Joy Division to Release Extensive Live Boxed Set in September
Joy Division's impactful but brief musical journey, cut short by the untimely passing of lead singer Ian Curtis, is set to be honored with a comprehensive collection of live recordings. Despite releasing only two studio albums and a handful of singles, their influence on music genres like goth, and bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead, remains profound. While studio albums were meticulously crafted, their live performances were raw, energetic, and aggressive, showcasing a different facet of their artistry. This upcoming release aims to capture that intensity.
Joy Division's Archival Live Recordings to See Release This September
Rhino Records has announced the forthcoming release of "Eternal (Live)," a substantial boxed set featuring live recordings from the legendary post-punk band, Joy Division. Scheduled for September 25, this collection is anticipated to precede the band's long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The set encompasses 16 live performances spread across 14 CDs, along with two DVDs offering over two and a half hours of concert footage.
This meticulously curated set includes several previously unreleased shows and uncirculated recordings. Notably, the DVDs will feature a never-before-seen Brussels concert and two performances from the Apollo Theatre in Manchester, which were only partially available on VHS in 1982. Additionally, a new edit of "Joy Division – A Malcolm Whitehead Film" will be included. All audio has been expertly remastered at Abbey Road Studios, ensuring optimal sound quality for fans. The set also highlights a memorable broadcast from Amsterdam's Paradiso in January 1980, known for its extended duration due to an unexpected absence of the opening act.
Housed in an elegantly designed 12" x 12" box, the artwork features Wolfgang Tillmans' "Sirius Through a Defocused Telescope, 2023" photography, complemented by contributions from Warren Jackson, Peter Saville, Howard Wakefield, and Brett Wickens. A 16-page booklet accompanies the collection, containing insightful notes by Simon Armitage and evocative photography by Anton Corbijn and Kevin Cummins, among others. The tracklist spans a concise 14-month period from March 1979 to May 1980, underscoring the band's prolific output and varied setlists during their active live phase. In conjunction with this release, an intimate exhibit titled "Ian Curtis: Insight" is currently on display at the Voltz Clarke Gallery in New York City until July 22. This exhibition showcases a personal selection of handwritten lyrics, photographs, letters, and other artifacts from the Ian Curtis archive, preserved at The John Rylands Library at The University of Manchester.
This extensive release of Joy Division's live recordings offers a valuable opportunity to delve into the raw energy and dynamic performances that defined their concerts. For both long-time devotees and new listeners, it provides a crucial historical document, illustrating why their music continues to resonate deeply across generations. The sheer volume of material, much of it previously unavailable or unheard, reinforces the band's status as a formidable live act and a pivotal force in music history. It also serves as a poignant reminder of Ian Curtis's profound lyrical and performative contributions, further solidifying the band's enduring legacy.
