On May 18th 1980, prior to Joy Division’s planned American tour, the band’s vocalist Ian Curtis took his own life. His death, while cutting the band’s career distressingly short, also created a massive void in the burgeoning catalogue of post-punk music. A new documentary, simply entitled Joy Division, illuminates the band’s meager beginnings from being punk rock poseurs to becoming one of the seminal bands in the post-punk canon. The band is vividly brought back to life through interviews with those who were there and rare archival footage.
Unknown Pleasures
In 1977, Joy Division began as a punk-influenced band named Warsaw (after a song by David Bowie on his 1977 album Low). The band’s core, Bernard Albrecht (later Sumner) and Peter Hook, were mutually fired up by the Sex Pistol’s legendary performance at Manchester’s Free Trade Hall. The duo met later met Ian Curtis, who they asked to join the band. Curtis was married at age 19, and worked at a civil service office in 1977. Warsaw’s early demos show little promise, and contain none of the intensity and pathos later associated with Joy Division; the sound is more raucous pub rock than punk rock. With the arrival of band manager Rob Gretton and new drummer Stephen Morris, the band worked on improving their sound.
After an infamous, obscenity-laced meeting between Granada Television’s Tony Wilson and Ian Curtis, the band was signed onto Wilson’s brand new label, Factory Records. Factory Records was more of a social experiment than a traditional record label; for example, artists had no “recording contract” and were free to leave as they pleased. Joy Division set upon recording their label debut with record producer Martin Hannett. Hannett’s unusual production values would shape the band’s crystalline yet roaring sound. Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures (1979), embossed with sublime cover art from Peter Saville, won over critics and a large base of devoted fans.
Love Will Tear Us Apart
1979 proved to be a watershed year for the up-and-coming band. Joy Division had become so successful that band members were able to devote their energies solely to the band. However, Ian Curtis had begun to suffer from a severe form of epilepsy, and had also become a father in April 1979. These stresses were further exacerbated by a relentless touring schedule and an affair with Belgian journalist Annik Honoré. After having endured the stresses associated with triangulated relationships and chronic illness, Curtis attempted suicide in April 1980. This attempt was not successful, and Curtis kept up with the band’s punishing schedule through that month.
In May 1980, Joy Division was due to tour the United States, which was a sign of further success to come. However, this tour would never happen; early on May 18th, Ian Curtis set upon the actions which would result in the end of his life. It is refreshing to hear those who knew Curtis defuse the myth of the tragic “man in the raincoat.” For the first time, we can hear the main players in Joy Division’s saga paint a portrait of Ian as a humorous, intelligent, yet thoroughly bewildered young man.
Watching the Reel as it Comes to a Close
Joy Division is the preeminent documentary for fans of the band and those who would like to know more about their music and journey. In addition, the documentary provides excellent insight by those privileged enough to have known the band. Tony Wilson’s input is especially hilarious and poignant, and is a worthy tribute not just to Curtis but to Tony Wilson himself. Joy Division firmly establishes the band’s importance to modern music.
A trailer for the documentary can be seen on YouTube.
Emily Carney - Emily Carney is a freelance writer based in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Emily received a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student ...
