Ian Curtis died on 18th May 1980. Forty years on he is as important, if not more so, than ever. He took his own life in his kitchen at the age of 23. As a person who experienced epilepsy and consequent depression and as a person who saw himself much more as a poet than a lead singer in a band (very similar to one of his boyhood inspirations Jim Morrison) Curtis struggled with the limelight. His apprehension about a forthcoming tour of the US and his infidelity are also identified as key acts in what turned out to be the ultimate tragedy.
John Peel announcing Ian’s death:
Alongside other band members Stephen Morris, Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner, Curtis had formed the band Joy Division in Salford in 1976. The band’s style gave a very honest reflection of the crumbling working class urban culture of Greater Manchester at that time. Dark, dismal and devoid of any glitz it devoured the young and old alike.
Ian took this experience in to his lyrics as the other band members did with the sound and chord progressions. Their music was honest unlike much of what came after them which rode on the crest of the materialism wave. The days when music was an end in itself not merely a means.
A couple of weeks before Joy Division were due to fly to the US Ian was interviewed by a man going by the name of ‘Spyda’ from the Burnley Musician’s Collective. He it is in its entirety with little or no clue given as to what would occur in the weeks ahead.
Perhaps the most telling line from Ian is that the music will only last whilst it has meaning and significance. No gravy train mentality here.
For Ian the future was short. However, for his legacy it was immeasurable. His and the band’s influence have resulted in numerous artists… that continue, like them, to inspire.
While Ian was alive Joy Division released just one album ‘Unknown Pleasures’ whilst their second album ‘Closer’ was released a short time after Ian’s death. Later came the classic live album ‘Still’.
Here are just some of Joy Division’s songs that continue to galvanise musicians/music lovers everywhere.
Transmission
Isolation
Disorder
Dead Souls
And almost certainly the song that put the band on the map of classics
The rest of the band went on to form New Order after Ian’s death with their most important track being the 12″ vinyl of Blue Monday. Ian died on the Sunday whilst playing The Idiot by Iggy Pop. The next day was a Monday. A very blue Monday.
Jason Cridland
