Hopes iconic Ian Curtis mural will soon return to Manchester following planing application

When talking about Manchester music icons, Ian Curtis will almost always come up in the conversation. The Joy Division singer and guitarist was a stand out figure in a band which contributed so much to music. 

Manchester paid tribute to him back in August 2020 when a large mural was painted onto the side of a house in Port Street. For two years, it remained as pride of place in this particular corner of the city. 

In the summer of 2022, there was controversy when the mural was painted over with an advert for Manchester rapper Aitch’s new album. At the time and upon hearing about the outcry, Aitch said that he had no intention of causing offence, saying: “No way on earth would I want to disrespect a local hero like Ian."

The mural had originally been commissioned and completed to raise awareness of mental health. It’s removal was controversial at the time and calls have been made to have it replaced. 

Now, almost a year later, plans have been unveiled to bring the iconic mural back to the streets of Manchester. Headstock, which describes itself as the UK’s biggest mental health festival, has filed a planning application to have the mural recreated on a pub in Manchester. 

The festival has filed for planning permission to get the mural painted onto the side of the Star and Garter pub. Bringing the mural to one of the most famous Mancunians of recent times is something which a lot of people want to see happen. 

As part of the application, Headstock said: “The mural of Ian Curtis had been painted on the wall of 75 Port Street in October 2020 and was opened to celebrate World Mental Health day and support Manchester Mind, Help Musicians and promote the 24/7 wellbeing text service Shout,”