Ian Curtis

Still Goosebumps With JOY DIVISION And The Iconic Video For ‘ATMOSPHERE’

Posted on by JL

25 November 2022

Band: JOY DIVISION (1976-1980)
Song: ATMOSPHERE
Released: 1980

The gripping pîece was originally released on 18 March 1980 by French
label Sordide Sentimental as a 7″ single, only available in France and named
“Licht und Blindheit” (German for Light and Blindness). Only 1578 copies were
pressed.

Frontman/lyricist IAN CURTIS – mentally and psychically suffering from epilepsy
and depression – committed suicide on 18 May 1980. Shortly after Atmosphere
came out as a 12″ single (artwork below) It was #1 on the UK Indie Chart.

Still goosebumps after all these years.
Here’s the iconic, Anton Corbijn directed video.

JOY DIVISION: Bio – Discography

IAN CURTIS

Posted on by JL

Stretford, UK 15 July 1956 – Macclesfield, 18 May 1980

Walk in silence
Don’t walk away, in silence
See the danger
Always danger

Endless talking
Life rebuilding
Don’t walk away

Walk in silence
Don’t turn away, in silence
Your confusion
My illusion

Worn like a mask of self-hate
Confronts and then dies
Don’t walk away

People like you find it easy
Naked to see
Walking on air
Hunting by the rivers,
through the streets,
every corner

Abandoned too soon
Set down with due care
Don’t walk away in silence
Don’t walk away

IAN CURTIS: Story


Paris, 1979

15 July 1952/1956 – JOHNNY THUNDERS IAN CURTIS

Posted on by JL

15 July 2021

Two rock icons, born on the same day in different years.
Two eternal legends who were famous for different reasons.
Two broken souls who died away due to different problems.

IAN CURTIS – Born 15 July 1956 – Happy 65!

Ian Kevin Curtis was born on 15 July 1956 in Stretford, Lancashire, (England).
A doom and gloom lyricist, a monumental bass-baritone vocalist, a stunning
live performer, a troubled mind, a desperate soul. The crushing combination
of his epilepsy attacks, depressions and love problems drove him to an untimely
death. He took his own life on 18 May 1980, only 23 years old.

Unforgettable…

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

JOHNNY THUNDERS – Born 15 July 1952 – Happy 69!

John Anthony Genzale was born on 15 July 1952 in Queens, New York. He was a
New York Doll, a Heartbreaker, an inspiring guitarist (absolute idol of the Sex Pistols’
Steve Jones and many other guitar heroes), a 24/7 rock and roll hedonist, a junkie,
a suicidal soul. On 23 April 1991 he played his last chord. Only 38 years old.

Unforgettable…

‘Digital’ By JOY DIVISION – Happy Birthday IAN CURTIS

Posted on by JL

Top singles from the past…

15 July 2020

Band: Joy Division  (Salford, Manchester, UK)
Active: 1975-1980
Track: Digital – part of a 7″ Double EP
called A Factory Sample featuring also
John Dowie, The Durutti Column and Cabaret Voltaire
Released: 24 January 1979

Happy B. Ian Curtis – born 15 July 1956

I feel it closing in
I feel it closing in
Day in, day out
Day in, day out…

Live version…

JOY DIVISION: Facebook

 

MARK LANEGAN And COLD CAVE Cover JOY DIVISION

Posted on by JL

To honor IAN CURTIS, the late iconic and troubled frontman of Manchester’s legends
JOY DIVISION, who took his own life 40 years ago, on 18 May 1980, Los Angeles’ post-
punk act COLD CAVE teamed up with the omnipresent MARK LANEGAN. As renowned connoisseurs of dark Goth-like nightmares themselves, this combo is just perfect for a Curtis tribute.

They picked ISOLATION to cover. Probably the most catchy Joy Division track, but also
a bleak self-reflection of low esteem by the band’s regretted protagonist. I’m pretty sure their choice refers also to the surreal lockdown days we all experience. The Cold Cave / Lanegan rendition is a respectful homage with an equally buzzing drive – rousing bass and glimmering synths – and heavyhearted vocals.

Mother I tried please believe me,
I’m doing the best that I can.
I’m ashamed of the things I’ve been put through,
I’m ashamed of the person I am.

Listen here…