Mr Manchester lives on

This week, fans all over the world are mourning the death of television personality and Factory Records founder Tony Wilson. In the UK, Wilson was like our Jerry Springer and Colonel Tom Parker rolled into one, an overly confident television host who, through perseverance and wit, shaped the Manchester music scene into an artist's oasis. In the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, actor Steve Coogan deftly captured the wit and assuredness of Wilson, as the film follows him from TV newsman to curious fan to major player in the 'Madchester' music scene.

For an amazing profile of 'Mr Manchester,' check out a this piece written by Paul Morely for UK's The Observer. And here's a video piece on his life complete with interviews and clips from his series So It Goes.

To celebrate the life of Wilson, a(nother) viewing of this fine film is in order. The music of 24 Hour Party People is obviously crucial to the story, as it's a reflection of the music that Tony Wilson tirelessly championed. I've reassembled them here in order as they appeared in the film.

Playlist: 24 Hour Party People Rssmbld Sndtrck

tags: factory records, film, tony wilson, music, joy division, 24 hour party people, playlist, rhapsody