of time.’

When asked whether he might return to the band, Morris added: ‘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.’

Those comments led to widespread reports that Morris was seriously ill. Gilbert clarified that the remarks were misinterpreted.

She wrote: ‘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.’

Gilbert continued: ‘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.’

She added: ‘We completely understand how the misunderstanding arose and simply wanted to ensure that the correct information was shared.’

Gilbert also requested privacy as she continues her treatment, saying: ‘We are enormously grateful for everyone’s kindness and support and would appreciate some privacy as I continue with my treatment.’

Band Announced Touring Break in June

News of health issues affecting New Order members first became public in late June, when the band announced that both Gilbert and Morris would not be touring ‘for the foreseeable future’ due to ‘personal health reasons.’

In a statement posted on Instagram, the band said: ‘New Order are very happy to be playing Primavera in Chile in November marking the band’s first performance there in seven years. Due to personal health reasons, Stephen and Gillian won’t be touring for the foreseeable future and will not be joining for this show.’

The statement added: ‘Bernard, Phil and Tom are really sorry that Stephen and Gillian can’t join us this time, but unfortunately the circumstances make it impossible.’

The affected performances include New Order’s appearance at the Fauna Primavera festival in Santiago, Chile, scheduled for November 26 to 28, 2026. It marks the band’s first show in Chile in seven years.

Gilbert joined New Order in late 1980, shortly after the remaining members of Joy Division formed the band following the death of singer Ian Curtis. She took an extended break from the group in the early 2000s before returning. Morris has been the drummer for both Joy Division and New Order since 1977.

Rock Hall Induction Scheduled for November

New Order and Joy Division are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026. The ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on ABC and Disney+ in December.

It remains unclear whether Morris or Gilbert will attend the ceremony. Original New Order bassist Peter Hook, who has been estranged from the band for nearly two decades, is the only member confirmed to attend so far.

Morris told Rolling Stone that his health situation was the reason he likely would not be traveling to Los Angeles for the induction. Gilbert’s statement on Tuesday clarified that Morris is well and that she is the one receiving treatment.

The band has not announced replacements for Gilbert and Morris for the upcoming South American tour dates. No further details about Gilbert’s treatment or prognosis have been made public.