Disorder and Control

Thirty years ago, on May 18, 1980, radio DJ John Peel announced, “Bad news, lads. Ian Curtis of Joy Division has just died.” Curtis, just 23 years old, hanged himself in his kitchen just days before beginning an American tour. Less than a year later, the posthumously released “Love Will...

By Amanda McCorquodale

May 13, 2010

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Thirty years ago, on May 18, 1980, radio DJ John Peel announced, “Bad news, lads. Ian Curtis of Joy Division has just died.” Curtis, just 23 years old, hanged himself in his kitchen just days before beginning an American tour. Less than a year later, the posthumously released “Love Will Tear Us Apart” topped U.K. charts.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Curtis’ death, a former bandmate, bassist Pete Hook, will perform their debut album, Unknown Pleasures, in its entirety and air previously unseen concert footage at the former Factory Records building in Manchester, England. Sounds freaking awesome, right? But since we live in South Florida and not Manchester, we will gladly settle for Control, the Ian Curtis tribute show at our own English pub, Churchill’s (5501 NE Second Ave., Miami).

Control’s promoter, Ian Michael, says he’s been an Ian Curtis devotee since he heard him choke out “3,5,0,1,2,5 GO!” on “Warsaw.” This Tuesday, Michael has booked local artists who share his adoration for the post-punk poet and for Joy Division’s bleak, brooding beauty: Daysleeper, Xela Zaid, DJ Dracula’s Daughter, DJ Nayra, and Armada! Doors open at 8 p.m., and there’s a $5 cover. Call 305-757-1807, or visit churchillspub.com.
Tue., May 18, 8 p.m., 2010

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