RIP Anthony Wilson

Current mood: AGAIN
Category: AGAIN Music

Anthony Wilson, the music mogul behind some of Manchester's most successful bands, has died of cancer.

The Salford-born entrepreneur, who founded Factory records, the label behind New Order and the Happy Mondays, was diagnosed last year.

The 57-year-old, also famous for setting up the Hacienda nightclub, underwent emergency surgery in January to remove a kidney.

He passed away on Friday evening in hospital.

Doctors recommended he take the drug Sutent after chemotherapy failed to beat the disease, but the NHS refused to fund the £3,500-a-month treatment.

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Part of me, part of Manchester, part of modern British music has died tonight Phil Saxe

However, members of the Happy Mondays and other acts he supported over the years stepped in and started a fund to help pay for it.

His vision and determination played a key role in helping to put Manchester on the map for its music and vibrant nightlife and his entrepreneurial skills inspired people everywhere.

Phil Saxe, who used to work at Factory Records with Wilson, said: "Part of me, part of Manchester, part of modern British music has died tonight.

"Tony was a genius, basically.

"He was a visionary in that he helped bands, who otherwise wouldn't have made it, who were a bit out of the ordinary.

"He helped them realise their dreams and through that probably realised himself to be Mr Manchester".

'An inspiration'

BBC journalist Kristan Deconinck sought advice from him in the early 1980s on how to launch an independent record label shortly after Wilson had started Factory records.

"He couldn't have been more helpful and more patient," Kristan said.

"He inspired me - and countless others - to have a go if you believed in something.

"That in itself is a great legacy, apart from the vision he had with his label, his shows, his attitude - his contribution to a new culture.

"When I later met him, I found him far more amenable than scurrilous rumours had led me to believe and my esteem for the guy never diminished."

OBITUARY

Currently listening : Supermodified By Amon Tobin Release date: By 16 May, 2000

21:47 - 13 Comments - 16 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Renate Müller II	Such sad news. Posted by Renate Müller II on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 23:25 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	: THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI :	To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of his bands, but I love anyone who can inspire people to get off their arses and do something less boring instead... Posted by : THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI : on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 23:30 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Renate Müller II	...according to Joy Division's myspace, he apparently died of a heart attack - thought to be "unrelated" to his recent battle with kidney cancer. :( Posted by Renate Müller II on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 20:52 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	PLANET PAUL CENTRAL	If that's so, it's double shit luck... Posted by PLANET PAUL CENTRAL on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 01:51 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Renate Müller II	Errm...identity crisis? Posted by Renate Müller II on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 02:03 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	: THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI :	Too fucking right... Posted by : THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI : on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 02:05 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Paloma, First Lady of Infinity	dropping like flies. :(I had not heard this news. i was on a new order kick this morning for some reason... Posted by Paloma, First Lady of Infinity on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 23:34 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	: THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI :	Yeah, there's a small plague going on and I'm starting to worry for Lee 'Scratch Perry'... Posted by : THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI : on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 23:37 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Emily	Fucking gutted :( I am obsessed with Factory Records and this comes as a huge shock. :( Posted by Emily on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 02:20 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Clinker	Yes very sad. Another genius gone. I was shocked to hear the news. A part of my life history is dead. Posted by Clinker on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 11:30 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	: THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI :	I reckon it's still alive.... Posted by : THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI : on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 02:07 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Time Traveler	I think it's fucked up medical and insurance bullshit that accelerated his death. May he rest in peace and live long in our hearts and minds. Step up and sound out for your rights! Sharon Posted by Time Traveler on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 02:04 [Remove] [Reply to this]

: THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI :

I wouldn't know.. Posted by : THE FUTUREPROOF MUSIC BLOG BY PIOUS GIOVANNI : on Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 02:08 [Remove] [Reply to this]