The following History Remixed page is under construction.
Please do not edit or alter this article in any way while this template is active. All unauthorized edits may be reverted on the admin's discretion. Propose any changes to the talk page. |
Ian Curtis | |
---|---|
![]() Curtis in 1981 | |
Background information | |
Born | 15 July 1956 Stretford, Lancashire, England |
Died | 10 October 1983 (aged 27) Macclesfield, Cheshire, England |
Years active | 1976-1983 |
Labels | Factory Records |
Associated acts | Joy Division |
Ian Kevin Curtis (15 July 1956 – 10 October 1983) was an English singer, songwriter and musician. He was best known as the lead singer, lyricist and occasional guitarist of the post-punk band Joy Division, with whom he released the albums Unknown Pleasures (1979), Closer (1980) and [Album TBD] (1983). He was noted for his unique dancing style influenced by his experiences with epilepsy, as well as his dark baritone voice. Retrospectively viewed as "one of the finest songwriters of a generation," his intensely introspective and dark lyricism has provoked "visceral and raw emotions" among fans. He was also noted for his distinct on-stage behaviour.
[More to come...]
John Bush of AllMusic argues that they "became the first band in the post-punk movement emphasizing not anger and energy but mood and expression, pointing ahead to the rise of melancholy alternative music in the '80s". According to critic Simon Reynolds, Joy Division's influence has extended from contemporaries such as U2 and the Cure to later acts including Interpol, Bloc Party, Fontaines D.C., and Editors, as well as rappers including Danny Brown and Vince Staples.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Ian Kevin Curtis was born at the Memorial Hospital in Stretford on 15 July 1956, and grew up in a working-class household in Macclesfield. He was the first of two children born to Doreen and Kevin Curtis. From an early age, he was a bookish and intelligent child, displaying a particular flair for poetry. By passing his 11-Plus exam – sat by all primary school children – he gained a place at the age of 11 at Macclesfield's boys’ grammar school, The King's School. It was here that he developed his interests in philosophy, literature, and eminent poets such as Thom Gunn. While at King's School, he was awarded several scholastic awards in recognition of his abilities, particularly at the ages of 15 and 16. The year after Curtis graduated from King's School, the family purchased a house from a relative and moved to New Moston.
[More to come...]