INTO THE VOID

11th February sees the Region 2 DVD release of Anton Corbijn's CONTROL; a biopic covering the all-too short life of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis. For many of us, JD were a vital band, with their cold, intense music often reaching incredible heights; both live, and in the studio. The DVD will include a commentary track from Corbijn, a making-of featurette, Joy Division's 'Atmosphere' music video (directed by Corbijn) and a photo gallery and trailer. I've just started reading 'Touching From A Distance'; a book written by Curtis' widow Deborah upon which the film is based, and will be taking a look at the DVD, the book and JD in general through February. I'll also be remembering the two occasions I caught Joy Division live; the second of which was the penultimate gig before Ian Curtis committed suicide. It's a heartbreakingly sad story, but also one of celebration, as we remember a band who were often touched by greatness.

I'll always remember Pete Murphy from Bauhaus explaining that on certain nights, it felt like there was an extra band member on stage whose presence could be felt when everything gelled and the band were on fire. Bauhaus had that certain something, along with The Jam, The Clash, The Banshees and a select number of other bands I was privileged to see. Joy Division were one of those groups. To be continued...