Anthony Wilson

Well I was born too young to experience the bands he helped create or see the movement he helped create, but I was raised on the music of Factory Records and I can honestly say that this man had an impact on my childhood and the things I was raised on. My parents spent their 20s with Joy Division, A Certain Ratio, Derutti Column and many other bands that while not managed by factory were given their time to shine because of Tony and So It Goes. While far too young to have experienced the days of the Haçienda and Factory, I can honestly say that this man and what he’s done had more of an impact on me and who I am than anyone making or managing music today.

What would manchester be without Tony ?

You have inspired more people than you could ever know

We need you now more than ever !

Even with all the great talent Manchester can boast of, Tony Wilson comes at the top of that talent. A man with indescribable charisma, charm and an eye for whats what. You're still 'Mr.Manchester' 10 years on.

The ancient Egyptians used to say: if you say a man's name, he is alive. I take this opportunity to say, Anthony Wilson

Thanks for putting music and Manchester on the map "mr Manchester " lives on legend

Thank you for having the foresight and extraordinary musical taste you did and sharing those musical treasures you helped to nurture with the rest of us...we are very grateful

Tony, I can't describe in words what you mean to me and what you have done for my life. You are a legend and will forever remain so. The hacienda must be rebuilt! Rest in peace Tony.

l love you tony see you in heaven

thanks tony, you made it happen.

Your spirt kept me alive. I loved you and miss you. Hope we meet again. Rest in peace.

Six and a half years seem like six and a half weeks. There's very little light left for us left behind.

Every city.
In every nation.
Needs a Tony Wilson.
To love and hate.
Praise and admire.

You will always be remembered

Sleep tight in Factory Heaven <3

A true legend, thank you for your amazing work with the amazing acts that you brought to us with your fellow cohorts through Factory Records !

Thanks for the music & memories !

R.I.P !

For Anthony...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

I am a Fan of the Manchester scene and your label Factory Records for a short time now. Never had a chance to meet you. The world is a bit more boring now, without you.

Met you twice. Liked you a lot. So grateful for what you did for old Cottonopolis.

i'm a londoner in brooklyn, new york and wish i could hear your comments on what is going on here today musically. it's all been done before. impresario, journalist, everyman -- Tony, you did it right.

Tony you were a manchester legend if only everyone had the same passion for their city as you did. Thank you for your legacy altough i old enough to experience it at the time even 20-30 years on your hard work has passed down at least a generation

I'm sorry I wasn't conscious of your work at the time, but will now celebrate your career for as long as I live.

A true inspiration.

"Don't walk away in silance' you are not for sure...

Thanks for the memories and the songs. May your legacy live on.

R.I.P. IAN CURTIS, and Tony. The best band to come out of that era

Hey...Antony H!

I came by not sure if the guestbook was still here.

There are still people still signing it.

Live on.

Thanks for the music, genius.
RIP

Tony, you were a true legend, and you are a true inspiration to me. I hope that up there you and Ian are at peace and making even more history. Thank you Tony im sure manchester will never ever forget you, I hope your influence will guide me in my future and i can make a difference to the music of today

Thanks for what you did.
Andrea Crema

Tony Wilson, Gone, fragile but free, we'll remember you forever & wish you heaven eternally.

theoriginalpunks, Derby.

Postscript: '£30,000 for a table...', 'You're paying for the design!'

R.I.P
Tony Wilson you are a legend
thanks for all the music !!!

Thank you Tony, you are one of my biggest inspiration.
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Rest in peace, may your soul be blessed Tony Wilson. Thank you for everything... and i mean it!

Rest in peace Tony,thanks for all you did for music.

Thank you for what you did.
RIP

RIP Tony. Thanks for Joy Division and some...

RIP Tony

RIP Tony you will be sorely missed, your influnce on the manchester music scene is immense, and I'd just like to say thank you for factory records and thank you for signing bands such as Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays and Durutti Column, without which my music taste would not be what it is today.

La pasión y entrega de Tony parecen un ejemplo lejano en este mundo donde todo se decide por el mercadeo. Mereció mejor suerte al final y espero que su legado no se olvide nunca.

Lately I've read quite a bit about you. I have also seen quite a few interviews that you'd given. To me, you seem like such an amazing person. I've read a lot about Joy Division. Even though I have become a bit of a fan, I don't think they would have been heard by many without you... and it is deffinately a more interesting story with a personality like yours. Good luck to your family, and may you rest in peace.

Just a fan,
Stephen Barnes

quite simply, Thank you.

In years to come you'll be remembered as 'Manchester's dad'. The kids'll miss you but your memory and spirit will continue to shape this great city. You should be very proud - God Bless.

Fac Daddy you are one of the greatest Brits.

Tarde, muy tarde llegue a apreciar su trabajo... que coraje, que enorme amor por la musica. No tengo palabras si no de agradecimiento por todo lo que hizo, sin su pasion tal vez nunca hubiese llegado a nuestros oidos todos estos maravillosos grupos a los que brindo una oportunidad.
Mil Gracias.
Descanse en paz, Mr. Wilson

to a Soul serenader from the Philly Busters : Keep the Faith Tony - as you always did

RIP matey

I'm one of the unfortunate souls who never had the pleasure of meeting Tony, yet with his passion for music, creativity and artistic freedom, he touched my life, shaped my taste in music and also became something of a role model. I've managed to persuade the Hull University entertainments team to bring The Hacienda tour to the Asylum nightclub later this year, which is planned as a fitting tribute to Tony. With it, I intend to give the mature students such as myself a night of nostalgia and for the the younger generation it will be an evening of education. The students of Hull will be inspired, then go out and perform wondrous deeds. We hope Tony would approve.

Rest In Peace, Mr.Manchester, thank you for showing us the power of independence and self-belief.

Tony Wilson, the sweetest, most polite, extraordinarily, beautiful, most amazing eyes, mad about music, kind, gentle, fascinating teenage boy, I ever met, in mid 60s Stockport.

The Tony Wilsons of this world are few and far between.Someone who cared about art and artists,not just the almighty dollar!Factory and everything that surrounded it,should inspire us all in making culture not a commodity but a joy!

R.I.P Tony Wilson, you will be sadly missed, the music industry will never be the same without you

R.I.P Mr Manchester
you are sadly missed.

Thank you Tony, how else would we ever have known what was really going on all the way down here in NZ?!

a great man

Tony Wilson was a great man, and his example of how to achieve things without compromise and without losing sight of one's original vision was one of the greatest influences on me when I started the Centre for Fortean Zoology. Without him there would be no CFZ period! Rest in peace Tony..

How one man came upon the entire theme tune to my life i'll never know, but maybe not signing the smiths was a tiny mistake... RIP Tony, I can only pray someone else will have as much of an impact in the North West as you did. Being a bit soppy now, but as a kid growing up in Stockport, Salford and Wigan, seeing the factory record artists from "similar" backgrounds made it my view that nothing is impossible.

Like John Peel you went too soon but I bet you didn't waste a moment. I liked the uncompromising anti mainstream attitude that you maintained, and there aren't many who have the integrity to stick to their beliefs like you did

what can i say im 34year old the music defined a point and set my musical taste for which i can never thankyou such a genius such a loss,sadly missed

What a terrible loss to society. Your strong influences in music, creativity and unwavering principles helped to shape the cultures that have evolved over the past 30+ years.
You were a great man who stole the hearts of many, lost the minds of a few and gave so much without fear of depletion.
You left a massive legacy behind and the gratitude for your contribution to so many lives cannot be underplayed.
Remembering your charm and wit still warms me, and appreciating your vision and determination will continue ad infinitum.
R.I.P Tony Wilson
Too frail to wake this time

You inspired so many different people to do so many diferent things. I thank you for the Hacienda, I will always remember the nights and days I spent at the club. thank you.

You stayed faithful to Manchester till the end. Your memory will brighten even the greyest of Mancunian skies....

Thank you for your passion, your courage, your vision and your wit. I wish I could have thanked you in person for all that you did to enrich my life. I would say rest in peace, but your restless soul will, I'm sure, keep you busy eternally.

Thanks for everything Tony. You and your work will forever be with us in the North.

Your memory will always live with us. You brought me so much joy to my life with your acts.Tony Wilson forever!

made me proud to be a northerner, a big mouth and not afraid of my own intelligence.

god bless

Thank you Tony, I do not know what would have become of us without you

Thank you so much for the fantastic music. Factory affected and changed my life. Tony, rest in peace. And give Ian my best regards.

Rave On. So It Goes.

Sincere condolences to Tony's family. Fond memories of a great man who put the north west on the map, musically and culturally. You will be missed.

You breathed life into my favourite city with your music progeny. Yours and their spirit will live on in our hearts and minds. Thankyou.

such a tragic loss to an exceptionally talented man,a true icon of Manchester who will be missed by every Mancunian.Rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord our light and salvation

Thabks Tony for everything you put into making Manchester a true alternative Metropolis. God bless you

Tony thanks for all you did i remember my father bringing a signed photo of you after been interview on Granada Reports by yourself and Judy, always enjoyed programes you did.
TONY.H.WILSON REST IN PEACE

You did some amazing things for Manchester and I would just like to say thank you. I thought you were great.
RIP Tony.

eternal rest give unto him o lord....and let perpetual light shine upon him rest in peace Anthony.......you were a star.

Genius,maverick,legend.
He leaves the world a poorer place for not being in it.

Anthony Wilson you were and always will be an absolute legend.

thanks tony for everything you have done,not only for manchester but for the world. your contribution to the music scene will never be forgotten. you will be truly sadly missed.

What can you say that hasn't already been said.I was on holiday when I read that Tony had passed away and yes I cried,he was part of my life,growing up watching Granada Reports,So it Goes and the Madchester.He was a one off yes Mr Manchester,lets get Whitworth St renamed.God Bless Tony for making a difference x x x

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Tony's death as I have been travelling and didn't realise he had been ill. He has always been a big influence on my musical tastes and loved the portrayal of him on 24Hour Party People. A very fond memory of him was on my birthday in October 05 he gave a talk at the ICA about his musical life. We had a chat about Joy Division, it was magical listening to him and a birthday I will never forget. A great man..

Thank you for bringing the music out of Manchester and to the world; it was over 20 years ago that I heard Blue Monday, and at that moment, you shaped what I listen to and provided me with my life's score. Rest in peace, Mr. Manchester.

RIP Tony, what you discovered and created changed my musical life forever, thank you, and continue to have those 24-hour parties in God's own Factory...

Tony was a great man, i was at in the city last year and it was unforgetable. A genius and true gift to the music industry, he will be sadly missed.

Gone but certainly not forgotten!
Thanks for giving my generation somewhere like the Hacienda!
We know you are up there dancing!!
Rave on!!

Tony epitimised Manchester and was it's favourite son. Goodbye and thanks for everything you did for Manchester Tony...

Worked with Tony for many years. He was a consumate and true professional, a real character and colourful presenter. No one could touch him for flair, imagination, wit,probing and incisive interviewing technique, depth and breadth of knowledge. Sadly missed.

Thankyou Tony you were a good mate.
Hope Wes,Joe and Gary see this
Kevin.

thinking of you Yvette and Oliver. HOPE YOU RECIEVED OUR LETTERS SENT C/ O THE LOFT. TONY WAS A UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL ! THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE WAS JUNE 20O5 WHEN HE SENT ME A LETTER THREE YEARS LATE THANKING ME FOR OLIVERS SUCCESSFULL ALLERGY TREATMENT !!!!! BRYAN AND I HAVE RELOCATED TO GARSTANG - TEL O1995 606055 AND KINGTON HEREFORDSHIRE TEL 01544 370777. PLUS THREE DONKEYS!!! IF YOU ARE EVER NEARBY PLEASE CALL IN AND IF WE CAN HELP AT ANY TIME IN THE COMING MONTHS PLEASE RING US LOVE CLAIRE AND BRYAN 01544 370777.

WHILE YOU ARE READING WHAT WE HAVE ALL PUT, WE KNOW YOU ARE RESTING AT GODS FOOT.

GOD BLESS YOU TONY, YOU WERE A LEGEND IN YOUR OWN RIGHT, AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL YOUR FAMILY, WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND.

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN

You will be very sadly missed Tony
God Bless
Jan and family Manchester

Tony, thank you so much for your part in bringing us all Factory Records and the fantastic bands, music, design, club and creativity, which all came out of it. They were truly special and exciting times to be growing up. You are a hero in my eyes and will be sorely missed. Love James X

Tony a true Manc Legend! Thanks for the music you have given us.

Love will tear us apart!

What a man a true champion of Manchester and the northwest. Ill miss him.

will always remember mr manchester his love of the city and music i knew him a little and was always impressed with his possive spin on all things manchester

GREAT DAYS OF OUR YOUTH AND BEYOND TONY.
THE MUSIC AND THE LEGEND LIVES ON AND FOR THAT WE THANK YOU.

tony that voice will be missed, you were a part of my growing up with both the news reports and the music industry. probably the most influencial guy for the bands i love and have respected since i was a teenager. rest in peace jacky xx

thank you
without you, our lives wouldn't be so funny! you are a cornerstone in music.

The world was definitely a more interesting place with Tony Wilson in it.

what more could you say than thank you Tony, how much Manchester will miss you

Mr Manchester.
You gave us the very best.Don't walk away in silence Tony,You are the light that will never go out,You were a man of True Faith who didn't stand on Ceremony.
May You Rest in Piece Mr Manchester.
God Bless.