3:21Joy Division: Transmissions | First Reaction to Unknown Pleasures
Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Joy Division
Rare interview footage of Joy Division, curated from across the internet. Browse 5 clips below.
Interviews reveal the person behind the music — their influences, creative process, frustrations, and ambitions. The best music interviews are the candid ones: a backstage chat after a difficult show, a late-night radio session, or a press conference where the artist drops their guard. These clips capture musicians in their own words, often more revealing than any biography.
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in Salford in 1976. The group consisted of vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Ian Curtis, guitarist and keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris. Sumner and Hook formed the band after attending a June 1976 Sex Pistols concert. While Joy Division's first recordings were heavily influenced by early punk rock, they soon dev...
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3:21Stephen Morris, Peter Hook, Joy Division
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Joy Division

Joy Division
The enigmatic and influential Joy Division, a band that left an indelible mark on the music world with their dark, brooding soundscapes and poetic lyrics. Formed in Salford in 1976, the group consisted of Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, each bringing their unique talents to the table. But beyond their music, what drove these individuals? What fueled their creative process, and what were their ambitions for this fledgling band?
The interviews featured on our page offer a rare glimpse into the minds of Joy Division's key members, providing insight into their influences, frustrations, and aspirations. These candid conversations reveal the complexities and nuances of the band's personalities, often more revealing than any biography or official statement.
One clip that stands out is "Joy Division - Ian Curtis Rare Interview", a poignant and introspective conversation with Ian Curtis himself. In this quiet moment, away from the spotlight, Curtis opens up about his inspirations, citing authors like Albert Camus and Franz Kafka, whose existential themes would later seep into Joy Division's music. He also touches on the band's early days, discussing their struggles to find a distinctive sound amidst the burgeoning punk scene.
Another rare interview, "Ian Curtis, Joy Division, very rare interview", offers a similar glimpse into Curtis's thoughts and feelings. In this clip, he reflects on the band's live performances, acknowledging the tension between their desire for artistic expression and the commercial pressures of the music industry. His words are laced with a sense of urgency, as if he's aware that time is running out – a sentiment that would prove tragically prescient.
The "Joy Division - Transmission, She's Lost Control, Interview (Live 'Something Else', BBC, 1979)" clip provides a more energetic and dynamic contrast to the earlier interviews. This press conference-style discussion takes place after a live performance on the BBC's "Something Else" program, with Curtis, Sumner, Hook, and Morris fielding questions from the audience. The atmosphere is lively, with the band members displaying their characteristic wit and humor.
Throughout these interviews, one cannot help but notice the sense of camaraderie among the band members. Despite their individual personalities and creative differences, they seem to share a deep bond, forged through the intense experiences of touring, recording, and performing together. This chemistry is palpable in their interactions with each other, as well as with their interviewer.
As we delve into these interviews, it becomes clear that Joy Division's music was not just a product of their individual talents but also a reflection of their collective struggles and aspirations. Their songs were often born from the darkness and uncertainty they faced, both personally and professionally. By listening to these candid conversations, we gain a deeper understanding of the band's creative process, as well as the human beings behind the music.
These interviews are not just historical artifacts but also a testament to the enduring power of Joy Division's music. Even decades after their dissolution, their songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, speaking to universal themes of love, loss, and existential crisis. In these intimate conversations, we find a glimpse into the minds of the individuals who created this music, offering a more nuanced understanding of the band's legacy and the enduring impact they've had on the world of rock music.
Curated from public records and music databases.