Ian Curtis (15 July 1956 – 18 May 1980) was an English post-punk singer-songwriter and musician who was the lead singer and lyricist of Joy Division from 1979 to 1980. Born in Stretford, Lancashire in 1956, he recorded Unknown Pleasures in 1979 and Closer in 1980. Curtis was known to be a fervent supporter of Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher, who became Prime Minister in 1979. Curtis suffered from epilepsy and depression during his short lifetime, and he hanged himself in 1980 at the age of 23.