Entering as a single inductee, it is their third nomination into the hallowed halls, and only now have they successfully won the ballot. It’s been a source of outrage and cause for debate for years—but it's something The Hall is synonymous with: slighting bands that emerged from the post-80s era. And that's what makes their induction an even bigger cause of elation.
After all, looking at what the two achieved—’Disorder’, ‘Isolation’, ‘Substance’, ‘Power Corruption and Lies’—the list could go on forever. That they are only granted entry now is a slight in itself. For where would music be without the anthemic melancholy of ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ or the hypnotic 4/4 ‘Blue Monday' kick drum beat?
While far from optimistic in their catalogues, subject matter, or histories, the induction of Joy Division and New Order is cause for hopeful optimism—not just for the recognition of two of the biggest innovators of post-punk and new wave music, but recognition of an era often overlooked by The Hall. It's a hopeful signal of more long-overdue acknowledgements to come.
But, perhaps what’s most poignant about this induction (as stated by Peter Hook, former bassist in both bands before his departure in 2007) is how it honours Ian Curtis, lead vocalist and songwriter in Joy Division, who died in 1980. Hook took to Instagram to thank fans and dedicate the award to Curtis, announcing his attendance at the ceremony in November. It’s yet to be confirmed if members of New Order will be in attendance.
While some will (very rightly) see it as a disservice to conflate two entirely worthy bands, in their own right, into one collective entry, one fact remains: it’s about time they got the recognition at all.
Megan-Louise Burnham
Image: Peter Hook by Mark L Hill