Billy Corgan’s Take on Joy Division’s Influence
Most discussions regarding the most influential band of the 20th century typically commence with the Beatles. However, during a recent taping of the podcast Track Star*, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan proposed an intriguing alternative for the runner-up position.
Insights from Track Star*
The Track Star* podcast focuses on conversations with various artists, exploring their perspectives and musical preferences. In this episode, Corgan delved into a variety of acts, sharing his unique tastes and influences.
Joy Division: Corgan’s Choice for Second Most Influential Act
As the host played a snippet of Joy Division’s iconic track “Disorder,” Corgan couldn’t help but dance before making his bold statement. “So I’ve argued for a good 20 years that probably outside of the Beatles, Joy Division is the most influential rock band of the 20th century,” he declared.
He elaborated, “I think it sort of speaks for itself. They sort of crystallized post-punk in a way that no bands ever did and they became the template for so many bands that followed.”
Corgan further analyzed Joy Division’s distinct sound, noting, “It’s pop music not made for a pop market, and that’s why people are still listening. But where does that music go? They had what, one big song, maybe, which is ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart.’ But I just think they’re one of the greatest bands of all time, and it’s such an easy case for me to make that I don’t know how to make it.”
He continued, “Important bands like the Beatles and Velvet Underground and Joy Division create a template by which other bands can create their own music. They’re basically ripping those bands off in an unskilled way, but you don’t necessarily hear the influence. So there’s 400 Joy Division bands, but you wouldn’t necessarily hear it. Even if they’re trying to imitate Joy Division, they kind of really can’t. That’s where it gets weird. You can hear Beatles influences in people, but you can’t necessarily hear Joy Division influences.”
A Brief History of Joy Division
Unfortunately, Joy Division’s time in the limelight was short-lived. The band formed in Salford, England, in 1976 after Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook met at a Sex Pistols concert.
During their brief career, they released two seminal albums—1979’s Unknown Pleasures and 1980’s Closer. The band garnered a dedicated following in the United States, largely due to college radio airplay.
Tragically, just as they were set to embark on a tour in 1980, lead singer Ian Curtis took his own life. The remaining members went on to form New Order, which would achieve massive success in the ’80s and early ’90s. Both bands were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year but did not secure induction.
Corgan emphasized Joy Division’s far-reaching influence, noting that bands like U2, The Cure, OMD, Tears for Fears, Husker Du, Future Islands, and even Soundgarden have cited them as significant inspirations.
Conclusion
Billy Corgan’s assertion that Joy Division ranks as the second most influential band of the 20th century highlights the band’s profound impact on music and culture. Despite their brief existence, Joy Division laid the groundwork for countless artists and genres, ensuring their legacy endures in the fabric of modern music.
FAQs
What is the significance of Joy Division in music history?
Joy Division is credited with crystallizing the post-punk sound and influencing many subsequent bands across various genres, making them a pivotal force in music history.
How many albums did Joy Division release?
Joy Division released two albums: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980).
What happened to Joy Division after Ian Curtis’s death?
After the tragic death of Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division formed the band New Order, which went on to achieve significant success in the alternative rock scene.
Who are some bands influenced by Joy Division?
Many bands have cited Joy Division as an influence, including U2, The Cure, OMD, Tears for Fears, Husker Du, Future Islands, and Soundgarden.
