made their television debut performing Shadowplay

On 20 September 1978, Joy Division made their television debut performing ” Shadowplay ” on So It Goes , with an introduction by Wilson. In October, Joy Division contributed two tracks recorded with producer Martin Hannett to the compilation double-7″ EP A Factory Sample , the first release by Tony Wilson’s record label, Factory Records . In the NME review of the EP, Paul Morley praised the band as “the missing link” between Elvis Presley and Siouxsie and the Banshees . Joy Division joined Factory’s roster, after buying themselves out of the RCA deal. Gretton was made a label partner to represent the interests of the band. On 27 December, during the drive home from a gig at the Hope and Anchor in London, Curtis had his first recognised severe epileptic seizure and was hospitalised. Meanwhile, Joy Division’s career progressed, and Curtis appeared on the 13 January 1979 cover of NME . That month the band recorded their session for BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel . According to Deborah Curtis, “Sandwiched in between these two important landmarks was the realisation that Ian’s illness was something we would have to learn to accommodate”.