The Daily Swarm

Tony Wilson Experience

Contact Music:

Known affectionately as Mr Manchester, his passion for the city also saw the founding of the iconic Hacienda nightclub which, like many of Wilson’s business interests, struggled financially.

In tribute to his memory, an all-night event dubbed The Tony Wilson Experience – Reification will take place in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens, with New Order bassist Peter Hook, DJ Mark Radcliffe, artist Liam Spencer and actor Steve Coogan – who played Wilson in 24 Hour Party People – all involved.

Peter Saville:

“It seemed obvious to me that Tony was always more than just the sum of his parts – throughout his life and work Tony was a hub around whom creative people circled.

“There was always a bigger creative picture in play with Tony. If there was a chance to foster new talent he’d take it. If he could fuse several different disciplines together into something brave and new and unexpected, he’d make it happen. He was at all times crucible, catalyst and collector.”

“The Tony Wilson Experience will be groundbreaking and absolutely unmissable for anyone out there with a creative talent who is really serious about what they do and is keen to learn from the ‘experienced’ who are going to be a part of this. “Great things I’m sure will come out of this weekend – not just for the students but for the creatives themselves with experience who are also set to learn not just from each other but from some of the hugely talented and inspiring young people who will be chosen to take part in this.”