The True Story Of: Joy Division

Joy Division (orginally named 'Warsaw' after capital city of Poland) were an English alternative rock band consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (Guitar and Keyboards), Peter Hook (Bass guitar and Backing vocals) and Sephen Morris (drums and percussion).

Band rapidly evolved from their punk rock roots to develop original sound and style that made them pioneers of 'post-punk'.

The story begins on 20th July, 1976 when the Sex Pistols played at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchaster. If we take a legend as a true story, this gig inspired the Joy Division to buy guitars and form a band.

Ian and his wife Deborah, went to the gig. Ian was interested in music as well as the lyric writing , he also wanted to start a band, unffortunately without success. Curtis already knew Barney and Peter from other gigs they attended in Manchester. When he made contact with them, everything fell into the right places.

'An Ideal For Living' is the title of their self released EP. It draw the attention of Manchester television personality, Tony Wilson. Their debut album „Unknown Pleasures” was released in 1979 together with Tony Wilson's independent label, 'Factory Records'. Along with band 's success, Ian had problems with his depression. He simply lost. He lost to a disease that nobody could cure and that kept him away from live he dreamed about.

In the evening before band's first American tour in May, 1980, Ian Curtis committed a suicide. After his death, Joy Division posthumously released their second album , ' Closer ' (1980) featuring the single 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' that became band's best charting record.

Later members of Joy Division continued their career as 'New Order', achieving commercial and critical success.

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