Manchester to honour Tony Wilson with 24-hour 'conversation'

Late Tony Wilson tp be honoured with 24-hour 'conversation party'

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Tuesday, 25, Mar 2008 09:28

The creative industry in Manchester will honour the late Tony Wilson with a 24-hour 'conversation party'.

Factory Records founder Wilson died in August 2007 of a heart attack after a long battle with renal cancer, sparking tributes across the industry.

The Cambridge graduate and Granada TV presenter played an instrumental role in the rise of Joy Division as well as helping the band through the loss of frontman Ian Curtis and their transformation into New Order and coping with the antics of the Happy Mondays.

Known affectionately as Mr Manchester, his passion for the city also saw the founding of the iconic Hacienda nightclub which, like many of Wilson's business interests, struggled financially.

In tribute to his memory, an all-night event dubbed The Tony Wilson Experience - Reification will take place in Manchester's Cathedral Gardens, with New Order bassist Peter Hook, DJ Mark Radcliffe, artist Liam Spencer and actor Steve Coogan - who played Wilson in 24 Hour Party People - all involved.

The Tony Wilson Experience will encompass 24 hours of conversation and debate, with 200 talented young people handpicked to take part.

Peter Saville, the designer responsible for the startling visuals of the Factory Records output, including the cover art for Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures, said: "There was always a bigger picture in play with Tony.

"If there was a chance to foster new talent he'd take it. If he could fuse different disciplines together into something brave and new and unexpected, he'd make it happen. He was at all times crucible, catalyst and collector.

"Great things are going to come out of this weekend - both for the students and for the experienced creatives themselves."

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added: "Tony gave a lot to Manchester and was fiercely proud both of his northern roots and the talent that came out of the city.

"This is going to be literally one of the most talked about, unmissable, creative 24 hours in the history of Manchester."