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Genres: Indie / Alternative

Location: England

Stats: 700 fans / 23,596 plays / 0 plays today

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Billboard

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".

Comments

Tabs said:
love Aug 07
James Fraser said:
Hey my name is James. I thought you might like my band called 'The Symptoms.' We're an Indie-Rock band from Lexington MA. Drawing influence from modern bands like The National, Wilco, Explosions in the Sky, MGMT, and Death Cab for Cutie, they utilize varying forms of instrumentation and production to sculpt a unique sound. Check us out at www.purevolume.com/thesymptomslexington or alternatively purchase it on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-symptoms/id431307071?ign-mpt=uo%3D4. Thanks! Apr 23
OldTribes said:
if you like experimental/indie/baroque pop bands then you'll be obsessed with BOYS AND FROGS like me, too....... www.purevolume.com/boysandfrogs Aug 07
psychochris said:
Hey fans check out the movie about Joy Division it's called Control, it's really great and kind of gives you some insight into what he was feeling as the band progressed in popularity. Jul 23
//rickyann said:
best band ever. Jul 12
BARBIEWRONG said:
hey this is mike from BARBIEWRONG, you should check out our single that just came out and get ready for the full album coming out on July 13th. take a second to check out our site thanks! http://www.purevolume.com/BARBIEWRONG -BARBIEWRONG Jun 02
http://twitter.com/Alandeuce said:
im wearing my Unknown Pleasures shirt today woo May 03
Tom said:
someone should put "ceremony" up, it was the last song ian curtis recorded with them Mar 29
Valérie said:
So sad, but so great. Mar 04
Karis said:
love in its finest form :') Dec 06
Mirror said:
Joy Division, pride of Manchester Jul 21
PixelKied said:
Unknown pleasures Apr 13
Premier Amour said:
whoever made this account is officially my fuckin hero joy division are amazing. RIP Ian Curtis Dec 22
said:
Anyone who is a fan of Joy Division should watch the movie Control. It's about Ian Curtis. Aug 13
_ _ kertis x_ _ said:
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