Joy Division - Preston 28 February 1980 (Live) (1999)

Joy Division - Preston 28 February 1980 (Live) (1999)

Tracklist, Album Covers, Info and Fun Facts

1. "Incubation"   3:06

2. "Wilderness"   3:02

3. "Twenty Four Hours"   4:39

4. "The Eternal"   8:39

5. "Heart and Soul"   4:46

6. "Shadowplay"   3:50

7. "Transmission"   3:23

8. "Disorder"   3:23

9. "Warsaw"   2:48

10. "Colony"   4:16

11. "Interzone"   2:28

12. "She's Lost Control"   5:02

Joy Division – Preston 28 February 1980 (Live): A Raw Snapshot of Post-Punk History

Released in 1999, "Preston 28 February 1980 (Live)" captures an iconic performance by Joy Division during their final tour, just months before Ian Curtis’ tragic death. The live album is celebrated for its raw energy and atmospheric intensity, showcasing the band at their most visceral.

The Live Recording:

Recorded at the Warehouse in Preston, UK, the concert was fraught with technical difficulties—amplifiers failing and Curtis’ intense performance cutting through the chaos.

The setlist features classics like "Decades," "Digital," "Transmission," and "Interzone," delivering a snapshot of Joy Division’s powerful stage presence.

Sound & Reception:

Unlike the band’s polished studio albums, this live recording offers a raw, lo-fi sound that captures the energy and imperfections of the night.

While not a flawless recording, it has become a fan favorite for its authenticity and haunting atmosphere.

Sales & Legacy:

Released nearly 20 years after the performance, the album was a limited-edition collector’s item, adding to Joy Division’s mystique.

Though exact sales figures are scarce, it’s estimated to have sold tens of thousands of copies worldwide, appealing mainly to die-hard fans and collectors.

Fun Facts:

Technical glitches included failing PA systems and faulty gear—yet the band’s performance still captivated the audience.

This gig was part of Joy Division’s final UK tour, adding historical significance to the recording.

The album was released by NMC Music, specializing in archival live recordings.

Cultural Impact:

"Preston 28 February 1980 (Live)" is considered an essential document of Joy Division’s final months and the intense, emotional performances that defined their short-lived career.

It’s a testament to their enduring influence on post-punk and alternative music scenes.

Today, this live recording stands as a stark, powerful reminder of Joy Division’s raw live power and the dark beauty that continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Keywords: Joy Division live album, Preston 28 February 1980, Ian Curtis live performance, Joy Division Preston gig, raw post-punk energy, rare Joy Division recordings, Joy Division live history.

Preston 28 February 1980 is a live album by English post-punk band Joy Division featuring a performance on 28 February 1980 at The Warehouse, Preston. The album was released on 24 May 1999 in the UK by record label NMC Music and in the US on 13 July 1999.

Preston 28 February 1980 was released on 24 May 1999 in the UK by record label NMC Music and 13 July 1999 in the US. It was also released in a "boxed set", packaged with the Les Bains Douches album.