‘Ian Curtis didn’t have a chance’: The Durutti Column on departed friends, Factory Records and fun with Morrissey
Vini Reilly of The Durutti Column recalls Ian Curtis's suicide, collaboration with Morrissey, and the sandpaper-covered album covers in a candid interview.
Vini Reilly, the frontman of The Durutti Column, has given a frank interview covering his youth in Manchester street gangs, depression, and his time at the legendary Factory Records.
Reilly recalls that he and Joy Division's Ian Curtis planned to make music together but kept it secret to avoid accusations of nepotism from Mark E. Smith. After Curtis's death, Reilly recorded the song “The Missing Boy” expressing anger that no one, not even Tony Wilson, asked Curtis about his lyrics. He notes that Curtis's prescribed epilepsy medication and personal troubles made suicide inevitable.
Reilly also shares memories of working with Morrissey on the album “Viva Hate.” He describes Morrissey as extremely talented and humorous but recalls his fixation on the Moors murders. He also tells how Joy Division members glued sandpaper onto the debut Durutti Column album cover while watching porn movies — Factory's way of saving money.
In the interview, Reilly reveals his musical influences, such as jazz guitarist Al Casey's sparse style, and his desire to create an unrecognizable genre. He admits that the recent tribute concert in London was fantastic but he couldn't bear to watch it.
