Bernard Sumner Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Bernard Sumner, born January 4, 1956, in Broughton, Manchester, England, is the guitarist of Joy Division and the singer, guitarist, and frontman of New Order. A central figure in British post-punk and electronic music, Sumner has been married twice. He currently lives with his second wife, Sarah Dalton, with whom he has three children. His first marriage, to Sue Barlow from 1978 to 1989, produced his eldest son.

Who Is Sarah Dalton?

Sarah Dalton is Bernard Sumner's second wife. Dalton keeps a low public profile, and little biographical information about her has been published. She and Sumner live in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and have three children together: Dylan Christian (born 1992), Tess Iona (born 1994), and Finley Emil (born 2003). Unlike Sumner's first wife, Dalton has remained out of the music industry spotlight throughout their relationship.

Marriage Timeline

Sumner married Sue Barlow (born 1956) on October 28, 1978, while he was the guitarist of Joy Division. The couple had a son, James Christopher, born in 1983. The marriage ended in divorce in 1989, just before the release of New Order's album Technique. Sumner has said that the experience of the divorce is reflected in the song "Round & Round" from that album. Barlow is reported to be a relative of Take That singer Gary Barlow. Sumner later married Sarah Dalton, his second wife, and the couple has remained together since, raising their three children in Cheshire.

Children

Sumner has four children. His eldest son, James Christopher (born 1983), is from his first marriage to Sue Barlow. With his second wife, Sarah Dalton, he has three children: Dylan Christian (born 1992), Tess Iona (born 1994), and Finley Emil (born 2003).

Career Highlights

In 1976, Sumner and childhood friend Peter Hook formed the band that became Joy Division after attending a Sex Pistols concert at Manchester's Free Trade Hall. Sumner was the band's lead guitarist, playing a Gibson SG and a custom Shergold Masquerader, and also handled keyboard and synthesizer parts. He made his first vocal appearance on record singing the chorus of "Walked In Line." Following singer Ian Curtis's death in May 1980, Sumner became the vocalist, and he, Hook, and Stephen Morris formed New Order, joined by Gillian Gilbert.

New Order became one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s, releasing landmark albums including Power, Corruption & Lies (1983), Low-Life (1985), Brotherhood (1986), and Technique (1989). Their 1983 single "Blue Monday" became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. In 1989, Sumner formed the supergroup Electronic with Johnny Marr of The Smiths, scoring hits including "Getting Away with It." He has also produced and remixed tracks for acts including Happy Mondays, Technotronic, 808 State, The Chemical Brothers, and Primal Scream.

Sumner later fronted the band Bad Lieutenant and published his autobiography, Chapter and Verse: New Order, Joy Division and Me, in 2014. In 2026, Joy Division and New Order were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is commonly known by the nickname "Barney" and is a fan of Manchester United.

FAQ

Who is Bernard Sumner's wife?

Bernard Sumner's current wife is Sarah Dalton, his second wife. They live in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, and have three children together.

Was Bernard Sumner married before Sarah Dalton?

Yes. Sumner was first married to Sue Barlow from October 28, 1978, until their divorce in 1989. They had one son, James Christopher, born in 1983.

How many children does Bernard Sumner have?

Sumner has four children: James Christopher (born 1983) from his first marriage, and Dylan Christian (1992), Tess Iona (1994), and Finley Emil (2003) with Sarah Dalton.

What song did Bernard Sumner write about his divorce?

Sumner's 1989 divorce from Sue Barlow is reflected in New Order's song "Round & Round," released on the album Technique that same year.

What bands has Bernard Sumner been in?

Sumner was the guitarist of Joy Division (1976-1980), the singer and guitarist of New Order, and a member of Electronic (with Johnny Marr) and Bad Lieutenant.

Also see: Peter Hook's wife and Stephen Morris's wife.