Tony Wilson died yesterday after a battle with cancer. Factory records were personally hugely influential for me, the Madchester scene of the early 90's was one of the things that attracted me to Manchester. He signed bands such as New Order, The Happy Monday's, Northside, commisioned Peter Saville to do some stunning design work and then launched the Hacienda.
He was such a purist that gave artists such as Joy Division total creative freedom. This meant he made no money and on record's such as New Order's best selling 12 inch 'Blue Monday' he lost money on every record sold.
I saw him a few time in town, buying coffee in 'Love Saves the Day' - he'll be missed.
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