Death Of

A few days ago, Anthony Wilson (also known as Tony Wilson) has past away, at the age of 57, from a severe heart attack.

Tony Wilson was, among other things, the man behind "Factory Records" and the "Haçienda" nightclub in Manchester, which played a major role in the 70's music business. Tony was the manager responsible for great bands such as "Joy Division", the "Happy Mondays" and "A Certain Ratio". He became a true british legend back in the seventies, promoting what was then the beginning of the new era for the Punk Rock days. The man had ears just like everyone else - but he knew how to really use them.

To anyone curious about his life (which means, his work), I highly recommend a close watch to the 2002's movie "24 Hour Party People", which stars the actor Steeve Cogan as Tony Wilson, a remarkable character who dedicated his entire life to the musical industry.

I will never understand why I'm always so affected by the death of great music artists. I never knew them in person, and still it's just like I knew them my entire life. I still remember what I was doing when I heard about Johnny Cash's death, for example. The same goes for Elliott Smith's death... there was always this heavy atmosphere while I listened to the product of their geniality. And every song I heard felt like a tribute, my condolences to someone I never got to know. Funny feeling... ironic, too.

But I guess it's that exact same feeling that keeps us so close to the music we love. An addicting combination of respect and love for their work, for their minds, no matter how disturbed they may be.

To Mr. Tony, I just have to say "thank you".