Joy Division in the 1980s
Two albums, one short career, and a permanent shadow cast over post-punk.
Origin: Salford, England · Years active: 1976–1980
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Joy Division — Unknown Pleasures
Vinyl · Album released 1979
Released in 1979, not the 80s — but its stark sound shaped much of the decade's post-punk and new wave.
Peter Hook — Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division
Book
Joy Division's story told from the bass player's side of the stage.
Joy Division T-shirts
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Biography
Joy Division existed for only a few years, but their influence on the 1980s and beyond is impossible to overstate. Ian Curtis's lyrics, Peter Hook's high melodic basslines and Martin Hannett's cavernous production created a sound that would define post-punk and seed gothic rock, indie and dance music alike.
Their 1979 debut Unknown Pleasures (released on Tony Wilson's Factory Records) set the template. By early 1980 the band had toured Europe and recorded their second album.
Closer (1980) was released two months after Ian Curtis's death by suicide in May 1980. 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', released as a single shortly after, became one of post-punk's defining songs.
After Curtis's death, the surviving members became New Order. Joy Division's two-album catalogue continues to inspire generations of bands and artists.
Key 1980s albums
- Closer (1980) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Still (1981) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
Essential songs
- Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980) — 80s songs
- Atmosphere (1980) — 80s songs
- Isolation (1980) — 80s songs
- Ceremony (1980) — 80s songs
Genres
Upcoming concerts
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Joy Division — quick answers
- Who are Joy Division?
- Joy Division — Salford, England, active 1976–1980. Two albums, one short career, and a permanent shadow cast over post-punk.
- What did Joy Division release in the 1980s?
- RADIO 1980 lists 2 albums and 4 essential songs for Joy Division, covering 1980–1981.
- Where can I check shows associated with Joy Division?
- Open the interactive concert directory for current source listings. Check each full event title and provider before booking.
Joy Division in the RADIO 1980 archive
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