The industrialised sounds of their music coupled with their very working-class aesthetic reflected the modernist characteristics of Manchester during the period: scenery scarred by rubble, poverty, and factory smog cemented the daunting sense of confinement felt by the working-class during this period.

The legacy of Ian Curtis and Joy Division has best been summarised by the late Mark Fisher and his K-Punk alter-ego: Joy Division represented both the experiences of high- modernity whilst signalling the death knell of the period. There seemed to be a universalism to the music and connection to the lyrics which continued to echo with my generation. I often wore a t-shirt of Curtis on nights out at university which sparked many drunken conversations with a range of unsuspecting personalities at the urinal stalls. Whilst it seemed very strange to be listening to Joy Division at 12-years-old, several years later the Unknown Pleasures artwork adorned the chest of every male hipster who shared the same experiences. The feeling of being trapped, so close yet so far, and everything being outside of my control echoed with me from a young age and continues into adulthood. They were certainly a bizarre band for a 12-year-old boy to choose – especially when my peers were listening to songs by 50 Cent, The Rasmus, and Eminem – but I remember being absorbed by Curtis’ lyrics. I can remember receiving shivers down my spine as Curtis yells “ and we could dance!” on their single ‘Transmission’ as I listened through my Walkman on the school bus. I loaned my uncle’s copy of the Heart and Soul collection as Joy Division records were not something to be found amongst my father’s tasteless Robbie Williams, Take That, and George Michael record collections. I was 12 years old at the time and remember being captivated by the soundtrack. I first discovered Joy Division after watching Michael Winterbottom’s 24 Hour Party People (2002), a comedy/drama film documenting the rise and fall of Manchester’s Factory Records. Despite being born 12 years after the passing of their lead singer, the band and Ian Curtis have had a profound influence on shaping my identity and musical tastes. Whilst I am too young to have experienced Joy Division in their lifetime, I felt it appropriate to write this retrospective from the position of someone who has only experienced their posthumous legacy.

Today marks the 40 th anniversary of Ian Curtis’ passing, and many events are being scheduled around the world to celebrate his legacy.

Ian curtis touching from a distance