This moniker was derived from the 1955 novel The House of Dolls, which featured a Nazi concentration camp with a sexual slavery wing called the "Joy Division".
Ian Kevin Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) was an English singer-songwriter and musician.
Rap artists such as Danny Brown and Vince Staples have cited the band as an influence. ==Early life== Curtis was born on 15 July 1956, at the Memorial Hospital in Stretford, Lancashire, and grew up in a working-class household in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. ===Film portrayals=== Curtis was portrayed by Sean Harris in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, which dramatised the rise and fall of Factory Records from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Ian and Deborah initially became friends and then began dating in December 1972, when both were 16 years old.
He later worked as a civil servant in Woodford, Greater Manchester although, at his request, approximately one year later Curtis was posted to Macclesfield's Employment Exchange, where he worked as an Assistant Disablement Resettlement Officer. On 23 August 1975, Curtis married Deborah Woodruff, to whom he was introduced by a friend, Tony Nuttall.
Shortly thereafter, in May 1977, the couple moved into their own house in Barton Street, Macclesfield, with one of the rooms of the property becoming colloquially known between the couple as Curtis‘s "song-writing room". ==Joy Division== At a July 1976 Sex Pistols gig at Manchester's Lesser Free Trade Hall, Curtis encountered three childhood school friends named Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Terry Mason.
Shortly thereafter, in May 1977, the couple moved into their own house in Barton Street, Macclesfield, with one of the rooms of the property becoming colloquially known between the couple as Curtis‘s "song-writing room". ==Joy Division== At a July 1976 Sex Pistols gig at Manchester's Lesser Free Trade Hall, Curtis encountered three childhood school friends named Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Terry Mason.
The group then unsuccessfully attempted to recruit several drummers before selecting Stephen Morris in August 1977.
According to Tony Wilson, Curtis spent the few hours before his suicide watching Werner Herzog's 1977 film Stroszek and listening to Iggy Pop's 1977 album The Idiot.
Music journalist Paul Morley wrote Joy Division, Piece by Piece, writing about Joy Division 1977–2007; it was published in late 2007.
The band was later managed by Rob Gretton, who—having already seen Joy Division perform live at local venues such as Rafters—offered to become their manager in 1978. Initially, the band named themselves "Warsaw", from the title of a song on David Bowie's then-recent album Low, but as this name somewhat conflicted with that of a London-based group named "Warsaw Pakt" they renamed themselves "Joy Division".
The cover of the band's first EP depicted a drawing of a Hitler Youth beating a drum and the A-side contained a song, "Warsaw", which was a musical retelling of the life of Nazi leader Rudolf Hess. After founding Factory Records with Alan Erasmus, Tony Wilson signed the band to his label following its first appearance on the TV music show he hosted, So It Goes, in September 1978.
This appearance had been largely prompted by an abusive letter sent to Wilson by Curtis and saw the band play the song "Shadowplay". While performing with Joy Division, Curtis became known for his quiet and awkward demeanour and a unique dancing style often reminiscent of the epileptic seizures he began experiencing in late 1978.
He became a vegetarian—likely at Honoré's behest—although he was known to have consumed meat when not in her presence. ===Epilepsy=== Curtis began suffering epileptic seizures in late 1978; he was officially diagnosed with the condition on 23 January the following year, with his particular case being described by doctors as so severe, his "life would [be] ruled to obsolescence by his severe epilepsy" without the various strong dosages of medications he was prescribed.
They had one child, a daughter named Natalie, born on 16 April 1979.
Initially, Curtis played Sumner's Shergold Masquerader, but in September 1979 he acquired his own guitar, a Vox Phantom VI Special which had many built-in effects used both live and in studio.
Curtis used the guitar on Joy Division's early 1980 European tour and in the video for "Love Will Tear Us Apart". ==Personal life== ===Relationships=== Curtis' widow has claimed that, in October 1979, Curtis began conducting an affair with the Belgian journalist and music promoter Annik Honoré, whom he had first met at a gig held in Brussels that month.
On each occasion it became apparent a particular prescribed medication failed to control Curtis's seizures, his doctor would prescribe a different anticonvulsant and his wife noted his being "full of renewed enthusiasm" that this particular formulation would help him bring his seizures under control. Throughout 1979 and 1980, Curtis's condition gradually worsened amid the pressure of performances and touring, with his seizures becoming more frequent and more intense.
Following the birth of his daughter in April 1979, because of the severity of his medical condition, Ian was seldom able to hold his baby daughter in case he compromised the child's safety. At the time of the recording of the band's second album, Curtis's condition was particularly severe, with him enduring a weekly average of two tonic-clonic seizures.
Throughout Joy Division's live performances in 1979 and 1980, Curtis collapsed several times while performing and had to be carried off stage.
Shortly after Curtis's death, Bernard Sumner inherited the Vox Phantom VI Special guitar Ian Curtis had acquired in September 1979; he used this instrument in several early New Order songs, including the single "Everything's Gone Green". ===Tributes=== Numerous New Order songs reference or pay tribute to Curtis.
Ian Kevin Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) was an English singer-songwriter and musician.
Curtis used the guitar on Joy Division's early 1980 European tour and in the video for "Love Will Tear Us Apart". ==Personal life== ===Relationships=== Curtis' widow has claimed that, in October 1979, Curtis began conducting an affair with the Belgian journalist and music promoter Annik Honoré, whom he had first met at a gig held in Brussels that month.
On one occasion in 1980, Curtis asked Bernard Sumner to make a decision on his behalf as to whether he should remain with his wife or form a deeper relationship with Honoré; Sumner refused.
On each occasion it became apparent a particular prescribed medication failed to control Curtis's seizures, his doctor would prescribe a different anticonvulsant and his wife noted his being "full of renewed enthusiasm" that this particular formulation would help him bring his seizures under control. Throughout 1979 and 1980, Curtis's condition gradually worsened amid the pressure of performances and touring, with his seizures becoming more frequent and more intense.
In one incident, at a concert held before almost 3,000 people at the Rainbow in Finsbury Park in April 1980, the lighting technicians at the venue—contrary to instructions given to them by Rob Gretton prior to the gig—switched on strobe lights midway through Joy Division's performance, causing Curtis to almost immediately stagger backwards and collapse against Stephen Morris's drum kit in the throes of an evident seizure.
Throughout Joy Division's live performances in 1979 and 1980, Curtis collapsed several times while performing and had to be carried off stage.
The final song Curtis performed on stage with Joy Division prior to his death was "Digital". ===Depression and initial suicide attempt=== Following Curtis's first definite suicide attempt on 6 April 1980, Tony Wilson and his partner, Lindsay—expressing deep concerns as to Joy Division's intense touring schedule being detrimental to Curtis's physical and mental well-being—invited him to recuperate at their cottage in Charlesworth in Derbyshire.
While there, he is known to have written several letters to Honoré, proclaiming his love for her as he recuperated. By early 1980, Curtis's marriage to Deborah was floundering, as she had commenced divorce proceedings after he had failed to cease all contact with Honoré.
Hook also claimed that, prior to the release of the 2007 documentary Joy Division, a specialist in epilepsy had viewed the combination of drugs that Curtis had been prescribed for his condition and expressed concerns about the drugs' safety. Curtis's body was cremated at Macclesfield Crematorium on 23 May 1980 and his ashes were buried at Macclesfield Cemetery.
The message, which appeared shortly after the singer's death in 1980, is repainted whenever it is painted over.
The instrumental track "Elegia", released in 1985, was also written in his memory, while the 2002 song "Here to Stay" was dedicated to Curtis as well as Rob Gretton and Martin Hannett. Joy Division labelmates the Durutti Column paid tribute to Curtis in the form of "The Missing Boy", which appeared on their 1981 album LC.
The instrumental track "Elegia", released in 1985, was also written in his memory, while the 2002 song "Here to Stay" was dedicated to Curtis as well as Rob Gretton and Martin Hannett. Joy Division labelmates the Durutti Column paid tribute to Curtis in the form of "The Missing Boy", which appeared on their 1981 album LC.
In 1990, Psychic TV released "I.C.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. ===Film portrayals=== Curtis was portrayed by Sean Harris in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, which dramatised the rise and fall of Factory Records from the 1970s to the 1990s.
In 1999, the post-hardcore band Thursday released a song titled "Ian Curtis" on their debut album, Waiting, while in 2003, Xiu Xiu released the track "Ian Curtis Wishlist" on their second album, A Promise. Deborah Curtis has written a biographical account of their marriage, Touching from a Distance, which was first published in 1995.
In 1999, the post-hardcore band Thursday released a song titled "Ian Curtis" on their debut album, Waiting, while in 2003, Xiu Xiu released the track "Ian Curtis Wishlist" on their second album, A Promise. Deborah Curtis has written a biographical account of their marriage, Touching from a Distance, which was first published in 1995.
The instrumental track "Elegia", released in 1985, was also written in his memory, while the 2002 song "Here to Stay" was dedicated to Curtis as well as Rob Gretton and Martin Hannett. Joy Division labelmates the Durutti Column paid tribute to Curtis in the form of "The Missing Boy", which appeared on their 1981 album LC.
Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover. ===Film portrayals=== Curtis was portrayed by Sean Harris in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, which dramatised the rise and fall of Factory Records from the 1970s to the 1990s.
In 1999, the post-hardcore band Thursday released a song titled "Ian Curtis" on their debut album, Waiting, while in 2003, Xiu Xiu released the track "Ian Curtis Wishlist" on their second album, A Promise. Deborah Curtis has written a biographical account of their marriage, Touching from a Distance, which was first published in 1995.
A nearby wall on the same street on 4 January 2005 was originally emblazoned "Ian Curtis RIP", later modified to read "Ian Curtis RIP Walk in Silence" along with the incorrect dates "1960–1980".
Authors Mick Middles and Lindsay Reade released the book Torn Apart: The Life of Ian Curtis in 2006.
Wilson later said that it was likely that Curtis saw his act of suicide as somewhat altruistic. In a 2007 interview with The Guardian, Stephen Morris expressed regret that nobody had realised during Curtis's life the distress he was in, even though it was evident in his lyrics.
Hook also claimed that, prior to the release of the 2007 documentary Joy Division, a specialist in epilepsy had viewed the combination of drugs that Curtis had been prescribed for his condition and expressed concerns about the drugs' safety. Curtis's body was cremated at Macclesfield Crematorium on 23 May 1980 and his ashes were buried at Macclesfield Cemetery.
Music journalist Paul Morley wrote Joy Division, Piece by Piece, writing about Joy Division 1977–2007; it was published in late 2007.
In 2007, a British biographical film titled Control about Curtis was released.
Sam Riley, the lead singer of the band 10,000 Things, portrays Curtis, while Samantha Morton plays his wife, Deborah. Control was debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2007 and took three awards at the Directors' Fortnight.
On 10 September 2009, the wall was painted over by Wellington City Council's anti-graffiti team.
The wall was chalked back up on 16 September 2009.
The wall was repainted on 17 September 2009, and has been removed and repainted on and off.
Honoré claimed in a 2010 interview that although she and Curtis had spent extensive periods in each other's company, their relationship had been a platonic one. Curtis's bandmates later recollected that he began to become slightly "lofty" and distant from them after he had become acquainted with Honoré, who was demanding of his time and attention.
In October 2020, in line with Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival Headstock, a large mural depicting a black and white portrait of Ian Curtis was painted on the side of a building on Port Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter by street artist Aske. In 2012, Curtis was among the British cultural icons selected by artist Peter Blake to appear in a new version of the Beatles' Sgt.
In a 2013 Guardian interview, Genesis P-Orridge claimed to be the last person with whom Curtis spoke before his death.
A new and improved design, with correct dates and the original "Walk in Silence", was painted on the wall on 27 February 2013.
Control portrays Curtis's secondary school romance with Deborah, their marriage, his problems balancing his domestic life with his rise to fame, his struggles with both his major depressive issues and his poorly medicated epilepsy and his later relationship with Annik Honoré. ===77 Barton Street=== In 2014, the house in which Curtis ended his life went on sale.
A central "mowing" stone used to hold floral tributes was reported stolen from the grave in August 2019. ==Legacy== ===New Order=== Shortly after Curtis's cremation, Sumner, Hook and Morris—strongly aided by Rob Gretton—formed a new band.
In October 2020, in line with Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival Headstock, a large mural depicting a black and white portrait of Ian Curtis was painted on the side of a building on Port Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter by street artist Aske. In 2012, Curtis was among the British cultural icons selected by artist Peter Blake to appear in a new version of the Beatles' Sgt.
All text is taken from Wikipedia. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License .
Page generated on 2021-08-05