English rock band Joy Division formed in 1976 in Manchester, the band consisted of singer Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bass player Peter Hook, and drummer Stephen Morris. The band wanted to move away from their punk roots and developed a sound and style that made them one of the pioneers of the late-1970s post-punk movement. ‘Unknown Pleasures’ which was Joy Division's debut album was released in 1979 to critical acclaim. In May 1980 before their first world tour, Curtis committed suicide, aged 23. After his death, the remaining members continued as New Order and achieved critical and commercial success. Although Joy Division's career spanned less than four years, the band still continues to exert an influence on a variety of artists today.
