MUSIC mogul Tony Wilson is to become the first posthumous freeman of the city of Manchester, it has been announced.
Wilson, who died earlier this year aged 57, will have his name inscribed on the roll of honour in Manchester Town Hall.
It is an honour usually reserved for those who have been given freedom of the city, which has only been awarded to 75 people and six military regiments.
Councillors unanimously agreed to the move after holding a minute's silence in honour of the late impresario at the opening of a council meeting.
The motion was proposed by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glyn Evans, in recognition of Wilson's "outstanding contribution to the life, music and culture of the city over many years".
Councillor Evans had wanted to make Wilson an honorary freeman but a spokeswoman explained this was not possible due to council rules.
She said: "One of the key criteria for honorary freemen is that they are alive. But had Tony lived, he would almost certainly have been given freeman status so councillors agreed they would make an exception and his name will be placed alongside those who have been given the status."
The last person to be given freedom of the city was Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, in 1999. A life-long United supporter, Wilson's name will be inscribed alongside Sir Alex's and on the same row as former manager Sir Matt Busby.
Wilson, the former broadcaster, record label boss and owner of the Hacienda nightclub, died on August 10 after a battle with cancer.
During his life he became synonymous with Manchester's thriving music scene, launching the bands New Order, Joy Division and Happy Mondays alongside his day job as a television reporter.
Do you agree with the announcement? Have your say.
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ace, manchester (10/10/2007 at 15:10)
AH, Manchester (10/10/2007 at 15:16)
The Bobelesque, In The Rye (10/10/2007 at 15:28)
ace, manchester (10/10/2007 at 15:41)
That goes for a lot of people who died first before they were recognised as doing something worthwhile.its that old saying "You dont know what youve lost until you loose it" .
tezza, tyldesley (10/10/2007 at 16:14)
Mike the City fan (10/10/2007 at 17:09)
ace, manchester (10/10/2007 at 17:13)
In the words of tony wilson "If you dont like it dont read it"
ostara (10/10/2007 at 17:29)
RedPaddy (10/10/2007 at 17:40)
At least your councillors are in touch with their citizens now.
Colin W, Abroad (10/10/2007 at 19:33)
Wunderkid (11/10/2007 at 01:46)
I'm an absolute Tony Wilson/Factory Records/Manchester United fanatic and I loved him and his label for basically transforming the city of Manchester into a world capital of music, but un-like pretty much all other labels Factory was never run as a company and some of their very silly administrative decisions resulted in the end of the label in the early 1990's and the closures of not one but two Haciendas.
I have pretty much all the albums of all the Factory bands and of the course the "24 Hour Party People" DVD which is one of my favourite films ever.
I'm finding it hard to believe that "Mr. Madchester" is gone even now but this is a fantastic decision. Rest in peace Tony mate.
The Bobelesque, In The Rye (11/10/2007 at 11:56)
Mr Angry, Bury (11/10/2007 at 13:51)
ace, manchester (11/10/2007 at 14:16)
I see youve been in the city centre and seen and smelled all the takeaways.weve become a complete city of takeaways every shop that comes empty anywhere in manchester becomes a takeaway??? why are the council allowing this????
AH, Manchester (11/10/2007 at 14:48)
The Bobelesque, In The Rye (11/10/2007 at 15:26)