Joy Division on purevolume™

Indie / Alternative

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".