During the Bury and Manchester dates of New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester, we will be hosting a Joy Division Exhibition at The Met and RNCM, featuring instruments, equipment and original ephemera from the era in conjunction with Chris Hewitt from CH Vintage Audio – a reknowned collector of band equipment. Chris provided the equipment for Bohemian Rhapsody, Rocket Man and the recent Sex Pistols drama, based on Steve Jones’ book, Pistol. Some of the exhibits are equipment used by the band and Martin Hannett. Chris will also be providing accurate instruments for the actors to use on stage during the play!
We will also have original posters, gig flyers and valuable releases from the band, including an original, extremely rare poster from the ‘first’ Altrincham gig on the 20th of November 1978. The legendary Bowdon Vale 1979 gigs are well remembered but few went to the Check Inn gig in the town centre in November the previous year. The poster here, (reframed) will form part of the ephemera and collectibles side of the exhibition. You can read a full review of the gig here on Louder Than War. Interestingly this poster was not designed by Peter Savile according to members of Surgical Supports who supported Joy Division along with The Bidet Boys. Apparently it was designed by Rob Gretton on a notepad!
Featured above are pieces from the exhibition along with a photo of Chris Hewitt with producers Tony Davidson and Nigel Carr.
The exhibitions will run in the foyers of Bury Met and The Royal Northern College of Music. There is no extra charge as they are included in the ticket price. With 650 people expected at each showing at the RNCM there might be something of a queue to view the exhibits so we would urge play goers to arrive early!
Photos of equipment by Michael Steff
