‘Without Tony Wilson there would be no indie labels’

Alan McGee pays tribute Tony Wilson

Creation Records boss Alan McGee has paid tribute to Factory Records legend Tony Wilson, whose death was announced tonight (August 10).

The man who signed the likes of Primal Scream and Oasis told NME.COM he had followed the lead of Wilson, who was responsible for releasing records by bands including Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays.

“He was a complete inspiration,” declared McGee. “He was one of the great spotters of music talent, and it’s a complete shame for him to go so very young.

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Factory Records was the template for every indie label with its 50-50 deals [between artist and label] and I can honestly say without Factory there would have been no Creation. In fact if it wasn’t for his talk to us in 1985 I might have quit music altogether.”

McGee went on to add that despite having his “ups and downs” with Wilson musically, the two were great friends and he had always been impressed with the way the Salford-born legend had remained on the cutting edge throughout his life, backing new talent through leading events like In The City music conference in Manchester and New York, plus consistently picking out new bands.

“I did a Alan McGee Vs Tony Wilson thing on the radio last year where we had a DJ off,” he recalled. “All he would play was Enter Shikari, he was always on it.”

You can ready Tony Wilson’s obituary along with a host of tributes let by New Order on NME.COM now.

From signing the likes of Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, to being a general supporter of exciting an innovative music, Wilson established himself as a true indie hero.

Now NME.COM want your thoughts. Send your tributes, stories and photos to tonywilsonnme@hotmail.co.uk and we’ll publish them.

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And see the NME Office Blog for our Tony Wilson comment and tribute, then leave a comment with your own.

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