A host of musicians have paid tribute to Tony Wilson, Factory Records founder, on the eighth anniversary of his death.
Poet Mike Garry and musician Joe Duddell have released a song in his honour called “St. Anthony: An Ode To Anthony H Wilson“.
The accompanying video features members of New Order members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, Gillian Gilbert, Shaun Ryder, John Cooper Clarke and Vini Reilly alongside Manchester luminaries including Steve Coogan, Paul Morley, Christopher Eccleston and Factory sleeve designer, Peter Saville.
Dundell based the music on New Order’s track, “Your Silent Face“. The song is remixed by Andrew Weatherall and will be released digitally and on 12” vinyl/CD on August 14 via Skinny Dog.
Watch the video below.
Speaking to The Guardian, Sumner said: “I think St Anthony is a very fitting and moving epitaph. I was very shocked by Tony’s death. He always seemed so young and enthusiastic in spirit. He had the attitude of a man in his 20s, which I thought was a great way to be.”
He continued: “Tony Wilson who was no saint, but he was a good man who did good things by using his position in the media to help musicians, artists and poets to grow. He didn’t need to do that, and he didn’t do it for the money, he did it because he was trying to do good for the culture of the city he lived in and loved.”
“Most people will have had some experience of cancer either personally or via a friend or family member. I know I have. So it is fantastic that all proceeds from St Anthony will go to cancer research, and it’s also very moving to know that even after all these years, people are still thinking of him, Ian Curtis, Martin Hannett and Rob Gretton.”
Proceeds from the event and single will go to the Christie Charitable Fund.
Tony Wilson died on August 10, 2007, aged 57.
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