A new mural in memory of Ian Curtis is set to be unveiled ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day this Sunday.
Manchester pub, The Star and Garter, confirmed that it will be the new home for the artwork, after the original one was controversially painted over.
Street artist Akse first created the black and white image of the Joy Division singer on the side of a house in the Northern Quarter back in October 2020.
However, in August last year, it was painted over to promote Aitch’s new album. Yes, that’s the same Aitch who was either a marketing dream or PR nightmare for Manchester United when he debuted/leaked [delete as applicable] the club’s new home shirt at Glastonbury.
At the time Aitch admitted he hadn’t realised the Amazon Music marketing campaign had led to the painting over of the mural and promised to make it right – a move applauded by Curtis’ former bandmate, Peter Hook. He’s been true to his word as the work was commissioned by Aitch’s management company along with Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival, Headstock.
The new mural will appear on the side of the Grade II-listed Star & Garter – after the pub received planning permission.
Curtis took his own life in 1980.
[Photo: Akse P19 – based on original photograph by Philippe Carly]
