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[2023] Why Did Joy Division Change Their Name to New Order?
Are you a fan of Joy Division’s dark and brooding post-punk sound? If so, you may be curious about why the band decided to change their name to New Order. In this article, our team at Synth Pop™ will dive deep into the history and reasons behind this iconic name change. We’ll explore the band’s early days as Warsaw, their transformation into Joy Division, and the eventual rebirth as New Order. So grab your favorite synth-pop album and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Quick Tips and Facts
- Stiff Kittens, Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks
- Warsaw and the Rotating Door of Drummers
- Joy Division and An Ideal for Living
- New Order from the Ashes
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- Reference Links
Quick Answer
Joy Division changed their name to New Order after the tragic death of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. The band members felt that a fresh start was necessary and wanted to distance themselves from the dark and somber image associated with Joy Division. The name “New Order” was chosen to symbolize the band’s new direction and sound.
Quick Tips and Facts
- Joy Division was formed in 1976 in Manchester, England.
- The band’s original name was Warsaw, inspired by the David Bowie song “Warszawa.”
- Joy Division’s music was characterized by its dark, introspective lyrics and atmospheric sound.
- Ian Curtis, the band’s lead singer, tragically took his own life in May 1980.
- The remaining members of Joy Division formed New Order shortly after Curtis’ death.
- New Order embraced a more electronic and dance-oriented sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines into their music.
Stiff Kittens, Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks
Before we dive into the name change, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to explore the early days of Joy Division. The band was originally formed in 1976 under the name Warsaw, taking inspiration from the David Bowie song “Warszawa.” However, they soon discovered that another band with the same name already existed, so they decided to change it.
The band briefly considered the name “Stiff Kittens” before settling on “Joy Division.” The name “Joy Division” was derived from a term used during World War II to describe groups of Jewish women forced to provide sexual services to German soldiers in concentration camps. While the name may seem controversial, the band members felt that it encapsulated the dark and intense nature of their music.
Warsaw and the Rotating Door of Drummers
During their time as Warsaw, the band went through a series of lineup changes, including multiple drummers. This revolving door of drummers would continue even after the name change to Joy Division. The band eventually settled on a lineup consisting of Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums).
Joy Division and An Ideal for Living
Under the name Joy Division, the band gained a cult following and released their debut album, “Unknown Pleasures,” in 1979. The album showcased their unique blend of post-punk and dark, atmospheric sound. Joy Division’s music was characterized by Curtis’ haunting vocals, Sumner’s atmospheric guitar work, Hook’s melodic basslines, and Morris’ precise drumming.
Tragically, in May 1980, Ian Curtis took his own life at the age of 23. His death shocked the music world and left his bandmates devastated. In the wake of this tragedy, the remaining members of Joy Division decided that a name change was necessary to mark a new chapter in their musical journey.
New Order from the Ashes
After the death of Ian Curtis, the band members regrouped and formed New Order. The name “New Order” was chosen to symbolize a fresh start and a departure from the dark and somber image associated with Joy Division. The band embraced a more electronic and dance-oriented sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines into their music.
New Order’s debut album, “Movement,” was released in 1981 and marked the beginning of their new musical direction. The album showcased a blend of post-punk and electronic influences, with tracks like “Dreams Never End” and “Truth” capturing the band’s evolving sound.
Over the years, New Order continued to experiment with their sound, incorporating elements of synth-pop, dance, and alternative rock. They achieved commercial success with songs like “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith,” solidifying their status as one of the pioneers of electronic music.
FAQ
Why is the band called New Order?
The band chose the name “New Order” to signify a fresh start and a departure from the dark and somber image associated with Joy Division. It represented a new direction and sound for the band.
Why did Joy Division change their name?
Joy Division changed their name to New Order after the tragic death of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. The band members felt that a fresh start was necessary and wanted to distance themselves from the dark and somber image associated with Joy Division.
Read more about “Why Joy Division Changed Their Name to New Order [2023]”
What is the connection between Joy Division and New Order?
New Order was formed by the remaining members of Joy Division after the death of Ian Curtis. While there is a clear connection between the two bands, New Order embraced a more electronic and dance-oriented sound, distinguishing themselves from Joy Division’s post-punk sound.
Read more about “Why Joy Division Changed Their Name to New Order [2023]”
What other bands were influenced by Joy Division and New Order?
Joy Division and New Order have had a significant influence on the alternative and electronic music scenes. Many bands and artists, such as The Killers, Interpol, and LCD Soundsystem, have cited Joy Division and New Order as major influences on their music.
Read more about “When Did New Order Split? [2023]”
Conclusion
The name change from Joy Division to New Order marked a significant turning point in the band’s history. It represented a fresh start and a departure from the dark and somber image associated with Joy Division. New Order went on to become one of the most influential and innovative bands in the electronic music scene, leaving a lasting impact on the music world.
So, whether you’re a fan of Joy Division, New Order, or both, take a moment to appreciate the evolution and transformation of these iconic bands. And remember, change can often lead to incredible new beginnings.
Recommended Links
- Shop Joy Division and New Order merchandise on: Amazon | Walmart | Etsy
- Explore more iconic synth-pop songs on Synth Pop™
- Discover the best of 80s synth-pop on Synth Pop™
- Learn about modern synth-pop artists on Synth Pop™
Reference Links
