Ian Curtis documentary podcast released as part of ‘Death of a Rock Star’ series
A brand new documentary episode focusing on the legacy of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis is being released as part of the Death of a Rock Star podcast series.
A brand new documentary episode focusing on the legacy of Joy Division lead singer Ian Curtis is being released as part of the acclaimed Death of a Rock Star podcast series.
The Crowd-produced show has covered the lives and deaths of some of the world’s greatest music icons – including Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington, Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, multitalented singer Amy Winehouse, and Beatles star John Lennon.
But the latest episode focuses on the brooding, baritone Joy Division musician who helped put Manchester on the map.
Curtis’ bewitching vocal talent and twitching dance moves thrust his band into the limelight in the late seventies – turning the world’s attention towards a working-class northern city in England.
But Joy Division would only ever release two studio albums.
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Curtis tragically committed suicide on 18 May 1980 – just hours before the band were set to embark on a huge tour of America.
He was only 23.
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Ian Curtis’ legacy is being explored in new episode of Crowd’s podcast series Death of a Rockstar / Image: R~P~M via Flickr
More than 40 years on, he remains one of the most seminal and enigmatic figures in Mancunian music – setting a bar which young local musicians still aspire to reach today.
The new episode of Death of a Rockstar tracks the life of Curtis, delves deep into his psyche, and investigates what made the singer quite so special.
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The synopsis reads: “Some bands could be from anywhere. You can’t hear their home in the bassline, feel the streets and skies in the guitars.
“But Joy Division and Ian Curtis are pure Manchester – an old town, a new town, a city that tears down the past and falls into the future.”
You can download and listen to the Ian Curtis episode of the ‘Death of a Rock Star’ podcast online here.
Death of a Rock Star is also available on Spotify, Apple and Google.
Music
Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Music
BBC is back looking for more Mancs to test their music knowledge and win £10,000
Emily Sergeant
Consider yourself a music fan? Spend your days with tunes on in the background? Would you be able to identify a song within the first couple of seconds?
Well, this might be your chance to win £10,000 then.
Once again, the BBC is back casting for the next series of its smash-hit competition show The Hit List, where contestants get their music knowledge put to the ultimate test, and the broadcaster is now looking for people from across Greater Manchester to apply and be in with the chance of winning a massive pot of cash.
The Hit List, presented by popstar couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes, sees three pairs of music-lovers go up against each other.
Across three rounds, the contestants attempt to identify huge hits from across the years, and the three teams must prove their ability to recognise songs from across all genres of music, both artist and song title, if they want to take home the win.
A casting call for the next series of The Hit List on the BBC website reads: “Could your love of music win you a £10,000 cash prize? We are looking for lively pairs of contestants to take part.”
Any one can apply to take part in the show, but producers and casting directors say they would particularly love to hear from couples, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, best mates, and parent and offspring.
“Anything goes, as long as you love your music and know your hits,” the casting call concludes.
Anyone who applies to the show must be a legal UK resident, and be available for potential filming dates in early March 2026 up in Glasgow.
The Manc -
15th March 2021 
