Martin Hannett (aka Martin Zero)
May 13, 1948 – April 18, 1991
Martin Hannett was an English musician, producer and label head. He has been recognized for producing (as Martin Zero) the first ever independent punk record, the Buzzcocks’ Spiral Scratch, released in January of 1977. But it was his groundbreaking production work with Joy Division that earned him (and the band) his most acclaim. In 1978 he co-founded the highly influential Factory Records with Tony Wilson. Factory was home to such acts as Joy Division, New Order and The Durutti Column. By the early ’80s, Hannett’s career was being hindered by his exsessive abuse of alcohol and heroin. He died of heart failure on April 18, 1991 at the age of 42.
What You Should Own
Still reckon The Return of the Durutti Column was the best thing he ever did.