On Thursday 16 August 2007, XFM Manchester broadcast 'True Faith; A Tribute to Tony Wilson' hosted by Clint Boon and Dave Haslam. Having originally scheduled to be 7-10pm, the show was extended until 11.30pm and included extended phone interviews Malcolm McLaren, Paul Morley, Kevin Cummins, Lemn Sissay, Lucy Meacock, Alan McGee, Moby, Mike Pickering and Tim Booth from James (who began their recording career on Factory Records).

Studio guests included Paul and Derek Ryder, Bruce Mitchell (Durutti Column), and Stephen Morris (who discussed Tony Wilson's contribution to the career of Joy Division and New Order). When asked by Dave Haslam whether New Order would consider reuniting for one last concert in tribute, Stephen Morris said "As Tony used to say, 'Anything is possible.'"

Live music on the show featured two of Tony Wilson's favourite young Mancunian singer-wongwriters Liam Frost and Stephen Fretwell (Fretwell performed a cover version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye'), and also live in the studio Vini Reilly performed a brilliant 'Requeim'.

The final guest, Peter Hook, spoke of his sadness at the loss of Ian Curtis, Martin Hannett, Rob Gretton, and, now, Tony Wilson, and dedicated 'Atmosphere' to Tony's memory.

Check out xfmmanchester.co.uk for details about the first in a series of podcasts now available which include material from the show plus extra music and more interviews.

Labels: Dave_Haslam, Factory_Records, Joy_Division, Kevin_Cummins, New_Order, Peter_Hook, The_Durutti_Column, Tony_Wilson

- - - -