Joy Division

Iconic British Post-Punk Band

Joy Division was an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris. Joy Division rapidly became one of the pioneering bands of the post-punk movement with their dark, melancholic sound and introspective lyrics. Their debut album "Unknown Pleasures," released in 1979, was met with critical acclaim and is now considered a classic of the post-punk genre. Tragically, on the eve of their first North American tour in May 1980, Ian Curtis took his own life. The remaining members were deeply affected by his death but chose to continue making music under a new name, New Order. Joy Division's second and final album, "Closer," was released posthumously two months after Curtis's death and also received critical praise. The compilation album "Total: From Joy Division to New Order" was released in 2011 and features tracks from both bands, highlighting the transition and evolution of their music after Curtis's passing. Joy Division's influence has endured over the decades, with their music continuing to inspire numerous artists across various genres.