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Tony led our sound revolution

Laura Shannon
14/ 8/2007

MANCHESTER legend Tony Wilson has been remembered by many across the city since his death on Friday but an old friend has acknowledged his influence on the birth of sound in Rochdale.

Mr Wilson was a frequent visitor to Cargo studio in Kenion Street and brought Joy Division to record their music there.

Mr Wilson headed Factory music, an independent music label with many bands involved, including Joy Division and the Happy Mondays, bringing the music scene up firmly into the heart of Manchester.

He also played a big hand in the Hacienda nightclub, a monumental night out for many wanting to enjoy the city's best music.

Chris Hewitt, who later took over the studio, said: "You hated him and you loved him, I think everybody said that. You hated his arrogance but you loved the fact he got things done.

"Tony bought a bass guitar from my shop as far back as 1978. Later the Cargo studio name was changed to Suite 16 and that was Tony's idea.

"We had our arguments, as did plenty of other people, but he was intelligent and a great TV presenter.

"He had some radical ideas and obviously made his mark on the music industry.

"Most people don't realise how pivotal a place Rochdale was thanks to Tony. Even Healey Dell played a part in the history of Factory because Tony and I used to store records in a warehouse unit over there."

Mr Hewitt used to give lifts from the studio to Rochdale train station when he needed to be back at Granada studios.

Sometimes it would be a 'hair raising' drive into Manchester when they were racing against the clock.

Rochdale's Labour parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk also paid tribute. He said they worked together on a campaign in Manchester two years ago.

He said: "Tony was the most creative, imaginative and passionate person I have ever met, his passing away is a great loss.

"My condolences go to his family and particularly his partner Yvette Livesey."

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Click on the video link to see one of Tony Wilson's final interviews, recorded a few weeks ago with Channel M ...