JOY DIVISION
Name: Joy Division
Origin: Salford, Greater Manchester, England
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater
Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis
(vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter
Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion).
Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences, developing
a sound and style that helped pioneer the post-punk movement of the late 1970s.
According to music critic Jon Savage, the band "were not punk but were directly
inspired by its energy." Their self-released 1978 debut EP, An Ideal for
Living, caught the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony
Wilson. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on
Wilson's independent record label Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim
from the British press. Despite the band's rapid success, vocalist Ian Curtis
was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving
marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. Curtis found it increasingly difficult
to perform at live concerts, and often had seizures during performances.
In May 1980, on the eve of the band's first American tour, Curtis, overwhelmed
with depression, committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second
album, Closer, and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's
highest charting releases. After the death of Curtis, the remaining members
reformed as New Order, achieving significant critical and commercial success.
Name: Joy Division
Origin: Salford, Greater Manchester, England
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater
Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis
(vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter
Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion).
Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences, developing
a sound and style that helped pioneer the post-punk movement of the late 1970s.
According to music critic Jon Savage, the band "were not punk but were directly
inspired by its energy." Their self-released 1978 debut EP, An Ideal for
Living, caught the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony
Wilson. Joy Division's debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on
Wilson's independent record label Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim
from the British press. Despite the band's rapid success, vocalist Ian Curtis
was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving
marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. Curtis found it increasingly difficult
to perform at live concerts, and often had seizures during performances.
In May 1980, on the eve of the band's first American tour, Curtis, overwhelmed
with depression, committed suicide. Joy Division's posthumously released second
album, Closer, and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the band's
highest charting releases. After the death of Curtis, the remaining members
reformed as New Order, achieving significant critical and commercial success.