Joy Division Places of Interest

Places of Interest

Listed here are places which were significant in terms of the band's career. These are organised as follows:

Places in Manchester
Places in North-West England
Places in the rest of England
Places in continental Europe

Ian Curtis's Macclesfield (opens another web site)

Places in Manchester

T J Davidson's Rehearsal Studio, Little Peter Street, Knott Mill, M15

A disused warehouse converted into a rehearsal studio complex by Tony Davidson, owner of the TJM record label. This venue (which had retained all the atmosphere and acoustics of a disused warehouse!) was used regularly by Joy Division as well as by TJM artists. The promo video for Love Will Tear Us Apart was recorded here.

The Electric Circus, Collyhurst Street, M40

A dilapidated former bingo hall which was Manchester's punk epicentre during the Warsaw period. The band's first public performance was at the Electric Circus on 29th May 1977. The venue closed on 2nd October 1977, with Warsaw among many local bands taking part in two farewell concerts, excerpts from which were captured on the Short Circuit compilation.

Rafters, 65 Oxford Street, M1

Warsaw played several gigs in their early career at Rafters, where Rob Gretton was the resident DJ. The club, now the Music Box, was in the basement of what was then Fagins. Rafters hosted the Stiff Records/Chiswick Challenge on 14th April 1978 when, as Joy Division, the band impressed Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson.

The Squat, Devas Street, M15

An old building in the university area which once housed a music school, this was another venue where Warsaw played regularly in 1977. The building has since been demolished and the site is now a car park.

Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, M4

Joy Division played here several times in 1978 and 1979. Previously a pub called the George and Dragon, this developed into a major jazz venue. In the late 1970s, Monday night each week was given over to emerging local bands.
See Band on the Wall Web Site

The Russell Club, Royce Road, Hulme, M15

The site of Tony Wilson's club The Factory, where Joy Division (and other Factory bands) played on several occasions. The name is spelt Russel on Peter Saville's posters, but Russell by many other people who knew it well. Before and after the Factory era it was a reggae venue, also known as the PSV Club.

Pips, 55 Fennel Street, M4

A complex with several dance floors where the band played their first gig as Joy Division on 25th January 1978 (although they were advertised as Warsaw).

Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, M2

Concerts here by the likes of Lou Reed and the Sex Pistols provided inspiration to Joy Division. On 3rd July 1979 the band were on stage rather than in the audience.

The Mayflower Club, Birch Street, West Gorton, M12

Joy Division participated in the Funhouse Festival "Stuff the Superstars" Special at this dingy club on 28th July 1979. The Mayflower building, which is no longer standing, at one time housed the Corona cinema.

Apollo Theatre, Stockport Road, Ardwick, M12

Joy Division's two performances here on 27th/28th October 1979 are featured on the video Here Are The Young Men. The building, described as an "Art Moderne palace", dates from 1938 and has been used as a cinema as well as a concert venue.

The Osborne, 255 Oldham Road, Oldham Road, M4

Joy Division headlined a benefit concert here on 7th February 1980. The name of the venue, which doubled as a roller disco, is spelled Osbourne (or New Osbourne as the original burned down in the 1950s) in some listings. Apparantly also known as the New Electric Circus and The Venue.

Arrow Studios, 6 Jackson's Row, M2

The recording sessions for Joy Division's proposed (but unreleased) RCA album were held here in May 1978. Arrow was owned by Greendow, who also owned Indigo Studios.

Central Sound Studios, 91 St James Street, M1

The setting for Joy Division's first attempt to record the Transmission single in July 1979.

Rare Records, John Dalton Street, M2

Ian Curtis worked here and developed his musical interests before his marriage.

Sunley Building, Piccadilly Plaza, M1 and
Washington House, New Bailey Street, M3

Ian Curtis worked in these locations for the Training Services Division of the Manpower Services Commission before transferring to the Macclesfield JobCentre (see biography page for details). Deborah Curtis also worked nearby.

Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, M3

The cathedral and the surrounding streets feature in Joy Division photos from 1979.
See Manchester Cathedral Web Site

The Hacienda Club, Whitworth Street, M1

Although it came after the Joy Division era, this extravagant venue was closely associated with New Order and with Factory. A former yacht showroom converted at great expense into a high-tech disco, it opened in May 1982 and closed in June 1997.

Places in North-West England

The King's School, Cumberland Street, Macclesfield

This was the school in Macclesfield attended by Ian Curtis and Stephen Morris. At the time Ian lived with his parents in a flat at 11 Park View, overlooking Victoria Park.
See King's School Web Site

77 Barton Street, Macclesfield

The home of Ian and Deborah Curtis during the Joy Division era, where Ian did much of his writing, and where he died on 18th May 1980.
See Ian Curtis's Macclesfield for detailed info

St Thomas's Church, Henbury, near Macclesfield

Ian and Deborah Curtis were married in this church on 23rd August 1975.

Macclesfield Crematorium, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield

Ian Curtis was cremated here on 23rd May 1980. The memorial stone which was erected by Deborah Curtis (and which is often incorrectly called a "gravestone") bears the words Love Will Tear Us Apart.
See Ian Curtis's Macclesfield for detailed info

Salford Grammar School, Eccles Old Road, Salford

This was the school attended by Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner (then known as Bernard Dicken) and their friend Terry Mason. It has been known as Buile Hill High School for many years now.

Pennine Sound Studios, Ripponden Road, Oldham

This was the setting for early Warsaw recording sessions for the Warsaw Demo and An Ideal For Living, and for later Joy Division sessions (including the "Pennine" version of Love Will Tear Us Apart). It later changed its name to Mirage Studios. The studio building was an old church, which was demolished in the 1990s.

Cargo Studios, Kenion Street, off Drake Street, Rochdale

Tracks for the Factory Sample and Licht und Blindheit were recorded here. Peter Hook later became part owner of the studio, which was renamed Suite 16 in 1985.
Click here for photos

Strawberry Recording Studios, Waterloo Road, Stockport

This became one of the major recording venues in the North of England, and was notable as the base of 10cc. Unknown Pleasures was recorded here in April 1979 with Martin Hannett producing. Strawberry was also used to record Transmission and Love Will Tear Us Apart. The studio later converted to film and video production.
See a history of Strawberry Studios

Bowdon Vale Youth Club, Bowdon, Altrincham

Joy Division's gig here on 14th March 1979 was one of their first live performances to be recorded. It was also filmed, and featured in the Factory Flick. The name is often incorrectly spelt as Bowden.

86 Palatine Road, West Didsbury

The home of Alan Erasmus, where Factory Records established their headquarters in 1979 and where they remained until 1990.

Eric's, Mathew Street, Liverpool L2

Close to the site of the legendary Cavern, Eric's club was the scene of Warsaw's first gig with Steve Morris on drums, and of several other performances in the band's early career. Eric's usually had a Saturday matinee at 5pm for those under 18, followed by the evening performance. The club closed in 1980.

The Warehouse, St Johns Place, off Church Street, Preston

A multi-level music and dance venue which hosted a Joy Division concert on 28th February 1980. This performance was captured on several bootleg albums, despite some PA problems, and was eventually released on the Preston live album. The venue was known as Raiders for a time, but later reverted back to The Warehouse.

Derby Hall, Market Street, Bury

A very chaotic gig was held here on 8th April 1980, when Ian Curtis played little part due to ill health. The Victorian building, originally commissioned by the Earl of Derby, now houses a theatre and concert venue known as The Met.

Other Places in England

Maida Vale Studios, Delaware Road, London W9

Joy Division's two John Peel Sessions for BBC radio were recorded here. Previously an ice-rink, the site was converted into a major BBC studio complex in the 1930s.
See BBC Web Site which has a John Peel page

Britannia Row Studios, 35 Britannia Row, Islington, London N1

This was the recording venue for the Closer sessions with Martin Hannett in March 1980. The building was owned by Pink Floyd, who had converted it into a recording studio and storage facility for their equipment.

Electric Ballroom, Camden High St, London NW1

This vast dance hall was the setting for two major Joy Division concerts. The first on 31st August 1979 drew 1,200 people, Joy Division's largest audience. The second on 26th October 1979 came during a break in the Buzzcocks tour.

Hope And Anchor, Upper Street, Islington, London N1

This pub staged Joy Division's first appearance in London on 27th December 1978.

Marquee Club, Wardour Street, Soho, London W1

This small club was London's leading live music venue for many years until it closed in 1988. Joy Division played here on 4th March 1979 as support for The Cure.

The Moonlight Club, West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6

The scene of three Joy Division gigs on 2nd/3rd/4th April 1980. The version of Sister Ray which appears on Still was recorded here

Nashville Rooms, North End Road, West Kensington, London W14

Now the Famous Three Kings, this pub venue hosted many rock and punk concerts in the 1970s. Joy Division played there twice, in August and September 1979. After one of these gigs, the van carrying Peter Hook, Terry Mason and the band's equipment was hit by truck on the journey home.

Rainbow Theatre, Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London N4

The Buzzcocks/Joy Division tour ended here with two performances on 9th/10th November 1979. Joy Division also performed at a benefit concert for Stranglers' lead singer Hugh Cornwell on 4th April 1980. A major London concert venue at the time, and formerly the Astoria cinema, the building is now owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

Lyceum Ballroom, Wellington Street, Strand, London WC2

Another important London venue where Joy Division shared top billing for a major concert on 29th February 1980. An old building which has had many uses, the ballroom closed in 1985 and the Lyceum is now a theatre.

Queen's Hall, Swinegate, Leeds

John Keenan's "Science Fiction Music Festival" (aka Futurama '79) was held here in September 1979. Joy Division appeared on the opening day. This former tram depot was used as an exhibition centre, market and concert hall before being demolished in 1989. The site is now a car park although there are plans for development.

High Hall, Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham

This University of Birmingham hall of residence was the scene of Joy Division's final performance on 2nd May 1980, which was captured on the double album Still. The building was later renamed Chamberlain Hall.

Places in Continental Europe

Raffinerie du Plan K, Rue de Manchester, Bruxelles, Belgium

This former sugar refinery was the scene of two Joy Division concerts: on 16th October 1979 where the main act was American author William S Burroughs, and on 17th January 1980 during the European tour.

Les Bains Douches, Rue du Bourg-L'Abbé, Paris, France

Once a Turkish bath, this was the setting for a Joy Division concert on 18th December 1979 which was broadcast live on French radio and captured on many bootlegs. Nine tracks were eventually released on an official live album in 2001.

Paradiso Club, Weteringschans, Amsterdam, Netherlands

A former church regarded as the rock temple of the Netherlands, this was the venue for one of the most heavily booted Joy Division concerts on 11th January 1980. Several tracks from this concert were officially released in 2001.
See Paradiso Web Site (in Dutch)

Cultureel Centrum De Effenaar, Dommelstraat, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Another Joy Division concert which produced many bootleg recordings was held here on 18th January 1980.
See Effenaar Web Site (in Dutch)

The Basement, Christuskirche, Herwarthstrasse, Köln, Germany

Situated in the converted basement of an old church, this venue has interesting acoustics from the arched and vaulted crypt. It was the scene of a notable Joy Division concert on 15th January 1980.

Kant Kino, Kantstrasse, Berlin, Germany

Despite their interest in things German, Joy Division performed only twice in Germany. Their European tour ended in this Berlin cinema on 21st January 1980.

Cimitero di Staglieno, Piazzale Resasco, Genova, Italy

The marble monuments in this vast cemetery provided the inspiration for the cover artwork for Closer and Love Will Tear Us Apart.
See Cimitero di Staglieno Web Site and Comune di Genova Web Site (in Italian)



Places of Interest

Listed here are places which were significant in terms of the band's career. These are organised as follows: Places in Manchester Places in North-West England Places in the rest of England Places in continental Europe Ian Curtis's Macclesfield (opens another web site)

Places in Manchester

T J Davidson's Rehearsal Studio, Little Peter Street, Knott Mill, M15 A disused warehouse converted into a rehearsal studio complex by Tony Davidson, owner of the TJM record label. This venue (which had retained all the atmosphere and acoustics of a disused warehouse!) was used regularly by Joy Division as well as by TJM artists. The promo video for Love Will Tear Us Apart was recorded here. The Electric Circus, Collyhurst Street, M40 A dilapidated former bingo hall which was Manchester's punk epicentre during the Warsaw period. The band's first public performance was at the Electric Circus on 29th May 1977. The venue closed on 2nd October 1977, with Warsaw among many local bands taking part in two farewell concerts, excerpts from which were captured on the Short Circuit compilation. Rafters, 65 Oxford Street, M1 Warsaw played several gigs in their early career at Rafters, where Rob Gretton was the resident DJ. The club, now the Music Box, was in the basement of what was then Fagins. Rafters hosted the Stiff Records/Chiswick Challenge on 14th April 1978 when, as Joy Division, the band impressed Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson. The Squat, Devas Street, M15 An old building in the university area which once housed a music school, this was another venue where Warsaw played regularly in 1977. The building has since been demolished and the site is now a car park. Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, M4 Joy Division played here several times in 1978 and 1979. Previously a pub called the George and Dragon, this developed into a major jazz venue. In the late 1970s, Monday night each week was given over to emerging local bands. See Band on the Wall Web Site The Russell Club, Royce Road, Hulme, M15 The site of Tony Wilson's club The Factory, where Joy Division (and other Factory bands) played on several occasions. The name is spelt Russel on Peter Saville's posters, but Russell by many other people who knew it well. Before and after the Factory era it was a reggae venue, also known as the PSV Club. Pips, 55 Fennel Street, M4 A complex with several dance floors where the band played their first gig as Joy Division on 25th January 1978 (although they were advertised as Warsaw). Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, M2 Concerts here by the likes of Lou Reed and the Sex Pistols provided inspiration to Joy Division. On 3rd July 1979 the band were on stage rather than in the audience. The Mayflower Club, Birch Street, West Gorton, M12 Joy Division participated in the Funhouse Festival "Stuff the Superstars" Special at this dingy club on 28th July 1979. The Mayflower building, which is no longer standing, at one time housed the Corona cinema. Apollo Theatre, Stockport Road, Ardwick, M12 Joy Division's two performances here on 27th/28th October 1979 are featured on the video Here Are The Young Men. The building, described as an "Art Moderne palace", dates from 1938 and has been used as a cinema as well as a concert venue. The Osborne, 255 Oldham Road, Oldham Road, M4 Joy Division headlined a benefit concert here on 7th February 1980. The name of the venue, which doubled as a roller disco, is spelled Osbourne (or New Osbourne as the original burned down in the 1950s) in some listings. Apparantly also known as the New Electric Circus and The Venue. Arrow Studios, 6 Jackson's Row, M2 The recording sessions for Joy Division's proposed (but unreleased) RCA album were held here in May 1978. Arrow was owned by Greendow, who also owned Indigo Studios. Central Sound Studios, 91 St James Street, M1 The setting for Joy Division's first attempt to record the Transmission single in July 1979. Rare Records, John Dalton Street, M2 Ian Curtis worked here and developed his musical interests before his marriage. Sunley Building, Piccadilly Plaza, M1 and Washington House, New Bailey Street, M3 Ian Curtis worked in these locations for the Training Services Division of the Manpower Services Commission before transferring to the Macclesfield JobCentre (see biography page for details). Deborah Curtis also worked nearby. Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, M3 The cathedral and the surrounding streets feature in Joy Division photos from 1979. See Manchester Cathedral Web Site The Hacienda Club, Whitworth Street, M1 Although it came after the Joy Division era, this extravagant venue was closely associated with New Order and with Factory. A former yacht showroom converted at great expense into a high-tech disco, it opened in May 1982 and closed in June 1997.

Places in North-West England

The King's School, Cumberland Street, Macclesfield This was the school in Macclesfield attended by Ian Curtis and Stephen Morris. At the time Ian lived with his parents in a flat at 11 Park View, overlooking Victoria Park. See King's School Web Site 77 Barton Street, Macclesfield The home of Ian and Deborah Curtis during the Joy Division era, where Ian did much of his writing, and where he died on 18th May 1980. See Ian Curtis's Macclesfield for detailed info St Thomas's Church, Henbury, near Macclesfield Ian and Deborah Curtis were married in this church on 23rd August 1975. Macclesfield Crematorium, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield Ian Curtis was cremated here on 23rd May 1980. The memorial stone which was erected by Deborah Curtis (and which is often incorrectly called a "gravestone") bears the words Love Will Tear Us Apart. See Ian Curtis's Macclesfield for detailed info Salford Grammar School, Eccles Old Road, Salford This was the school attended by Peter Hook and Bernard Sumner (then known as Bernard Dicken) and their friend Terry Mason. It has been known as Buile Hill High School for many years now. Pennine Sound Studios, Ripponden Road, Oldham This was the setting for early Warsaw recording sessions for the Warsaw Demo and An Ideal For Living, and for later Joy Division sessions (including the "Pennine" version of Love Will Tear Us Apart). It later changed its name to Mirage Studios. The studio building was an old church, which was demolished in the 1990s. Cargo Studios, Kenion Street, off Drake Street, Rochdale Tracks for the Factory Sample and Licht und Blindheit were recorded here. Peter Hook later became part owner of the studio, which was renamed Suite 16 in 1985. Click here for photos Strawberry Recording Studios, Waterloo Road, Stockport This became one of the major recording venues in the North of England, and was notable as the base of 10cc. Unknown Pleasures was recorded here in April 1979 with Martin Hannett producing. Strawberry was also used to record Transmission and Love Will Tear Us Apart. The studio later converted to film and video production. See a history of Strawberry Studios Bowdon Vale Youth Club, Bowdon, Altrincham Joy Division's gig here on 14th March 1979 was one of their first live performances to be recorded. It was also filmed, and featured in the Factory Flick. The name is often incorrectly spelt as Bowden. 86 Palatine Road, West Didsbury The home of Alan Erasmus, where Factory Records established their headquarters in 1979 and where they remained until 1990. Eric's, Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 Close to the site of the legendary Cavern, Eric's club was the scene of Warsaw's first gig with Steve Morris on drums, and of several other performances in the band's early career. Eric's usually had a Saturday matinee at 5pm for those under 18, followed by the evening performance. The club closed in 1980. The Warehouse, St Johns Place, off Church Street, Preston A multi-level music and dance venue which hosted a Joy Division concert on 28th February 1980. This performance was captured on several bootleg albums, despite some PA problems, and was eventually released on the Preston live album. The venue was known as Raiders for a time, but later reverted back to The Warehouse. Derby Hall, Market Street, Bury A very chaotic gig was held here on 8th April 1980, when Ian Curtis played little part due to ill health. The Victorian building, originally commissioned by the Earl of Derby, now houses a theatre and concert venue known as The Met.

Other Places in England

Maida Vale Studios, Delaware Road, London W9 Joy Division's two John Peel Sessions for BBC radio were recorded here. Previously an ice-rink, the site was converted into a major BBC studio complex in the 1930s. See BBC Web Site which has a John Peel page Britannia Row Studios, 35 Britannia Row, Islington, London N1 This was the recording venue for the Closer sessions with Martin Hannett in March 1980. The building was owned by Pink Floyd, who had converted it into a recording studio and storage facility for their equipment. Electric Ballroom, Camden High St, London NW1 This vast dance hall was the setting for two major Joy Division concerts. The first on 31st August 1979 drew 1,200 people, Joy Division's largest audience. The second on 26th October 1979 came during a break in the Buzzcocks tour. Hope And Anchor, Upper Street, Islington, London N1 This pub staged Joy Division's first appearance in London on 27th December 1978. Marquee Club, Wardour Street, Soho, London W1 This small club was London's leading live music venue for many years until it closed in 1988. Joy Division played here on 4th March 1979 as support for The Cure. The Moonlight Club, West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 The scene of three Joy Division gigs on 2nd/3rd/4th April 1980. The version of Sister Ray which appears on Still was recorded here Nashville Rooms, North End Road, West Kensington, London W14 Now the Famous Three Kings, this pub venue hosted many rock and punk concerts in the 1970s. Joy Division played there twice, in August and September 1979. After one of these gigs, the van carrying Peter Hook, Terry Mason and the band's equipment was hit by truck on the journey home. Rainbow Theatre, Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 The Buzzcocks/Joy Division tour ended here with two performances on 9th/10th November 1979. Joy Division also performed at a benefit concert for Stranglers' lead singer Hugh Cornwell on 4th April 1980. A major London concert venue at the time, and formerly the Astoria cinema, the building is now owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Lyceum Ballroom, Wellington Street, Strand, London WC2 Another important London venue where Joy Division shared top billing for a major concert on 29th February 1980. An old building which has had many uses, the ballroom closed in 1985 and the Lyceum is now a theatre. Queen's Hall, Swinegate, Leeds John Keenan's "Science Fiction Music Festival" (aka Futurama '79) was held here in September 1979. Joy Division appeared on the opening day. This former tram depot was used as an exhibition centre, market and concert hall before being demolished in 1989. The site is now a car park although there are plans for development. High Hall, Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham This University of Birmingham hall of residence was the scene of Joy Division's final performance on 2nd May 1980, which was captured on the double album Still. The building was later renamed Chamberlain Hall.

Places in Continental Europe

Raffinerie du Plan K, Rue de Manchester, Bruxelles, Belgium This former sugar refinery was the scene of two Joy Division concerts: on 16th October 1979 where the main act was American author William S Burroughs, and on 17th January 1980 during the European tour. Les Bains Douches, Rue du Bourg-L'Abbé, Paris, France Once a Turkish bath, this was the setting for a Joy Division concert on 18th December 1979 which was broadcast live on French radio and captured on many bootlegs. Nine tracks were eventually released on an official live album in 2001. Paradiso Club, Weteringschans, Amsterdam, Netherlands A former church regarded as the rock temple of the Netherlands, this was the venue for one of the most heavily booted Joy Division concerts on 11th January 1980. Several tracks from this concert were officially released in 2001. See Paradiso Web Site (in Dutch) Cultureel Centrum De Effenaar, Dommelstraat, Eindhoven, Netherlands Another Joy Division concert which produced many bootleg recordings was held here on 18th January 1980. See Effenaar Web Site (in Dutch) The Basement, Christuskirche, Herwarthstrasse, Köln, Germany Situated in the converted basement of an old church, this venue has interesting acoustics from the arched and vaulted crypt. It was the scene of a notable Joy Division concert on 15th January 1980. Kant Kino, Kantstrasse, Berlin, Germany Despite their interest in things German, Joy Division performed only twice in Germany. Their European tour ended in this Berlin cinema on 21st January 1980. Cimitero di Staglieno, Piazzale Resasco, Genova, Italy The marble monuments in this vast cemetery provided the inspiration for the cover artwork for Closer and Love Will Tear Us Apart. See Cimitero di Staglieno Web Site and Comune di Genova Web Site (in Italian)