The death of Tony Wilson is one of the most significant passings in modern music. His influence reached far beyond his name recognition. Today, the wind has been kicked out of Manchester, the entire United Kingdom, and every fan of independent music.
As the founder of Factory Records and the Hacienda Club, both based in Manchester, Wilson was responsible for introducing the world to Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Radio, Happy Mondays, James, ESG, Stockholm Monsters, The Wake, Tunnelvision, Robin Williams, Cabaret Voltaire, Karl Denver, Durutti Column, Electronic, I Fagiolini, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Quando Quango, Pleasure Crew, Section 25, Revenge, and so many more acts.
Sub Pop, Matador, DFA, and so many other labels found their blueprint in Factory Records. So many clubs from Studio B to Popscene owe a debt a of gratitude to the Hacienda. So many bands have been influences by Factory label artists, from their aesthetic to their sound. Every club DJ should thank Tony for helping make DJ's into celebrities.
He did so much for music. He did so much and got so little in return. When the cancer that would eventually kill him became to strong, the UK's National Health System failed to pay for the medicine he couldn't afford! Take note Michael Moore:
Doctors had recommended he take the drug Sutent after chemotherapy failed to beat the disease, but the NHS refused to fund the £3,500-a-month treatment.
However, members of the Happy Mondays and other acts he supported over the years stepped in and started a fund to help pay for it.
His legacy may already be documented in the film 24 Hour Party People, but it will surely be carried on in thousands of biographies, numerous liner notes, millions of albums, and in more ways than he probably ever could have imagines when he left broadcast television to the world of music.
Tony Wilson will be missed, but never forgotten.......
DOWNLOAD: A Certain Radio - "Crystal"
DOWNLOAD: Happy Mondays - "24 Hour Party People"
DOWNLOAD: Stockholm Monsters - "National Pastime"
DOWNLOAD: Joy Division - "Transmission"
DOWNLOAD: Cabaret Voltaire - "Yasher"
DOWNLOAD: Tunnelvission - "Glenn Miller"
DOWNLOAD: New Order - "Cries and Whisper"
Comments (9)
Wilson passed away after suffering a heart attack that his doctor said was unrelated to his recent battle with cancer.
Posted on August 11, 2007 5:41 PM
Tony aka [Anthony H] Wilson was indeed a tremendous champion for good music and the Manchester scene in particular but he could also be a dickhead. In 1979 I was on the door [entry £1] at the old West Indian Centre on Carmoor Road, Manchester at an Anti-Nazi League fundraiser. The headline band were Manchester legends The Naughty Boys with support from The Worms, whose leader Wayne seemed to have caught Tony’s ear [or eyes]. Tony arrived during the Worms’ set and asked me how long much longer they’d be playing. I told him I didn’t know and he paid the entrance and went in during what turned out to be their last song. He was back at the end of the song highly agitated and demanding his entrance money back – a measly pound! I just said to him “You need a pound?” and he left sheepishly…………
Posted on August 12, 2007 10:15 AM
The band are called A Certain Ratio not A Certain Radio.
Posted on December 21, 2007 12:31 PM
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Posted on April 6, 2008 12:32 PM
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