The single release of St. Anthony: An Ode To Anthony H Wilson’, a touching tribute to Factory Records legend Tony Wilson, has made number one in 3 different UK charts: #1 physical single sales, #1 vinyl single sales, #1 indie breakthrough single. It’s quite fitting that the tribute to the man whose label released the best selling 12 inch of all time in New Order’s “Blue Monday” should debut at number 1 in the vinyl charts.
The poem was commissioned by Terry Christian, then written by Mancunian poet and lifelong Wilson fan Mike Garry who took it to music composer Joe Duddell (New Order, Elbow). On the first read, Duddell immediately heard elements of New Order’s ‘Your Silent Face’, completely unrealised by Garry, and decided to base the music on that song. ‘St. Anthony: An Ode To Anthony H Wilson’ was born.
The video has reached 100K plays on YouTube and is testament to the love and respect for Wilson that continues after his death. Featuring a collection of close friends and collaborators each reciting lines from the poem, including Bernard, Gillian and Stephen from New Order, Christopher Eccleston, Steve Coogan, Iggy Pop, Peter Saville to name but a few.
‘St. Anthony: An Ode To Anthony H Wilson’ is available to download and buy on CD and 12”, all featuring the Andrew Weatherall remix. Skinny Dog Records is a label formed by members of I Am Kloot and Elbow. All profits from the single will go to The Christie Charitable Fund.
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