jacks.jukebox

1976, This small, virtually unknown band called Joy Division are performing to a tiny crowd in Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall. The music scene in the city had stagnated slightly, but there was one man in attendance that day that would change the landscape of the city, and the industry forever. Tony Wilson.

Last night I watched the movie ’24 hour party people’ for the first time since my first year of uni. It was, along with ‘Withnail & I’, the movie that I associate most with that year. And the music I associate most with that year? Happy Mondays and New Order. I guess I have a lot to thank Tony Wilson for.

But who is Tony Wilson? He was the man behind Factory Records. The record label which signed the likes of Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays. Not only that, but he was also behind ‘The Hacienda’ nightclub, the most infamous and notorious club this country has ever seen. Also, and most importantly, he was the main character of the movie ’24 hour party people’, all about the history of Factory Records.

There are countless stories about Mr Wilson and Factory Records, including all the record contracts being signed with blood, aswell as hiring drug dealers as bouncers for ‘The Hacienda’. This was a sensible effort to deter said deals from happening inside their establishment. Good idea if you ask me.

But the thing that really made me fall in love with Tony Wilson? He was played by Steve Coogan in 24 hour party people. I’m a right slut for anything Alan Partridge. If you’re wondering what Coogan’s portrayal of Tony Wilson was like, imagine Alan Partridge, but from Manchester not Norwich. Trust me it’s exactly how you’re imagining it. Just watch the first seen of the movie, Tony Wilson hand gliding. It doesn’t get any more Partridge.

One thing that I must mention is the soundtrack to the movie, which is obviously full of Factory Record acts. You have the likes of Joy Division, Happy Mondays and New Order as expected. But also Sex Pistols, The Clash, Buzzcocks, and the rave classic Voodoo Ray. If you somehow don’t like the movie, at least you can enjoy the music.

One day I’m sure I’ll delve deeper into Factory Records and Tony Wilson on the Jukebox. But for now, I will leave you with the recommendation of 24 hour party people. Both the Happy Mondays song and the 2002 movie. Watch it tonight, don’t wait. Trust me.