Bernard Sumner Biography

Joy Division is formed, originally named Warsaw, the band consists of Ian Curtis (vocals and guitar), Bernard Sumner (guitar and keyboards), Peter Hook (bass guitar and vocals), and Stephen Morris (drums and percussion)

Sumner and Hook attend a Sex Pistols show at the Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall, only 35 to 40 people are in attendance, but that night has been credited with igniting the Manchester music scene

The band rename themselves Joy Division in late 1977, borrowing their new name from the prostitution wing of a Nazi concentration camp in the 1965 novel The House of Dolls

Joy Division contribute two tracks recorded with producer Martin Hannett to the compilation double 7" EP A Factory Sample, the first release by Tony Wilson's record label Factory Records

The band begin recording their debut album Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios, producer Martin Hannett contributes significantly to the final sound

Joy Divisions is renamed New Order, reborn as a three piece with Sumner assuming vocal duties; the group later recruited Morris girlfriend Gillian Gilbert to round out the lineup on keyboards. After the suicide of Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division reform as New Order

After the suicide of Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division reform as New Order

With Martin Hannett again producing, the band record their second album Closer Britannia Row Studios