Iconic Manchester mural of Joy Division's Ian Curtis repainted after Aitch advert controversy

An iconic mural of the late Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis has been recreated a year after it was controversially painted over with an advertisement.

Music fans were outraged last year when a promo for rapper Aitch's album replaced the original painting in Manchester.

Councillors granted listed building consent for the new work on the side of beloved indie music venue the Star and Garter pub. The mural depicts a black and white portrait of the legendary frontman performing in Brussels in 1979.

The singer, who fronted the critically-acclaimed band that was synonymous with the Manchester music scene, took his own life in 1980 just before their US tour.

Created by graffiti artist, Akse P19, the original was unveiled in Manchester in October 2020 to commemorate World Mental Health Day. But last year, locals were outraged when they spotted the mural was being replaced by an advert for Aitch's new album.

Responding to criticism, the rapper said he was unaware the mural had been painted over and promised he was going to "fix" it. Work started on the new mural once consent was granted on Monday to reinstate it on the side of the Grade II listed Star & Garter. The artwork has been commissioned by Headstock - the Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival - and Aitch's management company.