Anthony H Wilson 1950 - 2007

Tony Wilson, the record label supremo, broadcaster and ultimate son of "Madchester", has died after a battle with kidney cancer.

The pop impresario and nightclub owner, credited with helping put Manchester on the map for its vibrant music culture, died in hospital on Friday 11th August.

A hugely respected figure in the music and media industries, he managed the Happy Mondays, Joy Division and New Order through Factory Records, which he launched, as he did The Hacienda nightclub, breathing life into the city.

In tribute The Vicar presents his favourite Wilson pearls of wisdom:

"I'm a minor player in my own life story."

“I am not a piece of hash. I'm in charge of Factory Records. I think.”

“Energy, energy? Energy is, is, it's nothing more than a lot of new age hokum masquerading as religion.”

“It's not your everyday job, ... Anytime you get to blow stuff up on a daily basis, it's a lot of fun.”

"Every band needs it's own special chemistry. And Bez was a very good chemist."

"Jazz is the last refuge of the untalented. Jazz musicians enjoy themselves more than anyone listening to them does."

"This scene didn't actually make it to the final cut. I'm sure it'll be on the DVD."

Your Rocking Vicar emails the parish every weekend. To bless your inbox on a weekly basis just click here.

subscribe now >