Tonight's Tony WIlson Event in Manchester

I went, and first of all let me describe the scene, its hot, really fucking hot, its packed (overcrowded), I'm say 4 rows back, just an observer really, I didn't pluck up the courage to ask any questions, but then again there wasn't much time for that, it was Wilson's show.

He read some passages from the book "24 Hour Party People", esp. bits about his first meeting with Gretton and Ian Curtis, then on to the Monday's in late 80's.

Like I said it was hot and overcrowded and thats a shame, he needed a bigger audience, would have been good to have the event in the Hacienda, but Wilson made the point at the beginning of the night, the buldozers came in this week, the Hac is no more, levelled, to be a car park proabably.

He went on with readings for roughly 45 mins, and then allowed the audience to ask questions, followed by a signing session, I got my book signed (to Matt..... thats me) and my New Order Substance CD signed with the words "for my CD player" at which point Wilson told me the Substance CD was his idea, after all up to 1987 New Order never put singles on their albums, Wilson wanted them collected together on a CD so he could listen to them in the car..... well, thats what he says anyhow, its mad enough to believe thats how the Substance CD came about, shifted shed loads in the shops. Still nice comment o have on my Substance CD, nice story.

Wilson also called Bernard Sumner the greated record producer of the 80's and 90's and also called Joy Division the best band ever, he even namechecked Stretford (a suburb of Manc where I live!!!) and called the Smiths and thr Stone Roses "unimportant", "they didnt change the music scene" he says, "but my bands did", referring to Joy Division/New Order and the Mondays.

erm, thats it I think, I've probably missed out loads, but something else I have to mention, Joan Collins was downstairs signing copies of her book too, she looks good for 70 or whatever she's supposed to be, I wouldnt though.... too old for me, I don't shag grannies.

Night Night.

Oh, and HERE TO STAY is now on the radio (105.4fm), not bad, not bad at all.

Originally posted by Matt Hicks Wilson also called Bernard Sumner the greated record producer of the 80's and 90's

Actually in the 24HPP book (which I've now finished) he calls Barney the second best producer ever (after Martin Hannett). TW points to Marcel King's 'Reach For Love' as an example of how good a producer BS is and it does happen to be one of my fave Factory 12 inches I have to say... he's right.

It was bloody hot, I thought I was going to pass out!

Well, me and Liv - Hiya chuck - got perched in the back somewhere, so due to my shortness of height and sight, ended up with a sore neck due to intensive craning. Did however manage to clock that he seemed to be wearing Simon Cowell style high trousers - eek!

Did think it was very game of him to do the whole thing in front of the huge poster of Coogan playing him with 'Twat' emblazoned across it :), but he must be the only person who can be so self-deprecating but still come across as arrogant, which I suppose is why I find him so amusing.... When he started his whole spiel about how Factory had the bands that changed the face of music by saying "This is not me being arrogant" I thought I was going to choke

Notable highlight for me was the anecdote about being at a party with Natalie Curtis where she was complaining that the whole thing was totally shit, and Barney started freaking out because she was so like Ian. Except I missed the end of this story because some silly woman had left her mobile on. And Tony was right - her ringtone was crap ;)

Me and Liv got our books signed - he seemed very pleased that Liv had 3 copies, and disbelieving at your name Muffy ;) Oh, and on the way out I saw his very pretty wife - how did he manage that

Erm, I'm sure Liv can add any bits I've forgotten :)

thanks for letting us know what happened; sorry is was so darn hot, but hopefully it was worth it all

Originally posted by Kezzie It was bloody hot, I thought I was going to pass out!Well, me and Liv - Hiya chuck - got perched in the back somewhere, so due to my shortness of height and sight, ended up with a sore neck due to intensive craning. Did however manage to clock that he seemed to be wearing Simon Cowell style high trousers - eek!Did think it was very game of him to do the whole thing in front of the huge poster of Coogan playing him with 'Twat' emblazoned across it :), but he must be the only person who can be so self-deprecating but still come across as arrogant, which I suppose is why I find him so amusing....When he started his whole spiel about how Factory had the bands that changed the face of music by saying "This is not me being arrogant" I thought I was going to choke Notable highlight for me was the anecdote about being at a party with Natalie Curtis where she was complaining that the whole thing was totally shit, and Barney started freaking out because she was so like Ian. Except I missed the end of this story because some silly woman had left her mobile on. And Tony was right - her ringtone was crap ;)Me and Liv got our books signed - he seemed very pleased that Liv had 3 copies, and disbelieving at your name Muffy ;) Oh, and on the way out I saw his very pretty wife - how did he manage thatErm, I'm sure Liv can add any bits I've forgotten :)

We've had a very similar thing in London tonight. I walked away as he was boring me, and went back for the signing. His eyes lit up with dollar signs at my 4 copies !