Soon after writing my post on Friday, I headed to upstate New York for a relaxing summer weekend. I left my worries behind along with most of my means of contact with the outside world: no internet access, no TV, and limited cell phone service. Just myself, some music, good friends, and nature. It was relieving and peaceful - a perfect weekend.
Being a slave to technology, one of the first things I did when I arrived home was checked my voicemail. The first two or three messages were your pretty standard “call me” type of voicemails and then I got to a message from one of my friends that said; “Yo, calling to see if you heard about Tony Wilson” I just shrugged it off and moved onto the next message; “Hey dude, sucks to hear about Tony Wilson.” I thought to myself “What the fuck is going on?” I immediately called said friend back and he told me the devastating news that Tony Wilson died from a heart attack due to complications of kidney cancer on Friday at age 57. I was completely shocked and saddened.
Tony Wilson was a personal inspiration to me as I’m sure he was to many others. From So It Goes to Factory Records to The Haçienda to In The City; countless labels, bands, DJs, managers, promoters, and clubs owe the man a great debt of gratitude. Not necessarily like the guy, but respect him.
I was recently questioning why I write for this site, promote bands, and put on shows. I didn’t really have an answer for myself or those who asked me, until this news rattled some things loose in my head. Like Wilson, I’m a true believer in independent music. He did it for the love of music, committed and passionate about his artists - always looking for a better way of doing things.
Innovator and inspiration, Tony Wilson, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
[MP3]: Joy Division ”Atmosphere”
1988, FAC 213
[MP3]: New Order ”Ceremony”
1981, FAC 33
[MP3]: Stockholm Monsters ”National Pastime”
1984, FAC 107
[MP3]: Durutti Column ”Sketch For Summer”
1979, FAC 14
[MP3]: Cabaret Voltaire ”Yashar”
1983, FAC 82
[MP3]: A Certain Ratio ”All Night Party”
1979, FAC 5