I was called to the TV in a hotel room in Lahinch, Co. Clare, to hear about the sad departure of Tony Wilson to the Big Gig in the Sky. My memories and associations of him?...
Only encountered him once in the flesh - introducing the In The City conference three years ago at the ICA, London. It had all the classic Factory ingredients of music cross-fertilising with other arts and media; waving the Manchester music flag; and all being on the chaotic side, too many ingredients to fully bake.
The Lyceum, London: Joy Division supporting The Buzzcocks - one of the most embarrassing performances I've ever witnessed (only just behind Matt Lucas at the Comedy Store) - but embarrassing in a truly original way - little did I know...
It was Atmosphere which really enlightened me with regard to Tony's Factory - so here's a good juncture to tip the hat to Martin Hannett. The scene with the drum kit on the roof of the studio in '24 Hour Party People' captured his contribution fabulously.
Buying Pete Saville 12" covers in that little oasis in East Finchley, Alan's Records. Tony drew in and nurtured some wonderful creative talent around the big boys of Joy Division and Happy Mondays. His consistently extravagant praise of Shaun Ryder's lyric writing was admirable in its loyalty and provocation ...and, of course, passion.
And that pretty much summarises the fella - loyal (to his native town, to his Factoryfolk - like humouring Saville with his post-gig tickets to be proud of); provocative (the clip on Newsnight the other evening in Lahinch paying homage to The Third Man in a ferris wheel [the London Eye?] "And what did London give us? ...Chas and Dave!"); and passionate - a man who makes records where the beautiful sleeve costs more than the retail price of the record wears his heart on his sleeve. Enjoy the unknown pleasures, Tony, you deserve them.
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He is buried about 10 metres away from my grandmother in the Southern Cemetery in Manchester. A tiny grave with miniscule headstone. I spoke with the 'manager' of the cemetery while there and he said almost no-one comes to visit the grave which I found quite strange. He also said that they had a hell of a job organising a headstone etc. Even I - no fan of the bands he championed - stood at his grave for a minute to pay my respects. Surprising that a lot of people who owe him a lot don't do the same. Did he make a lot of enemies?
Frankly I'm astonished - I believe he was much loved, not aware of him having made many enemies. I'll make my own pilgrimage next time I'm in the hood. There was plenty of genius around him - not least Hannett and Saville.
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