Interview: Stephen Morris on Joy Division

Joy Division is the new documentary about the Manchester band behind such seminal albums as Unknown Pleasures and Closer.

Formed in 1976 they consisted of Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion).

They remain one of the most enduring bands of the last 30 years and although their career was cut short by the tragic death of Curtis in 1980, the remaining members went on to form New Order.

Directed by Grant Gee, the documentary features interviews with all the surviving band members and explores the band’s history through never-before-seen live performance footage, personal photos, period films and newly discovered audio.

It also features contributions from the late Factory Records owner Tony Wilson, iconic Factory Records graphic artist Peter Saville, photographer/filmmaker Anton Corbijn, Belgian journalist Annik Honoré (speaking for the first time about her relationship with Ian Curtis) and many other connected with the band.

I recently spoke with the drummer Stephen Morris about the film, how it differs from Control (the biopic that came out last year) and the legacy of the band.

Listen to the interview here:

[audio:http://filmdetail.receptionmedia.com/Stephen_Morris_on_Joy_Division.MP3]

Download it as a podcast via iTunes by clicking here.

Joy Division opens at selected UK cinemas on Friday 2nd May

Check out the trailer here:

> Download this interview as an MP3
> Official site for the Joy Division film
> Find out more about Joy Division at Wikipedia

[Image courtesy of The Works / © Paul Slattery / Retna Ltd.]