You're a young human hanging out at night with friends listening to depeche mode, new order, u2, your favorite song is ceremony. Then you're an adult, and listen to Joy Division's Ceremony, hits hard, very hard

The best "Goodbye Song" for Ian.

41Years today the world lost a legend. RIP Ian

Ceremony takes me back to myself as a teenager in 1981 hearing it the first time. I feel the emotional pull in my chest, the disconnect, the loneliness and it's all beautiful at the same time, like a found a secret song just for myself. Like I found a bit of hope to latch onto. I think it's the only song I've ever heard that can do that.

This is for the 200 incorrect attempts at explaining this song. "Ceremony" was one of the last JOY DIVISION songs to be composed, with lyrics written by Ian Curtis. There are THREE recorded versions by Joy Division in existence. The first is a live version, available on the Still album, from their final concert at High Hall, Birmingham University on 2 May 1980. The second, available on the Heart and Soul four-disc box set, is from a studio session on 14 May 1980, four days before Curtis' suicide. It was the band's last recording. The third is a version recorded at the soundcheck on the afternoon of 2 May 1980 (along with "Decades") and is only available on bootleg. In all recordings, the vocals are only partially audible. After the death of Ian Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division regrouped as New Order. Their first release was a re-recording of "Ceremony" as a stand-alone single backed with "In a Lonely Place", with guitarist Bernard Sumner taking over lead vocals. Because Curtis had never transcribed the lyrics to "Ceremony" and because his singing was muted to the point of near-inaudibility on all surviving recordings, Sumner reportedly had to put them through a graphic equalizer to approximate the lyrics. In January 1981, the first version of "Ceremony" was released on Factory Records (FAC 33). Initially released as a 7" single, it was reissued as a 12" two months later. Martin Hannett (Joy Division's producer) produced the record and Peter Savilledesigned the sleeve artwork for both releases. The 7" record was issued in a stamped gold-bronze sleeve. The 12" sleeve was a completely separate design: gold typography on a green background. In September 1981, "Ceremony" was re-released. Gillian Gilbert played guitar on this new recording just after she joined the band. Martin Hannett again produced the record. The single was re-issued as a 12" only, with the same catalogue number (FAC 33). The original is approximately 4:34 minutes in length while the re-recording is 4:23. The re-recorded version was used on all subsequent compilations until Singles in 2005, when the original March '81 recording was released on CD for the first time. There are differences in the recordings. Version 1 has a more "Joy Division sound", with throbbing bass, distorted guitar, spacey vocals, and solid drums also contributing a wash of cymbals. In Version 2 the bass is diminished, cymbals restrained, and the vocals are "drier". The guitar has a sound typical of that used on the album Movement. Drum hits in the opening verse are dramatically panned in the mix. There is a greater contrast between verse and chorus, with the latter sections reaching some of the emotional pitch of the original. In addition to the new recording of the a-side track, the b-side track "In a Lonely Place" was slightly remixed and added more synthetic "thunder" noises throughout the song. This alternate mix also appears on the second disc of Substance and subsequent compilations. The sleeve was changed to a light cream with a vertical blue stripe, though with the same motif and typography as the original 12" single. After supply of the re-designed sleeve ran out, copies of the originally-designed sleeve were re-used. Accordingly, the two versions of the song were packaged indiscriminately in the original sleeve. However, the run-groove notation (phrases pressed onto the vinyl) differ according to the version. The original says "watching love grow forever," while the re-recording's etching says "this is why events unnerve me"; both phrases are excerpts from the lyrics of "Ceremony".The single was re-issued again in April 2011 for Record Store Day in a white sleeve. This limited edition release (only 800 copies) plays at 33 rpm. It features the New Order recordings of "Ceremony" (the pre-Gillian Gilbert take) and "In a Lonely Place" on one side, with the rare Joy Division recordings of the same tracks on the flip side-"Ceremony" comes from the 1997 Heart & Soul box set but the version of "In a Lonely Place" is a recently discovered complete take and not the same as the version featured on Heart & Soul. TheHeart & Soul version is cut short at 2:32, whereas this newly discovered take runs for 5:45 and the full Ian Curtis vocal of "In a Lonely Place" is heard here for the first time, complete with the missing third verse..

For me this is the song that bridges Joy Division and New Order.

This was Ian's Eulogy. Heart breaking and thoughtful. Much love everyone.

I feel so broken...I miss my baby brother cancer came broke our hearts he battled for a year he was 43...I come to listen to one of his favorites ..he was just 4 years old when this song came about yet years later it would be one of his favorite bands...we listened to Joy Division on our travels to another city for his cancer treatment... So I listen I cry ..Rest in Heaven baby brother .. Martin Forever..1974-2019..

Nearly 2 years ago I wrote that comment and that sad day is nearly with us again, still listen to Joy Division daily and will have them on all day Saturday , R.I.P Ian your music has helped many a person in a bad place just wish something could have helped you, I saw the band every time I could and I still have the memories.

This song makes me feel so many things at the same time

To Ian Curtis and JOY DIVISION We will never forget

The song and background image brought back a memory, from a cold winter night in 1982. I was feeling claustrophobic, out of place and miserable in a crowded party, when an absolute stunner caught my eye, stared at me sympathetically, then walked over and asked if I wanted to get out of there. The trees were all covered with a layer of ice from freezing rain that day. She was the most beautiful woman on the planet, the trees glittered around us as we walked through the night, and everything was perfect. A crystalline moment...

I have heard hundreds of albums and this is probably the best song ive ever heard

I don't know how many times I walked with this song on in the streets of Istanbul, it made me feel like I am in Manchester, still does. Rest in peace Ian, you changed my life when I was 14.

The transition point between Joy Division and New Order. Really sounds like and is structured like a New Order song.

40 years today. Miss you, miss you, miss you so bad. Hope you've found peace somehow, Ian. 18/5/2020 💔

This is the greatest song ever written, I don’t think there is a better example of music and lyrics fitting together so harmoniously

This is why events unnerve me They find it all, a different story Notice whom for wheels are turning Turn again and turn towards this time All she ask's the strength to hold me Then again the same old story Word will travel, oh so quickly Travel first and lean towards this time. Oh, I'll break them all, no mercy shown Heaven knows, it's got to be this time Watching her, these things she said The times she cried Too frail to wake this time. 🎵🎶🎵🎶 Oh, I'll break them down, no mercy shown Heaven knows, it's got to be this time Avenues all lined with trees Picture me and then you start watching Watching forever, forever Watching love grow, forever Letting me know, forever.

Joy Division created their own pop song model in Manchester in the late 70s, beyond labels and fashions, they were unique: melancholy, personality, honesty, elegance, minimalism. Logically the first New Order collected all of that

I love the picture. It reminds me of those Christmas times when the lights and the atmosphere seemed to keep me warm and full of hope. If only for a moment.

The feeling this song gives me is one I can't explain. Joy Division have gotten me through the ups and downs of life and helped me to stay grounded when all I want is to just fly away. I'll forever be grateful to have heard Disorder on Skate 3 and found my favorite band, rock on you beautiful people

i met this song one day that i drove one hour to the house of a girl i was dating (we were fighting) to fix the things between us, i called to her phone, she rejected the call and told me to leave then i went to a grocery store next to her house to get some cigarretes, the song was playing, suddenly i got that feeling of fullfillness and profundly sadness at the same time.

Joy Division, New Order, Bauhaus and so many more what a great generation that was.

I play this to my Grandchildren, they enjoy the music. We have hope in the future !

My Uncle Albert lived with epilepsy all his life. It was hell on Earth watching him have a seizure and being unable to do anything about it. Poor Ian. Tremendous rock voice, horrendous disease. Sad sad ending, but with amazing unforgettable music such as this song here. Thank you for all that you could give us Ian, Joy Division and New Order.

This amazing bass line, the frenetic drums, the perfect guitar, and the touching lyrics

This is my all time fav Joy Division Song , brings back so many memories . R.I.P Ian Curtis, you are greatly missed

My life would be so dry and horrible without Joy Division. I've been listening to them since the mid 80s. I adore them.❤

For the best listening experience, I recommend fetal position.

im nearly 60 now,as i listen to this timeless music, i remember how much joy division meant to me during my formative years...

theres an indelible feeling of hope emanating from this song for me, its inescapable

Great song!! My dearest friend played this on a beautiful snowy evening in Seattle February ‘19... sounds and visions just like it happened now. She was so beautiful sitting on the floor in front of the fire...outside it looked very much as this picture and I knew then that this moment was going to be forever a sweet moment in my 24 hour clock of Joyful moments of my life! God Bless that woman forever!!!

It's rare that I fall in love with a song on the first listen but wow

I wanna cry but also dance to this, basically my reaction to all of Joy Division's songs but this one is just different, a much more hopeless atmosphere is in this song.

In a certain way, this depressive music makes me happy. Top song.

One of the best songs in the world history. You hear this song and all feelings overwhelm you at the same time

One of my favourite songs. Joy Division was a part of my youth.

I'm mentally ill have been for over twenty years now. I feel bad for ian that he didn't get the help he clearly needed :(

It's not the fact that the song blows your mind, it's how! I could cry my eyes out every time I hear this song.

Look for the film "24 Hour Party People" - the story about Tony Wilson, The Factory, The Hacienda in Manchester, and, cutting edge bands like Joy Division & the haunting vocals of Ian Curtis ~

i don't care if is new order or joy division, this is my favorite version, fooreeveeeer.

Here Iam... Two years later just about the same dates...I loss my Mom...Dec 18 2021..my soul is crushed ..I had not wanted to listen to music..I'm sitting here under the same lights that Mom sat under in the middle of the nights where she cried for her youngest my baby brother.. now here Iam crying for her...Ive lost my childhood all over again the silence is one you can never let go .. hug your family tight even if it's for a second.. my seconds are gone forever and forever is too far as compared to seconds that can never be erased...Mom I miss you and now Fall leaves and unspeakable frozen raindrops hold you and my brothers name ... Mom Forever 1945-12. 18. 2021.. Martin my brother Forever.. 1976 - 11. 26.2019

I think in years to come, new folk will discover these tracks and realise how awesome this era of rock was and how brilliant JD were, it's a music era that you feel priviliged to have lived through and loved.

Best version. Nothing can touch this. Honorable mention to the Chromatics

I realize this is kind of strange, but I actually prefer the slowed/pitched down version. It imparts an unreal and dreamy quality that complements the song.

I remember playing the 45 version of this song over and over again on my gran's record player. I'd nicked the record from my local Woolworths. I was about to turn 14 and in unrequited love with some boy. For some reason, this melancholy song spoke to my achy teenage heart. Still makes me swoon to hear it.

Years ahead of their time , and timeless too.

This is why events unnerve me, they find it all, a different story, notice whom for wheels are turning, turn again and turn towards this time, all she ask's the strength to hold me, then again the same old story, word will travel, oh so quickly, travel first and lean towards this time. Oh, i'll break them down, no mercy shown, heaven knows, it's got to be this time, watching her, these things she said, the times she cried, too frail to wake this time. Oh, i'll break them down, no mercy shown, heaven knows, it's got to be this time, avenues all lined with trees, picture me and then you start watching, watching forever, forever, watching love grow, forever, letting me know, forever

Ian had a deep haunting voice...cosmic...

out of all the versions you can find on the internet this is the best one regardless of the bad quality, if only Ian could have properly recorded it before he left. definitely sounds like a slowed down version of new orders, but eerily sounds like Ian.

it's a classic RIP Ian, every time somebody listens to this they ask themselves who were, you are ....immortality,,

i remember hearing this song for the first time, i was at the library on one of the old school computers avoiding school and listening to JD on autoplay through my earphones. skipping school just to go to that place to read and later walking home listening to this :•) wish ian was still with us

Greatest song ever written, there's no doubt at this point

I feel this in my bones, without any substances

I was 11 in 1981 and must have missed this song on radio , however when listening to 2SM in Sydney later mid 80’s I heard this song again by New Order a went straight to HMV and purchased their 1987 Album New Order Substance ….. I’m 52 and still listen to Temptation & Ceremony two of my favourite New Order tracks ever …. Greetings from Sydney Australia

I really love this song and the fact that there is so many versions of this song says a lot since each one has a different story to tell. It's a song that sounds like a closure to a part in you're life which sounds beautiful, its like wrapping up something. Ian Curtis may you rest in peace and I thank you for you're amazing contribution to Joy Division.

This song is everything

After discovering Joy Division last year all I can ever do is wonder what would happen had Ian lived and made it America, but I also understand how special and powerful JD is to be frozen in time at a place of great significance. RIP IC

I’m here reading Peter Hook’s book Unknown Pleasures Inside Joy Division. Highly recommended

This would be the last song on my desert island discs. Blown me away how a song so simple can convey the strongest of emotions. Feels like a song you’ve always heard.

How do you listen to this without hurting and thinking about Ian and the life he had to live through. Honestly one of the hardest songs to listen to, not even Joy Division or New Order standard, just in general. The picture here perfectly describes the late Joy Division singer's loneliness while also being stuck in such a mad and chaotic, fast paced situation that no soul should've ever went through, but for whatever reason this song feels like something familiar was lost right in front of you, slowly fading away. I don't know, It makes me feel like I just received news that the greatest friend that I've never had just passed away. You know when you have a relationship with someone in a dream, then they just say goodbye as you start to wake up to reality once again, seeing the light shine slightly in your eyelids until you see your room but then, that person is gone and you will never see them ever again. Now you have to move on with your day; do what you need to do? This feels exactly like that and it's absolutely insane. I don't know any other artist who has emulated this feeling ever. Most songs just are about having a "familiar but also unfamiliar" theme to it, a daze maybe but they usually aren't that deep to be delved into nor could they have specific descriptions written about them. The talent of both bands, man. Nothing can recreate them, honestly. There will never be another band like Joy Division or New Order, sucks that I didn't get to see them rise in popularity.

Some guy here wrote a whole book to try to explain this song. This version is simply New Order's 2nd version that has been slowed down by the uploader. It's technically not an official version. Technically at least. Edit: It's actually one of my favourite versions to be honest, along with the very last recording with Ian Curtis. Though I count all versions as one of my favourite songs of all time. Peace✌️

TW my friend posted this song as his last goodbye and i come revisit it every time i think of him and need to cry :( i really miss him…

Ceremony is the only song that made and is still making me cry. But these tears are not coming from sadness or happiness. My tears are coming from something what is between happiness and sadness. I am not able to describe that feeling but it is amazing. Ceremony is perfect in every way it can be - lyrics, music, rythm and it is extremely special because of the aura that surrounds it. I am crying everytime when I listen to it because of every aspect that I have mentioned. At the beginning, my tears were coming from feeling the music and rhytm of that song, then I cried because I have understood the lyrics and their meaning (every line), and at last I cry because of everything I have said, but another aspect that makes me wanna cry is the knowledge that Ian's genius contained in Ceremony wont happen again. Ever.

I still get goose bumps when i hear this and now my son loves joy division and new order good taste ian curtis that voice climatic

I am crying and singing in pleasure and fear. Depression and joy were never brought together that well as in this song and it is this ambivalent Wilde theme that makes me think that life is not worthless. Thank You Ian for teaching us!

In some beautiful way that background picture perfectly fits this amazing song

There’s just something about this track that makes me feel cold and alone but warm and at home at the same time. May Ian Curtis forever live on in our hearts.

Happy New Year 2024 ❤

Manchester's finest..oh,what joy you gave.

This picture fits the song well

One of the greatest songs ever... So many memories...

This photograph really works with this seminal JD tune. I am comforted by it.

Heaven knows its gotta be this time

this is the new order version with Barney singing. I hunted high and low in Manchester to find this on 12" vinyl. All through the vinyl stalls of Affleks til I found it.

Damn you Ian. I love you and I hate you. You could have given us so much more. You were brilliant young man. Bless you. I will never forget you.

One of my absolute favorite songs of all time. Here's to new beginnings.

The true version. Ian Curtis forever....

I've listened to this song soooo many times and all the other timeless masterpieces by Joy division and new order , sitting listening again and the emotion , tingling feeling , memories come flooding back. Thank you for producing such emotive music , I'll be listening till my final days .

We didn't have our Ceremony, dear Paul. Rest easy in the Paradise, my love. We miss you. Such a precious Son of the Universe. 🌹

New Division. Classic. Saw them play this in Brighton in 1981. Fook I'm old. Still love it.

This song hurts me and saves my soul at the same time

It's kind of weird how emo music sometimes makes you feel better. Thank you for the timeless music Joy Division

Beautiful photo. Its amazing. Thanks.

Always preferred this to Love will tear us apart.... Everyone disagrees with me, but there you go..... Dreams never end was also a favourite of mine from this same period..

You can tell it's the best version by the fret buzz right at the end

Fabulous ! Thank for posting! :)

Soundtrack to the apocalypse. Imma be listening to this in my head as the sky turns red that one final time.

This makes me get the same feeling as when I look down from my window at the snow on the street. The picture gives a good feeling of what it's like.

This sounds incredibly modern. Like all the mdoern Indie bands listened to this and decided to become musicians immediatly after

I feel cheated. I feel time passed way too fast . If I could go back I would go back to the moments when I first met her. Knowing what I know now I would have changed a lot . We often don't realize what we take for granted til we watch it go forever. Heaven knows it's got to be this time..... I could apologize a million times but its like she will never hear me again. Like I'm truly dead.

So much loss , about time we all pick up each other , ✌️✌️ 🙏🙏

41 years ago today, rip ian

Forever watching love grow.

The first song I backtracked since the re-release of Blue Monday, and this was it. I love this song so much. I then bought a book that chronicled the history of Joy Division. At that point, I still didn't know too much about Joy Division, until I went and bought Joy Division albums and I wasn't disappointed. I love Unknown Pleasures and Closer, the albums are such a gem

Surely we can all see that 80s made the grade. Terrific music.

This songs remind me of my gf, we listened to it in her bedroom, while holding each other, and it felt so perfect it looked like a coming of age movie, every single time i listen to this again, i feel like im in her bedroom.

how beautiful this band could have become, if Ian Curtis had stayed around. there is such elegance and poetry in this song.

Forever watching love grow. For ever-y-where we go.

Haven't heard this since I first fell in love with New Order, and subsequently Joy Division, 15 years ago, as a teenager. This is a song more than the sum of its parts, and considering the sum is two of the greatest bands of the 20thC, that's something. This song's timeless beyond my ability to conceive of that even now.... it'll last. I'll be listening to it when I'm 90. It's timeless 'cus it was created in a fissure in the fabric of their lives, some sort of portal between states...which can be accessed just as easily as the day it opened, after Ian's death, just as much as it has been closed and been paved over by the end-of-history zombie state in which we, and I, now exist. The portal's open for me now...but for how long...