The people
A very human
chain of events.
A research student. A radio astronomer. Four musicians. A producer. A graphic designer. The image did not appear from nowhere.
Jocelyn Bell Burnell
As a Cambridge research student, Jocelyn Bell Burnell identified the radio signal that became known as the first pulsar.
Read their part in the story The diagramHarold D. Craft Jr.
The radio astronomer created the stacked plot from Arecibo observations for his Cornell doctoral thesis.
Read their part in the story The sleevePeter Saville
The Manchester graphic designer made the diagram into a record cover.
Read their part in the story Voice & lyricsIan Curtis
Curtis was Joy Division’s singer and lyricist.
Read their part in the story Guitar & keyboardsBernard Sumner
Sumner played guitar and keyboards in Joy Division and later became New Order’s singer.
Read their part in the story BassPeter Hook
Hook’s melodic bass lines are central to Joy Division’s sound.
Read their part in the story DrumsStephen Morris
Morris played drums in Joy Division and went on to New Order.
Read their part in the story The soundMartin Hannett
Hannett produced Unknown Pleasures at Strawberry Studios in Stockport.
Read their part in the story