Ian Curtis

Ian Curtis
Curtis performing in July 1979 Curtis performing in July 1979
Background information
Birth name	Ian Kevin Curtis
Born	Template:Birth date Stretford, Lancashire, England
Died	Template:Death date and age Macclesfield, Cheshire, England
Genres	Post-punk
Occupations	Singer songwriter musician
Instruments	Vocals guitar melodica
Years active	1976–1980
Labels	Factory
Formerly of	Joy Division
Website	joydivisionofficial.com

Ian Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) 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) and Closer (1980). 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 his 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.

Connections

• The Overload on Remain in Light was influenced by Joy Division's style, with a twist of the band not actually listening to the band and instead emulating them by reading reviews.
• Curtis had an affair with Belgian journalist Annik Honoré, who interviewed David Byrne in 1983.