'Madchester' Mogul Tony Wilson Dies

Aug 12, 09:00 AM

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TONY Wilson, the Manchester music mogul, died in hospital last night.

The former broadcaster, record label boss and owner of the legendary Hacienda nightclub had been suffering from cancer. He died at the Christie Hospital in Manchester at 6:05pm, a spokesman for the hospital said.

Mr Wilson, aged 57, was surrounded by family at his bedside when he passed away.

His Factory record label launched the bands Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, and he was king of the "Madchester" rave scene. At its height in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Factory produced a string of hit records and his Hacienda nightclub was the place to be.

The film 24 Hour Party People, released in 2002, was based on those heady days and featured Mr Wilson, played by comedian Steve Coogan, as its central character.

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