Tony Wilson Tribute Single Out Now

Skinny Dog Records have proudly released a touching tribute single to Manchester music legend Tony Wilson to mark the anniversary of his death 8 years ago. The single, ‘St. Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H Wilson’, is available now on CD and vinyl as well as digitally, with all proceeds going towards The Christie Charitable Fund.

Tony Wilson, also known as Mr. Manchester, had a tremendous influence on the UK music scene during the late 70s and 80s through his promotion of Factory Records and the Haçienda nightclub. His role in putting Manchester on the map, and his enthusiasm for its culture, is celebrated in this fitting ode to Wilson’s life.

The writing of the song was a joint effort between poet Mike Garry and composer Joe Duddell, who made the decision to base the music on New Order’s ‘Your Silent Face’.  The project has also involved a number of other prominent Manchester artists, such as members of Joy Division and the Happy Mondays, many of whom have Wilson to thank for their success. Familiar faces, like Iggy Pop, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Christopher Eccleston, are featured in the songs accompanying video, reciting lines of the poem originally penned by Mike Garry. A collaborative project between friends and supporters of the record label owner, it conveys the love and admiration that so many still have for him after his death in 2007.

In addition to the original song and video, the single features a remix by DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall as a B-side. Graphic design students at Salford University have made a video for the remix which can be viewed on youtube along with the original.

The Manchester-based company Retro Fuzz have designed a website for the project. It allows visitors to explore the places, people and stories which make up the lyrics and experience the full impact Wilson had. The website also encourages people to get involved in the project themselves by contributing their thoughts via text message.

You can watch the video for the single below.

The single is available to buy here. The project is raising money for The Christie Charitable Fund. To donate text FACT65 £ followed by the amount to 70070.

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Joe Duddell and Mike Garry