Joy Division's sonic legacy bursts into life once more as they announce the monumental 'Eternal (Live)' box set – a treasure trove of unheard recordings that will leave fans breathless. The Manchester post-punk pioneers, whose music has left an indelible mark on British rock, are set to transport listeners back in time with this comprehensive collection.
The sheer scale of the project is awe-inspiring: 16 live performances from across their tumultuous career are being meticulously compiled for the first time. Spanning fan-recorded cassettes, soundboard recordings, and broadcast archives, these 14 CDs have been lovingly restored at London's Abbey Road Studios – a name synonymous with sonic excellence.
One of the most poignant moments in Joy Division's history is featured within 'Eternal (Live)': their final performance at High Hall in Birmingham in 1980. Fans will be on the edge of their seats as they experience these previously unseen recordings, including two full gigs from Hope & Anchor and Acklam Hall – previously unheard treasures that add to the box set's irresistible allure.
And it doesn't stop there! Three more rare recordings from The Factory, Lyceum, and the Moonlight Club (April 2nd) make their debut on 'Eternal (Live)', providing a fresh cache of material for even the most dedicated Joy Division enthusiasts. But that's not all – two DVDs boast over two and a half hours of electrifying performance footage, accompanied by a re-edited version of 'Joy Division – A Malcolm Whitehead Film', which plunges viewers into the heart of their live shows.
Each box set comes in a stunning 12" x 12" lift-off lid package featuring striking artwork from Warren Jackson, Peter Saville, Howard Wakefield, and Brett Wickens, with a breathtaking cover photograph by Wolfgang Tillmans. Liner notes from celebrated poet Simon Armitage and photographs by Anton Corbijn and Kevin Cummins add an extra layer of depth to the collection, providing historical context and visual artistry.
Fans can already sample what's in store for them as 'Transmission (Les Bains Douches, Paris)' is available now – a tantalising taste of the box set's sonic riches. Get ready to immerse yourself in Joy Division's timeless soundscapes once more.