Joy Division formed in 1977 in Manchester. The band dissolved in May 1980 after the suicide of its lead singer, Ian Curtis.
Though they only released two albums, Joy Division have since been acclaimed as one of the most inventive, evocative and influential groups of the post-punk era.
In April 1979, the band began recording their landmark debut album Unknown Pleasures. Whereas most punk rock bands had been extroverted and aggressive, Joy Division were more introverted and personal. Despite their insularity, however, their music could be very aggressive, chaotic and at times even violent.
Despite the fact that Unknown Pleasures was selling well and receiving good reviews from the music press, all was not well. Curtis, who suffered from epilepsy, would often have onstage seizures that resulted in unconsciousness and convulsions, or absence seizures that would cause brief trance-like pauses. Even after disposing of their lightshow, Curtis would still have these problems; and the band decided to rest over the Christmas holiday.
In January 1980, Joy Division set out on a European tour. Several dates were cancelled due to Curtis's deteriorating health.
They released their most famous song, "Love Will Tear Us Apart" in April.
Following a one-off gig in early May, the band took a two weeks' rest before their first American tour. At the time, Curtis's relationship with his wife was collapsing. On May 17, 1980, Curtis hanged himself.
The band had long decided that if any one of them left or was unable to perform for any reason, they would end the band.
The surviving members immediately toured and soon recorded new music. Eventually renaming themselves "New Order".
Mirror
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Joy Division, pride of Manchester Jul 21
PixelKied
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Unknown pleasures Apr 13
Bianca Boo :D
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whoever made this account is officially my fuckin hero joy division are amazing. RIP Ian Curtis Dec 22
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Anyone who is a fan of Joy Division should watch the movie Control. It's about Ian Curtis. Aug 13
_ _ kertis x_ _
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i have been brought up listening to these guys and at my 10 b day new order sang love will tare us apart 2 me coz i was names afer ian curtis dats y i fucking love these guys and there from manchester they will always rock in my heart x x x x x Jul 02
projectile ellie
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i love you guys May 27
CloudOfSunsets
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I wish I\'d been alive when Joy Division was... Feb 04
Cait
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Joy division is and will always be the ultimate. hands down. Jan 13
xpinnedseparatex
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...I think I\'m scared for my life now. That\'s why I avoid flashing lights; so I don\'t seize! Ohhh...may his memory rest in peace. Sep 24
xpinnedseparatex
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...I think I\'m scared for my life now. That\'s why I avoid flashing lights; so I don\'t seize! Ohhh...may his memory rest in peace. Sep 24
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you guys were an awesome goth band. Aug 06
Oh__bird
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i love you a whole lot :D Jan 04
NERDFOLIFE
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i want to thank Joy Division not only for theyre amazing, and outstanding music,But for helping me get over my mothers suicide....Thank you Joy Division RIP ian curtis Jun 03
NERDFOLIFE
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i want to thank Joy Division not only for theyre amazing music, but for helping forget about my mom commiting suicide..thank you joy division R.I.P Ian Curtis Jun 03
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