1978, England and the world were recovering after the initial short lived onslaught that was punk rock. Granada TV showcased the Manchester four piece Joy Division on their program. To many of the unsuspecting viewers this was just another 'band'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzTw4PYfROU
Joy Division became one of the most influencing sounds to the modern day music that we all know and love. The dark and twisted vocals of Ian Curtis, who was a sufferer of bi-polar and crippling epilepsy and the constantly evolving musical trio of Sumner, Hook and Morris took the band to the edge of worldwide stardom. But it all stopped in may 1980 when the talented Curtis succumbed to his demons and took his own life on the eve of their maiden American tour.
From the ashes of Joy Division, the three remaining members Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris made a pact to dismantle Joy Division and become New Order. In the early years the band struggled to step out of the massive shadow that had been cast by Joy Division. Creatively New Order needed to develop their sound from the raw, dark, driving sound that they had produced in the factory studios of the industrial Manchester music scene.
New Order also became a major influence to many bands and musicians over the last two and a half decades. New Order developed their dance synth style from the New York club scene in the early 1980's and became one of the biggest selling bands of the eighties and nineties. To many musicians and fans of music worldwide worldwide the legacy that was Joy Division/ New Order had a profound effect on the music we listen to this day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVdheR0bUwI
The bands first single 'Ceremony' was written in the days before Curtis' death. Although Sumners vocals struggle to find their purpose, the music had started to bloom with life and harmony. It is an amazing moment in the history of modern music that I find inspirational, and enjoy it every time I hear it as many others do.
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