Joy Division

Joy Division formed in Salford (near Manchester, England) as an immediate reaction to punk: to be precise, singer Ian Curtis, guitarist Bernard Sumner and bassist Peter Hook decided to pursue music as a direct result of seeing the Sex Pistols famously play at Manchester's Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976. Forming eventually as a foursome (with drummer Stephen Morris) in 1977, Joy Division would become one of the most influential guitar bands of the period, as well as spawning the equally influential band New Order following the suicide of singer Curtis.

After building a small local following they released their debut album Unknown Pleasures in June 1979. A masterpiece of gothic bass-led atmospherics, with a distinct sense of foreboding, it was a monumental release for post-punk guitar music and laid a blueprint for gothic-rock. It was loved by music critics and remains a firm favourite among music fans, although it's gloomy mood has never lent it mainstream commercial appeal.

The band built up a cult following by touring the UK and Europe, and in March 1980 recorded their second album. The following month, Ian Curtis attempted suicide by taking an overdose of barbiturates. His epilepsy had been getting worse and his marriage was deteriorating; he was also feeling stressed by the pressure of being in a band and having other peoples' jobs dependent on his work. Although he was taken to hospital in time, it was a warning sign that was not heeded. In May, on the eve of an American tour, Curtis hanged himself. He was 23.

The following month Joy Division released the single they are best known for: "Love Will Tear Us Apart". Everything they ever recorded was given a new resonance by Curtis' death, and this song reached Number 13 in the UK charts. It has since been appraised by the NME as the best single of all time. The following month they released Closer, the album that had been recorded in April. It was met with similar acclaim from the music press and is still regarded as a classic. Joy Division fans often debate about which of their two studio albums is superior.

Joy Division had agreed that they would change their name if any member left the band. After Curtis' suicide, Sumner, Hook and Morris reformed under the name New Order, and went on to be one of the most influential bands of the 80s.