Illustrious media figure, Wilson, dies aged 57
Tony Wilson, the presenter, journalist and music mogul, has died aged 57.
The Salford-born entrepreneur founded Factory Records in 1978 along with Alan Erasmus, producer Martin Hannet and renowned graphic artist Peter Saville. The label went on to launch the careers of bands such as Joy Division and The Happy Mondays, opening the Hacienda nightclub in 1982.
An outspoken advocate for the city of Manchester, Wilson was dubbed Mr Manchester and appeared on television in the north west since the 1970s, more recently fronting radio shows on XFM Manchester and BBC Radio Manchester.
He was portrayed by Steve Coogan in the film 24 Hour Party People, charting the founding of the label and the emergence of the ‘Madchester’ scene.
Wilson underwent emergency surgery to remove a kidney earlier this year and was diagnosed with cancer.