Joy Division fans were left in tears as a huge mural to the band's frontman was unveiled in his hometown of Macclesfield. The mural was officially unveiled by Ian's former bandmate Peter Hook with a crowd of fans in attendance on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the Cheshire town.
The portrait was created by renowned street artist Akse, based on an original photo of Ian taken by Kevin Cummins at a gig at the former Russell Club in Hulme back in 1979. Bass guitarist Hooky said it gave Ian the recognition in his hometown he has long deserved.
Speaking on social media, Hooky said: "I’ve been waiting for a long time to see a tribute to Ian right here in his hometown. At long last recognition of one of its most famous sons."
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Curtis grew up in the town, attending King's School, where he met Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris, and lived in the town until he died at the age of 23. Cheshire East Council funded the new mural, reports Cheshire Live, and it comes 42 years after Curtis' death on the eve of Joy Division's first US tour.
Joy Division are often described as one of the most influential bands of all time, despite only releasing two studio albums. The rest of the band - Hooky, Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris - went on to form New Order and achieve global success.
The mural has been painted by street artist Akse and adorns a building on Mill Street in Macclesfield, just across from the bus station. The Manchester street artist has been spray-painting similar projects over a varied 30-year career.
His recent works include murals of the late British army officer and fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore, and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford MBE, both in Manchester.
After completing his latest project, Akse said: “Although I’ve been working on murals most of my life, it’s still always an incredible feeling to get to the end of the journey – well the end of my journey at least. Now it’s time for the people of Macclesfield to enjoy the mural, as I know how much Ian meant to so many of them.”
Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “Before today, I spoke about how perhaps this beautiful mural has been somewhat overdue but now that I’m here seeing it for myself for the first time, I can say without any doubt that it has truly been worth the wait.
“As I’ve said previously, I am a huge fan of Joy Division – the cultural significance of the band and Ian stretches well beyond my home town of Macclesfield. This is such a proud moment, I’m feeling very emotional about it right now.”
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