Tony Wilson Dies At 57. This bummed me out. Tony was only 57. Again this is a tangent that I am pretty sure I will be losing most of you on as I don't think there are a lot of Happy Monday/glow stick wavers/Madchester fans in my audience. Except perhaps, the Brits ;)
Tony founded Factory records in the late 70's and opened the popular (and infamous) Hacienda Club both of which were instrumental in creating the entire Madchester sound and scene which in turn influenced the later Baggy and Britpop (hello Blur and Oasis.) Not to mention the entire Rave scene and the birth of the DJ as a star rather than merely an instrument. And for giving us Joy Division and New Order, Tony is owed a huge thanks. Not to mention he was bitingly amusing as only the English can be. Sorry folks, they OWN us when it comes to irony and sarcasm.
For those of you who are familiar with the sounds of Manchester in the 80's and 90's click on the picture of Tony above for a highly entertaining interview from the 80's and definitely check out the movie 24 Hour Party People.
