And So it Goes

One of the things I have been meaning to write about here and haven't had the time, was the sad and untimely death of Mr Manchester.

Anthony H. Wilson was a proud citizen of Manchester. But he was more than that. He defined my generation. I can't think of anyone who would have such an influence on music or culture in my lifetime. Through the formation of the Factory Club, later to become Factory Records, to the opening of The Hacienda he shaped music, culture and design.
He was a champion of all of the above, but nothing more than Manchester. As a hybrid of visionary, bully, TV hack, producer, philosopher and self styled Genius he helped regenerate a city.

As a mark of respect the Union Flag on Manchester Town Hall was lowered on the news of his passing.

Famously he wasn't interested in money, none of the acts signed to Factory had contracts, he was more interested in making history. He commented before his death: "When they said I would have to pay £3,500 for the drugs each month, I thought where am I going to find the money? I'm the one person in this industry who famously has never made any money. I used to say some people make money and some make history - which is very funny until you find you can't afford to keep yourself alive. I've never paid for private healthcare because I'm a socialist. Now I find you can get tummy tucks and cosmetic surgery on the NHS but not the drugs I need to stay alive. It is a scandal."
He had been denied use of the drug Sutent by the NHS due to the £3,500 a month it would take to fund the treatment.

When it's all said and done, he would have probably been dismissive of all the tributes to him. I found this quote on a guardian blog and although I'm not sure it's a direct quote from the man, it seems to fit:

"Best not to dwell on the past to much. It is, after all, a foreign country to which none of us have visitor visas."

Rest in Peace Tony.

Tony Wilson - memorial mix.




Better people with bigger words written below:

Tony's wife Yvette in an interview with the Manchester Evening News.

The Guardian's Obituary.

BBC Manchester reports.

Alan McGee Blogs, lots of good comments.