Joy Division

Joy Division
source
Name	Joy Division
Caption	Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris
Background	group

Joy Division was a highly influential post-punk band from Salford, Greater Manchester, England, formed in 1976 by Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Terry Mason. The band's unique sound was shaped by their experiences growing up in Manchester during the 1970s, surrounded by the city's vibrant music scene, which included bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Damned. Joy Division's music was also influenced by their interest in Krautrock bands like Can, Neu!, and Faust (band), as well as David Bowie and Iggy Pop. The band's early performances were often held at local venues like the Electric Circus (nightclub), where they shared the stage with other notable bands like The Fall (band) and Magazine (band).

History

Joy Division's history began in 1976, when Ian Curtis and Bernard Sumner met at a Sex Pistols concert at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester. They were soon joined by Peter Hook and Terry Mason, and the band started performing live, opening for bands like The Buzzcocks and The Stranglers. In 1977, the band released their debut EP, An Ideal for Living, on the Enigma Records (UK) label, which was followed by their first album, Unknown Pleasures, produced by Martin Hannett and released on Factory Records in 1979. The album received critical acclaim and helped establish the band as a major force in the post-punk movement, alongside bands like The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Wire (band).

Music style and influences

Joy Division's music style was characterized by their dark and introspective sound, which was influenced by a range of sources, including Krautrock, punk rock, and gothic rock. The band's sound was also shaped by their interest in electronic music, particularly the work of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. Ian Curtis's poetic and often abstract lyrics added to the band's unique sound, which was further enhanced by Martin Hannett's innovative production techniques. The band's music was also influenced by their interest in art rock bands like Roxy Music and David Bowie, as well as punk rock bands like The Ramones and The New York Dolls. Other influences included The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, and The Doors, which helped shape the band's dark and moody sound.

Members

The original members of Joy Division were Ian Curtis (vocals, guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar, keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), and Terry Mason (drums). In 1977, Stephen Morris replaced Terry Mason on drums, completing the band's classic lineup. After Ian Curtis's death in 1980, the remaining members of the band went on to form New Order, with Bernard Sumner taking over on vocals. Gillian Gilbert and Phil Cunningham later joined New Order, which became one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s, alongside bands like The Smiths, Depeche Mode, and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Discography

Joy Division released two studio albums during their career: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980). The band also released several singles, including "Transmission", "Atmosphere", and "Love Will Tear Us Apart". After Ian Curtis's death, the band's remaining members released a compilation album, Still (1981), which included several unreleased tracks and live recordings. The band's music has been widely acclaimed and has influenced a range of other artists, including The Cure, Interpol, and The National. Joy Division's discography has been re-released on several occasions, including a series of remastered albums on Rhino Entertainment and Warner Music Group.

Legacy

Joy Division's legacy is immense, with the band's music continuing to influence new generations of artists and fans. The band's dark and introspective sound has been cited as an inspiration by a range of artists, including Nirvana, Radiohead, and Arcade Fire. Joy Division's music has also been featured in several films and television shows, including 24 Hour Party People and Control (2007 film), which was directed by Anton Corbijn and starred Sam Riley as Ian Curtis. The band's story has also been the subject of several books, including Touching from a Distance by Deborah Curtis and Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division by Peter Hook. Joy Division's influence can be heard in a range of genres, from post-punk and gothic rock to indie rock and electronic music, and their music remains a powerful and enduring force in the world of popular music, alongside bands like The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Pink Floyd. Category:English rock music groups