Joy Division formed in 1976 as "Warsaw". Members were Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris. Their first album, Unknown Pleasures, was released in 1979. Although successful, Ian Curtis suffered from depression, partly due to his marriage falling apart, and was diagnosed with epilepsy. He found it increasingly difficult to perform and was known to have had seizures during live performances. "Love Will Tear Us Apart" was first performed during a UK tour supporting the Buzzcocks in September & October 1979. The lyrics reflect the breakup of his marriage to Deborah Curtis, as well as his generally depressed state. In May 1980, Ian Curtis committed suicide. Joy Division released a second album, Closer, and this single posthumously. The band members had agreed that if anyone left the band for any reason, the rest would disband Joy Division. After the death of Curtis, therefore, the others reformed as New Order, and continue to record and perform today.
Deborah Curtis had the song's title inscribed on Ian Curtis' memorial.
Most of the many covers of this song really suck. One exception, imho, is the Cure version. New Order did not perform the song for 18 years after ian Curtis' death, but they do it well. No cover, of course, has Ian's distinctive voice.