Tony Wilson 1950-2007

I missed the opportunity of meeting Tony Wilson in Manchester a few weeks ago. Jacqui and I were invited to an exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hacienda Nightclub but could not attend. The lottery of life eh?
Mr Wilson, who died last week, meant a lot to me. I identified with him. His attraction was his absolute conviction and belief in whatever he was doing. Sometimes (and quite rightly) this assertiveness made him look like a fool. But when he got it right, the world was his oyster.
He practically re-invented modern day Manchester through music, fashion and dancing. The Hacienda for a short while was the hippest nightclub on the planet. When Madonna first hit these shores, she headed for Manchester, not London. She knew where the smart money was.
Without him there would have been no Cool Britannia. His company, Factory Records, were the blueprint for all that was essential to a disaffected generation. The bands that he managed: Joy Division, New Order and the Happy Mondays made me and all the other young Turks from London froth at the mouth with envy and wonder. Such brilliant songs.
In a way he was one of the inventors of New Labour. Tony was a fine spin doctor, and without doubt the corridors of Milbank paid attention to him. Perhaps they shouldn’t have. He was a marketing genius, but an appalling politician.
Rave on Tony.