If Ian was still alive...

...would Barney have started writing lyrics and singing?

Yes, why not? A lot of other bands have done it. Ian wrote some great lyrics as did Bernard. I wonder if they'd have written together for a track or whether they'd just work on their own songs.

Slightly off topic - I loved how Oasis was fronted by Liam singing the Manc/scally type songs whereas Noel sounded much better on others.

Missy Jem wrote: Yes, why not? A lot of other bands have done it. Ian wrote some great lyrics as did Bernard. I wonder if they'd have written together for a track or whether they'd just work on their own songs.

That would have been interesting.

Ian: What does 'I think you are a pig. You should be in a zoo' mean to you, Barney?

I think he would, although I'm not sure Ian would think they were good enough for Joydivision! Barney would probably have done a side project thing like Electronic..

Christopher Owens wrote:

Missy Jem wrote: Yes, why not? A lot of other bands have done it. Ian wrote some great lyrics as did Bernard. I wonder if they'd have written together for a track or whether they'd just work on their own songs.

That would have been interesting.

Ian: What does 'I think you are a pig. You should be in a zoo' mean to you, Barney?

Love to be a fly on the wall for that one!

redken wrote: I think he would, although I'm not sure Ian would think they were good enough for Joydivision! Barney would probably have done a side project thing like Electronic..

Interesting idea. It also might have split them up around 87-88.

Sure Barney may have done a side project but I doubt that he would have been a singer. Took him six years to get a singing voice with New Order. No chance to sing with Joy Division.

Twist, singer of the Blessing Way wrote: Sure Barney may have done a side project but I doubt that he would have been a singer. Took him six years to get a singing voice with New Order. No chance to sing with Joy Division.

I agree, none of them wanted to be singers, I do think that the writing side of all the band members would have come through in time regardless of Ian being about.....