‘THAT I’ll see the face and I’ll hear the voice of Anthony H Wilson...’
A performance of the single will take place at the Old Granada Studios on Friday 14 August
Followed by a list of Manchester’s strong associations with the life of Anthony H Wilson, these lyrics form a new charity single entitled St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson. The memorial single is in aid of The Christie Charitable Fund.
Prior to a fatal heart attack, Wilson had been receiving treatment at Manchester Christie Hospital for kidney cancer.
Anthony H Wilson was a broadcaster, impresario, writer, owner of Factory Records and founder of the Hacienda nightclub, who died in 2007. He was commonly referred to as 'Mr Manchester' in recognition of the enormous contribution he made to the city’s revitalisation and identity.
Steve Coogan, Christopher Eccleston, John Cooper Clarke, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Shaun Ryder and Iggy Pop are among a host of performers to feature in the music video.
Inspired by New Order’s Your Silent Face, the poem was written by Mike Garry and the music composed by Joe Duddell (New Order, Elbow). The artwork has been created by the former Factory Records sleeve designer, Peter Saville.
This single is just one memorial to the illustrious Mancunian. The new First Street development has a Tony Wilson Place, there's cult film 24 Hour Party People, while Durutti Column’s 2010 album was entitled Paean to Wilson.
A performance of the single will take place at the Old Granada Studios on Friday 14 August. All proceeds will go to The Christie Charitable Fund and tickets can be bought here.
The music video with detailed lyric breakdown can be found here.
