Closer (Reissue)

I was very fortunate to see Joy Division on Friday 8th February 1980. They were great, but I always thought their lead vocalist Ian Curtis would have a major physical breakdown even then. Anybody who witnessed his performance that night could have told you he appeared to be living out those songs. After all, Iggy Pop was his major influence and it is a miracle he is still alive, let alone performing. It was no surprise when he committed suicide in May 1980, it was "The Idiot" which was the final thing he would ever hear. So it was with a sense of awe and poignancy that I heard this double Cd set after nearly twenty eight years . This is a fine album, and they were a impressive live band. Just listen to the live version of "Passover" for confirmation. There is no point of thinking about a future which never emerged. Joy Division were a magnificent band who will always be frozen in time by a hearbreaking moment on 18th May 1980.....