On May 2, 1980 Joy Division played its last concert. In front of about 300 fans at High Hall, a dining commons at a residence hall of Birmingham University in England, singer Ian Curtis and his band performed 11 songs.
A few weeks later, the troubled frontman and songwriter hung himself in his home, in part due to the anxiety he felt over his rocky romantic relationship and forthcoming North American tour – the band’s first. After Curtis’ death, the remaining members would regroup and form New Order.
Joy Division opened the Birmingham show with a live debut of a new song, “Ceremony,” which would become a staple in New Order’s set. On a setlist recovered by a fan, the song was merely called “New One,” alluding to the fact the tune had not been named yet. But almost immediately the group knew it was special.
“It was probably the only Joy Division song that I played repeatedly on cassette,” drummer Stephen Morris said. New Order would play the song over 400 times during their career and bassist Peter Hook would perform it over 500 times with his group The Light. It has been covered by several groups including Radiohead and Galaxie 500.
read more at: Setlist.fm