The Joy Division Top 5 Songs
Remembering the influential Ian Curtis born 68 years ago today
The Joy Division Top 5 Songs
Ian Kevin Curtis was born on July 15, 1956, in Stretford, Lancashire, England. Raised in nearby Macclesfield, Curtis was drawn to the arts from a young age, developing a deep interest in literature and music. This early passion for the written word would later influence his poignant and introspective lyrics.
Curtis’s musical journey began in earnest in 1976 when he met Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook at a Sex Pistols concert. Inspired by the burgeoning punk scene, the trio formed the band Warsaw, later renamed Joy Division. With the addition of drummer Stephen Morris, the lineup was complete, and the band quickly began to gain a following in the Manchester music scene.
Joy Division’s music stood out for its dark, atmospheric sound and Curtis’s haunting baritone voice. The band’s debut album, “Unknown Pleasures,” was released in 1979 to critical acclaim. Produced by Martin Hannett, the album’s innovative production techniques and stark, minimalist aesthetic set it apart from the more straightforward punk rock of the time.
Following the success of “Unknown Pleasures,” Joy Division embarked on a series of high-profile performances and recording sessions. Curtis’s songwriting continued to evolve, with lyrics that delved into themes of alienation, existential despair, and inner turmoil. These themes were often reflective of his personal struggles, including his battle with epilepsy and depression.
Joy Division’s second album, “Closer,” was completed in early 1980 and showcased a more mature and experimental sound. The band’s growing popularity was marked by their intense live performances, which were both mesmerizing and unpredictable, largely due to Curtis’s erratic and often physically demanding stage presence.
Despite the band’s success, Curtis’s personal life was marked by significant turmoil. His health issues, particularly his epilepsy, were exacerbated by the stress of touring and performing. Additionally, his marriage to Deborah Curtis was strained by his extramarital affair with Belgian journalist Annik Honoré. These personal and professional pressures weighed heavily on Curtis, contributing to his deteriorating mental state.
Tragically, Ian Curtis’s life was cut short on May 18, 1980, when he took his own life at the age of 23. He was found at his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, having hanged himself. His death occurred just days before Joy Division was scheduled to embark on their first North American tour and shortly before the release of “Closer.”
Following Curtis’s death, the remaining members of Joy Division formed New Order, achieving great success and continuing to shape the musical landscape. However, the shadow of Curtis’s brief but profound career remains a defining aspect of their history.
The body of work that Joy Division left as legacy continues to influence new generations of Rock and Alternative bands and Curtis’ life was played on screen in the 2007 Anton Corbijn movie “Control”. Celebrating the short, yet, influential Ian Curtis’s life and career here’s the five most popular Joy Division songs.
5 – “Warsaw”, 1978
4 – “Transmission”, 1978
3 – “She’s Lost Control”, 1979
2 – “Atmosphere”, 1980
1 – “Love Will Tear Us Apart”, 1980
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