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Julien’s Music Icons Auction Returns With Kurt Cobain Guitar, Beatles Treasures

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

Julien’s Music Icons Auction Returns With Kurt Cobain Guitar, Beatles Treasures

Julien’s Auctions, the world-record-breaking auction house known for its landmark sales of music memorabilia, has announced the return of its acclaimed MUSIC ICONS auction, taking place live May 30 and 31 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, New York.

The auction will offer over 700 lots of stage-played instruments, iconic performance fashion, handwritten lyrics, and personal relics from the most legendary names in music, including Kurt Cobain, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Nirvana, U2, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Freddie Mercury, and The Beatles.

At the heart of this year’s sale is the Julian Lennon Collection, a curated offering of rare Beatles and John Lennon artifacts. Highlights include RIAA Gold record awards for “Hey Jude” & “Revolver” as well as lyrics, animation cels from Yellow Submarine, and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit The White Feather Foundation.

Also featured are:

Kurt Cobain’s 1989 Takamine acoustic-electric guitar used during Nirvana’s 1991 Hilversum Sessions
Dave Grohl’s session-played Remo Acousticon Quadra drum kit
Krist Novoselic’s Warwick Dolphin Pro bass
Iconic guitars from Eddie Van Halen, Jack White, Noel Gallagher, Ronnie Wood, and Joe Perry
Performance-worn looks by Cher (Bob Mackie designs), Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Amy Winehouse

Julien’s will host a free public exhibition of the collection at Hard Rock Cafe New York from May 21–31, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET.

“This year’s Music Icons sale is a celebration of the unforgettable artistry that shaped generations,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “From Kurt Cobain’s guitar to Julian Lennon’s Beatles treasures, this is a landmark moment in cultural history.”

To view the catalog and register to bid, visit juliensauctions.com.

Dolly Parton Expands Food Line With Southern-Inspired Frozen Meals

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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Dolly Parton Expands Food Line With Southern-Inspired Frozen Meals

Today, global icon Dolly Parton announced the expansion of her retail food line in collaboration with Conagra Brands. This exciting launch introduces single-serve frozen meals that bring Dolly’s cherished Southern-inspired favorites to homes across the nation in a convenient, no-hassle format.

The new collection of Dolly Parton’s meals features four comforting, heat-and-eat dishes:

Dolly Parton’s Beef Pot Roast: Tender USDA Choice beef with cuts of carrots, celery, onions, and roasted red potatoes in a rich, savory Southern-style gravy.
Dolly Parton’s Chicken & Dumplings: White meat chicken with thick-cut carrots and celery, paired with fluffy dumplings in a creamy pepper and thyme sauce.
Dolly Parton’s Country Fried Steak: A tender, fried beef patty topped with black pepper and chive country gravy, served alongside chunky mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans with smoky bacon.
Dolly Parton’s Shrimp & Grits: Creamy white cheddar grits with succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a bold, spicy Southern-style sauce.

These meals are crafted to deliver the authentic flavors of Southern cuisine, reflecting Dolly’s commitment to quality and taste. Each meal has a suggested retail price of $4.49 and can be prepared in either the microwave or oven.

“I’ve always believed in the power of a warm, hearty meal, and now with these offerings I’m bringing a little taste of my own Southern favorites to you,” said Dolly Parton. “Whether you’re busy or just craving some quick comfort, I hope these dishes warm your heart as much as your belly!”

This launch builds upon the successful collaboration between Dolly Parton and Conagra Brands, which began in 2022 with a line of baking mixes and frostings under the Duncan Hines brand. The partnership, which is facilitated by IMG Licensing, has since expanded to include a variety of items inspired by Dolly’s Southern roots including Dolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler, a new multi-serve frozen peach cobbler that brings one of her favorite desserts to a broader audience. Dolly Parton’s Biscuit Batter Peach Cobbler has a biscuit batter top that bakes up fresh in the oven, as the peaches and filling are caramelizing underneath. The suggested retail price is $9.99.

“Our partnership with Dolly Parton has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tim Nangle, VP & General Manager at Conagra Brands. “Her genuine love for home-cooked meals and deep connection with fans makes this expansion into frozen foods a natural next step. We’re proud to bring even more of Dolly’s warmth and flavor into homes across the country.”

The new single-serve frozen meals and frozen peach cobbler are now available at major grocery retailers across the United States. For more information and to explore the full range of Dolly Parton food products, visit bakingwithdolly.com.

Live Nation Appoints Richard Grenell to Board of Directors

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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Live Nation Appoints Richard Grenell to Board of Directors

Live Nation Entertainment, the global leader in live events, today announced the election of Richard Grenell to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Grenell brings decades of experience in diplomacy and negotiations, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Acting Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Envoy for Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations and Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Mr. Grenell also currently serves as the President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversees operations and programming at one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions.

His career experience will help support Live Nation’s mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artists.

“We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” said Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”

“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” said Grenell. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow this positive impact of concerts around the world.”

OREO and Selena Gomez Unveil Limited Edition Horchata-Inspired Cookie

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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OREO and Selena Gomez Unveil Limited Edition Horchata-Inspired Cookie

The OREO brand is introducing the Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies, a brand-new OREO cookie that brings together Selena’s passions and fandom into one deliciously dunkable bite.

Selena worked closely with the OREO brand to develop a one-of-a-kind sweet-and-spiced flavor combo. Inspired by her love of horchata, the cookies include a layer of chocolate & cinnamon flavor creme atop a layer of sweetened condensed milk flavor creme with cinnamon sugar inclusions, all sandwiched between two chocolate cinnamon flavored wafers.

“Making my own OREO cookie was a lot of fun. I grew up loving them, so being able to be a part of the process was a full-circle moment,” said Selena Gomez. “I wanted to find a way for it to feel comforting and have a bit of nostalgia from my childhood. The cinnamon flavor gives it this horchata feel, and I’m excited for my fans to try it.”

In addition to curating her personalize OREO flavor, Selena also created six unique embossments designed with her fans in mind, including one that spells out “Selenators.” There’s also one exclusive cookie found in approximately every three packs that features Selena’s classic signature —marking the first time the OREO brand has ever put an autograph on an OREO cookie.

While both the OREO brand and Selena champion self-expression and self-discovery, they know the journey to get there isn’t always easy—especially for young people. To help support youth mental health, the OREO brand is also making a donation to the Rare Impact Fund. Founded by Selena in 2020, the Rare Impact Fund focuses on increasing access to mental health services and education for young people around the world. (To learn more about the Rare Impact Fund, visit rareimpactfund.org.)

The Limited Edition Selena Gomez OREO Cookies will be available for presale in the U.S. starting on June 2 at www.OREO.com/UnwrapTheCollab. The OREO cookies will begin rolling out at retailers nationwide starting on June 9, 2025, and will be available only for a limited time, while supplies last.

The cookie packs will also be available in Canada, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Fans in Canada and Brazil can also find the cookies in stores starting on June 9, 2025, and on June 17th for fans in Australia and New Zealand. Keep your eyes peeled! These packs just might make a surprise appearance in your part of the world.

Fender Launches Free Fender Studio App for Instant Recording and Authentic Amp Tones

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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Fender Launches Free Fender Studio App for Instant Recording and Authentic Amp Tones

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation today announces the launch of Fender Studio, the all-new app for recording, jamming and capturing creativity wherever and whenever it strikes. Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux, Fender Studio is a free tool available for anyone looking to record, practice or just have fun playing along with Jam Tracks. Compatible with audio interfaces on mobile, tablet and desktop devices, Fender Studio makes it easy for players to capture guitar riffs, vocals and more, with just one tap. Packed with powerful tones, Fender Studio is the only app of its kind with authentic Fender amp models.

Building on nearly 80 years of sonic innovation, Fender continues to empower musicians by expanding into the digital space with apps like Fender Studio, providing all the tools needed to create. As the maker of legendary guitars, basses, amps and accessories that have shaped musicians worldwide, Fender continues to revolutionize how artists create and record. Fender Studio adds to the company’s existing digital apps including Fender Play, Fender Tone and Fender Tune to deliver a complete platform where musicians can learn, practice, perform and now record their music. By providing the entire signal chain from instrument to recording, Fender Studio makes recording accessible to guitar players and music creators at every level making it faster to capture and share ideas digitally.

“I’ve always said to the team, anyone should be able to just hit a single button on their phone and be able to start recording,” said Fender CEO Andy Mooney. “We’ve built exactly that. We believe Fender Studio will enable more music creation than ever before by serving the needs of today’s creators and that will drive sustained growth for our company and our industry. I’m proud of what the team has created and can’t wait to hear what gets recorded in Fender Studio.”

Fender Studio shares DNA with the award-winning digital audio workstation, Studio One Pro, offering users access to world class recording, editing and production capabilities. Fender Studio brings this heritage to a mobile-friendly user interface that’s quick and easy to use. Key capabilities include:

One-tap recording: The fastest way to get started without a complicated setup; start recording the moment inspiration strikes.
Authentic Fender amp and effects models: Record and jam with the sound of authentic Fender Mustang and Rumble Series guitar and bass amplifiers. Includes a ’65 Twin Reverb guitar amp Rumble 800 v.3 bass amp, five FX pedals and an integrated tuner—plus six additional amps and effects upon registration for free with a Fender Connect account. Start shaping tones from scratch or use any of the included presets to get to playing quickly and easily.
Jam Tracks: Play along with 20 professionally recorded, fully editable jam tracks—ranging from pop ballads to metal. Each track is a complete multitrack audio session, with options to transpose, mute, solo, speed up or slow down individual parts.
Studio Quality Audio Editing Tools: Dial in the sound of your recordings and mix with Compressor, EQ, Reverb, Delay and fun vocal effects like De-Tuner, Transformer, Ring Modulator and Vocoder.

“Fender Studio represents our continued commitment to providing players and musicians of all levels with great sounding, easy to use recording tools,” said Max Gutnik, EVP & GM of PreSonus, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch and EVH Brands. “Whether you are new to recording or a seasoned pro, Fender Studio delivers authentic Fender tones and intuitive editing capabilities to record, jam, create and inspire, for free. We are super-excited to release Fender Studio and hear all the amazing music it will help bring into the world!”

For guitar players looking to record directly into Fender Studio, Fender’s new pocket sized audio interface, Fender Link I/O, offers easy compatibility. Fender Link I/O provides an exceptional latency-free recording experience allowing guitarists to track and monitor their performance without any delay. Fender Link I/O is built with an input stage designed to replicate the dynamic response of Fender’s world-famous amplifiers, offering high-quality 24-bit / 96kHz audio for studio-level recordings wherever and whenever musicians are inspired. Crafted for guitarists to on-the-go creatives, Link I/O and Fender Studio offer the easiest and quickest way to start recording guitar on mobile or desktop applications. Additionally, Fender Studio works great with a variety of audio interfaces that are compatible across users’ devices.

Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta Unveil Aquatic Spectacle LUDÕ at VidantaWorld

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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Cirque du Soleil and Grupo Vidanta Unveil Aquatic Spectacle LUDÕ at VidantaWorld

Prepare to witness entertainment history as Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and Grupo Vidanta announce the spectacular debut of LUDÕ, the highly anticipated new resident Cirque du Soleil production, now available for general public ticket sales. Premiering December 12, 2025, LUDÕ is Cirque du Soleil’s second-ever aquatic masterpiece since the acclaimed “O,” and is poised to become one of the most extraordinary and innovative shows ever created, seamlessly blending the power and beauty of water with mesmerizing acrobatics, state-of-the-art technology, breathtaking visual effects, live music, and unparalleled luxury gastronomy.

LUDÕ will be showcased within the extraordinary setting of VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park, located just 10 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport in Nuevo Vallarta. BON Luxury Theme Park, the world’s first luxury nature and beach theme park, promises a stunning blend of natural wonders, luxurious amenities, and visionary design. While BON is scheduled to fully open later in 2026, LUDÕ will provide guests with an exclusive early glimpse into the spectacular future of this groundbreaking destination, solidifying VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta as a world-class entertainment landmark.

“LUDÕ represents a bold new era for Cirque du Soleil,” said Daniel Lamarre, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “This production is a testament to what’s possible when two visionary brands—Cirque du Soleil and Vidanta—join forces to elevate live entertainment on a global scale.”

Designed for an unforgettable experience, LUDÕ will be performed in a custom-built, 696-seat theater featuring generously spacious seating, many of which include an exquisite dinner experience. The theater itself is an engineering marvel, equipped with cutting-edge aquatic technology and immersive sound design. From aerial performances and live music to poetic visual effects, each act explores the emotional depth and theatrical power of water as a medium.

“LUDÕ isn’t simply a new show—it’s a revolutionary milestone in global entertainment, born from the visionary partnership between Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil,” said Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “This production celebrates Mexico’s limitless creativity and redefines what audiences can expect from live entertainment. At VidantaWorld, we are incredibly proud to bring such an awe-inspiring and innovative spectacle to the world, right here in Nuevo Vallarta.”

Directed by Michel Laprise, the Creative Guide at Cirque du Soleil, LUDÕ will run year-round with more than 300 performances annually, establishing itself as a must-see attraction for international travelers and Cirque fans alike. “Water is a limitless element—it holds memory, transforms shape, and defies gravity,” said Laprise. “With LUDÕ, we dive into these possibilities and push creative boundaries like never before.”

LUDÕ Experience Tiers
Guests can choose from four ticket options:

VIP Show, Dinner & Champagne – Includes a three-course gourmet dinner, unlimited champagne, early theater access, premium seating, SkyDream Parks Gondola transportation, a welcome cocktail at Ixora Floating Lounge, and a commemorative gift.
Show, Dinner & Champagne – Includes a three-course dinner and half bottle of champagne per adult.
VIP Champagne & Tapas – Balcony seating with a curated selection of seven gourmet appetizers and choice of champagne, wine, or soft drinks.
Balcony Show-Only – Show access with snacks and drinks available for purchase.

Tickets for LUDÕ go on sale beginning May 16, 2025. The show officially premieres December 16, 2025, at VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta and will run year-round. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/ludo.

Austria’s JJ Wins Eurovision 2025 With Pop-Opera Powerhouse “Wasted Love”

Music

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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Austria’s JJ Wins Eurovision 2025 With Pop-Opera Powerhouse “Wasted Love”

Warner Music proudly congratulates its Austrian artist JJ for winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland with his powerful single “Wasted Love”. The breakup-inspired pop-opera track, featuring explosive techno beats, captivated international audiences, propelling JJ to victory in front of more than 160 million viewers on Saturday evening.

Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes, Co-Presidents of Warner Music Central Europe, commented: “JJ’s incredible talent, combined with his innovative sound, has truly resonated with audiences across Europe and beyond, attracting new fans with every performance. Eurovision is the world’s most-watched music television show, and we are thrilled to see him shine on such a global stage. We are proud to be part of JJ’s journey.”

Born in Vienna and raised in Dubai, the 24-year-old JJ returned to Austria in 2016. Known for his soprano-range voice, JJ has performed at the Vienna State Opera and gained national attention through his appearance on Austria’s casting show Starmania. With this landmark win, JJ now joins the ranks of Eurovision legends, marking a new chapter in his promising career.

5 Surprising Facts About Avril Lavigne’s ‘Under My Skin’

Eric Alper

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May 25, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Avril Lavigne’s ‘Under My Skin’

Before she was a pop-punk icon, Avril Lavigne was just a skater girl from Napanee with a notebook full of lyrics and a whole lot to say. In 2004, Under My Skin dropped like a gothic glitter bomb—darker, louder, and more emotionally raw than anyone expected. But beyond the hits and the eyeliner, this album has some wild behind-the-scenes stories. Here are 5 little-known facts that will make you want to spin it all over again.

1. The Album Was Born in a Malibu Beach House—With a Canadian Power Couple Behind It
Forget fancy studios. Most of Under My Skin was written and recorded in a Malibu house owned by Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace. Lavigne and Kreviazuk first bonded over lunch after the 2003 SARS benefit concert in Toronto—and within days, they were writing non-stop in Maida’s home studio. The beach house became a creative haven and ground zero for Avril’s darker era.

2. “Nobody’s Home” Was Co-Written by Evanescence’s Ben Moody
Ever wondered why “Nobody’s Home” sounds like it came straight from a haunted cathedral? That emotional wallop came courtesy of Ben Moody, fresh off his split from Evanescence. He not only co-wrote the track with Avril but also played guitar on it. It’s one of the rare moments where post-grunge, emo-pop, and Canadian angst collide perfectly.

3. Avril Directed the Sound
By her second album, Avril wrote the words as usual, but also shaping the entire sound. She insisted on choosing guitar tones, drum arrangements, and song structures. Turns out, along with being the face of her career, she was the engine.

4. The “Nobody’s Home” Video Features Easter Eggs and a Moscow Tee
In the emotional video for “Nobody’s Home,” Avril plays a runaway teen—but eagle-eyed fans caught some hidden gems. Her shirt has the Russian word “Москва” (Moscow), and the graffiti in the bathroom includes a heart with “A+D”—a sweet nod to then-boyfriend Deryck Whibley. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she kept the details personal.

5. “Take Me Away” Was Actually a Second Attempt at the Same Song Title
The dramatic album opener “Take Me Away” wasn’t the first time Avril wrote a song by that name. An earlier version, co-written with The Matrix for Let Go, never made the final cut. But she clearly wasn’t done with the phrase. The Under My Skin version hits harder—more metal, more desperate, and way more Avril.

Under My Skin proved that Avril could evolve without losing her edge, could go darker without losing her spark. And nearly 20 years later, it still rocks just as hard. Time to crank it up and let those emo feelings back in—loud and proud.

5 Surprising Facts About Neil Young’s ‘On The Beach’

Eric Alper

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May 24, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Neil Young’s ‘On The Beach’

Neil Young’s On the Beach, released on July 19, 1974, captures a moment suspended in emotional twilight. Part of the so-called “Ditch Trilogy,” it trades polish for feeling, control for rawness, and clarity for depth. While it now holds its place as a fan favourite and critical treasure, the album holds stories and turns few know. Let’s dig a little deeper into five lesser-known facts that drift along with the salty wind of On the Beach.

1. The Cadillac on the Cover Was Real—and Buried
The iconic cover wasn’t a photomontage—it was fully staged. Neil Young and longtime collaborator Gary Burden hauled an actual 1959 Cadillac tail fin from a junkyard to the beach, stuck it into the sand, and added props like a yellow polyester jacket and local newspaper with the headline “Sen. Buckley Calls for Nixon to Resign.” The photo was shot on Santa Monica Beach by Bob Seidemann. Neil considered it one of his favorite covers, later saying the idea hit him like a “blot from the blue.” It matches the album’s tone perfectly: sunlit but somber, relaxed but haunting.

2. “Honey Slides” Fueled the Sessions
Much of the album’s woozy atmosphere comes courtesy of “honey slides”—a mix of sautéed marijuana and honey introduced by Rusty Kershaw. The concoction reportedly hit like heroin and slowed the sessions to a dreamlike crawl. Musicians drifted in and out of consciousness while recording, which contributed to the album’s spaced-out mood. Neil later said, “A couple of spoonfuls of that and you’d be laid-back into the middle of next week.” The slow-motion feel of tracks like “Motion Pictures” can be traced directly back to the haze of the honey slides.

3. “Revolution Blues” Sparked Chaos in the Studio
Inspired by Charles Manson, whom Neil had briefly known, “Revolution Blues” carried an undercurrent of paranoia and unease. Rusty Kershaw wanted the band to tap into that feeling and pushed them with wild theatrics. He smashed things in the studio to provoke a genuine sense of chaos, urging, “This is how you start a revolution!” The next take captured the mood perfectly, according to Kershaw. The song ended up as one of the fiercest, most electrified moments on the record—completely unlike the rest of the album’s tone.

4. The Side Order Was Reversed at the Last Minute
Neil originally wanted the album to begin with “On the Beach” and end with “Walk On,” but producer David Briggs convinced him to flip the sides. Neil later admitted he regretted giving in, feeling that the album lost a sense of unfolding narrative. Interestingly, cassette and 8-track versions kept Neil’s intended running order. Fans today can argue both sides, but the decision shows how format and sequencing can shape a listener’s experience—and how a small choice leaves a lasting imprint.

5. “Ambulance Blues” Echoes Toronto’s Lost Haunts
The closing track “Ambulance Blues” reflects on everything from political corruption to fading friendships, but it also contains a tribute to Toronto’s countercultural past. Lines like “Oh Isabella, proud Isabella, they tore you down and plowed you under” refer to a house where Neil and Rick James once lived at 88 Isabella Street. It was demolished in the ‘70s, and Neil immortalized it in song. The Riverboat, another Toronto reference, was where artists like Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot, and Simon & Garfunkel played—giving the song an emotional pull rooted in real places and memories.

On the Beach sways with heartbreak and reflection, sunshine and shadow. These hidden details help explain how a mellow album grew into something revered. It may have drifted into the world quietly, but the stories behind it still ripple across time.

5 Surprising Facts About Joy Division’s ‘Closer’

Eric Alper

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May 24, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Joy Division’s ‘Closer’

When Closer was released on July 18, 1980, two months after Ian Curtis’s death, it was the end of Joy Division, and the beginning of their mythos. A desolate masterpiece that practically invented the vocabulary of emotional collapse in music, Closer is considered one of the greatest post-punk records ever made. But beyond the stark tombstone of its sound lies a collection of untold stories and fascinating footnotes. Here are five of them.

When Joy Division’s Closer landed on July 18, 1980, it became a farewell, a sonic tombstone, and the deepest echo of a voice already silenced. Released two months after Ian Curtis’s death, the album transformed grief into atmosphere, cementing its place as one of post-punk’s most chilling masterpieces. But beneath the frozen surface are stories you might not know. Here are five of them.

1. The Album Cover’s Tomb Was Pure Chance, Not a Plan
The marble tomb that defines Closer’s artwork came from a 1978 photo of a sculpture in an Italian cemetery. Designers Peter Saville and Martyn Atkins had picked the image long before Ian Curtis died. After his death, Saville panicked, thinking people would assume it was a tasteless marketing stunt. But Factory Records moved forward, embracing the eerie coincidence. The result is one of the most haunting album covers in music history, made even more powerful by how accidental it all was.

2. Ian Curtis Described Writing the Lyrics as a Possession
Bernard Sumner recalled Ian Curtis saying the words on Closer felt like they were writing themselves. Ian spoke of being trapped in a kind of whirlpool, dragged downward by forces he couldn’t name. This wasn’t poetic exaggeration. Songs like “The Eternal” and “Decades” carry that sensation of drowning in something far bigger than personal sadness. The lyrics came with a sense of inevitability, like Ian was merely the vessel through which they passed.

3. “Atrocity Exhibition” Was the Sound of Instrumental Role Reversal
To break creative monotony, Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook swapped instruments during the writing of “Atrocity Exhibition.” Hook played guitar, Sumner played bass, and the result was a riff that felt off-kilter and dangerous. The title came from J.G. Ballard, whose psychological collapse stories matched the tone perfectly. When Martin Hannett mixed the track while Hook was out of the studio, he drenched the guitar in effects, flattening its violence. Hook was furious, but that tension remains baked into the track.

4. “Isolation” Survived a Studio Disaster Thanks to Hannett
“Isolation” began with Stephen Morris’s electronic beat and Sumner’s high-pitched synth stabs. But disaster nearly struck when a junior engineer mishandled the master tape. Martin Hannett salvaged it through sheer sonic precision, and the end result became one of the band’s most forward-looking tracks. The crashing drums and eerie space within the mix opened a doorway to where New Order would eventually go. It’s a reminder that chaos can sometimes give birth to clarity.

5. Tony Wilson Had Poolside Dreams, Bernard Had Doubts
When Closer was finished, Factory Records founder Tony Wilson told Bernard Sumner he’d be drinking cocktails poolside in Los Angeles within a year. Sumner laughed. Joy Division didn’t operate on dreams of stardom or chart glory. They created out of necessity, out of a need to express what couldn’t be said in daylight. While Closer did chart and win Album of the Year from NME, its power came from its refusal to conform. It was bleak, unflinching, and utterly committed to its vision.

Closer is a message in a bottle sent from the darkest corners of the human psyche. These lesser-known stories remind us that great records are shaped by accidents, panic, misunderstandings, and ghostly whispers. Step inside — just like Ian said.