Saturday, August 11, 2007

RIP, Anthony H Wilson

I was on my home from the office party last night and texted the OH. He replied to tell me Tony Wilson had died.

I'm not normally one for public outpourings of grief for people you don't actually know, but on this occasion I'm going to make an exception. I didn't know Anthony H Wilson, but (as you may have noticed), music is incredibly important to me and he was the man who brought three of my favourites bands (Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays) to the world. His effect on the cultural landscape of this country has been enormous - not only was Factory home to some brilliant bands, but there was the Hacienda and he employed Peter Saville as a designer too. I even loved that ridiculous quiz he hosted, Remote Control (despite the presence of Frank Sidebottom who terrified me)
The tributes to him have already started, for the man once described as "a twat, but he was great twat". Stephen Morris said of him this morning "You couldn't fall out with him. We tried enough times over the years". Paul Morley described him as the "Metaphysical Mayor of Manchester".


He was just 57 which is very young, but I was even sadder by what I read about his illness. The local health authority (of city that he did so much for) wouldn't pay for the cancer drug he needed so there had been a fund set up by the bands he supported to pay for it. If I'd known about this, I would have contributes (I should point out, his music business did not make him rich).

So I'm sitting here listening to the Mondays, and tonight we are going to watch "24 Hour Party People" in remembrance of him.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's too funny, I've posted something similar...great minds and all that...

I absolutely love that film (or possibly just John Simm)- enjoy your evening!

SandDancer said...

I've just posted over at your place! This is what I love about this blogging business - how there is always somebody else out there who feels the same no matter how odd a thing it might be about.

Victor Castro said...

planning a gathering with friends to watch "24 Hour Party People". gonna do a whole theme. coming soon: been wanting to post something about Tony Wilson for a long time... especially about Joy Division! but i want do it right... can't wait for "Control" to be released!

Miss Forthright said...

I was sad to hear this too. He was a legend.