Joy Division

Joy Division were an English rock (Rock music) band formed in 1976 in Salford (Salford, Greater Manchester), Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals and occasional guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (Stephen Morris (musician)) (drums and percussion (percussion instrument)).

Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences, to develop a sound and style that pioneered the post-punk movement of the late 1970s. According to music critic Jon Savage, the band "were not punk but were directly inspired by its energy". Their self-released 1978 debut EP (Extended play), An Ideal for Living, caught the attention of the Manchester television personality Tony Wilson. Joy Divisions debut album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979 on Wilsons independent record label Factory Records, and drew critical acclaim from the British press. Despite the bands growing success, vocalist Ian Curtis was beset with depression and personal difficulties, including a dissolving marriage and his diagnosis with epilepsy. Curtis found it increasingly difficult to perform at live concerts, and often had seizures during performances.

In May 1980, on the eve of the bands first American tour, Curtis, overwhelmed with depression, committed suicide. Joy Divisions posthumously released second album, Closer (Closer (Joy Division album)) (1980), and the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart" became the bands highest charting releases. After the death of Curtis, the remaining members reformed as New Order, achieving critical and commercial success.