15 – 21 May

On 18 May, 1980, Ian Curtis, vocalist of pioneering post-punk group Joy Division, hung himself in his Macclesfield home at the tender age of 23. His death came just days before Joy Division were scheduled to begin their first US tour. He left behind a lasting musical legacy and inspired many tribute songs throughout time, from Factory Records label mates New Order and Josef K, as well bands like U2 and The Cure.

The lyrics to the song ‘Digital’ take on an eerie resonance, since it was the last song ever performed live by Ian Curtis.

Later that week, 21 May, 1980 ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ was released and went on to become the biggest grossing film of the year, just as its predecessor, ‘Star Wars’, did three years before. Heroes, villians, romance, action, robots, spaceships – it’s got it all.