A (Final) Paean To Wilson

The Durutti Column - A Paean to Wilson; Tony Wilson and Vini Reilly

Dave Simpson in The Guardian reviews the final night of A Paean To Wilson at the Pavilion Theatre in Albert Square, Manchester.

Apparently, before proceedings started Vini said "So you won't have to put up with my awful voice and schoolboy lyrics."

In summary, Simpson said, "After the humour came exquisitely mournful music. With Reilly and drummer Bruce Mitchell augmented by bass, keyboard, violin, electric piano, drum machine and trumpet, the band's beautiful pieces reflected Wilson's love of rock and classical. Reilly's plangent guitar work showed grief's emotional spectrum, from sadness to overdriven anger. As in life, Wilson had the last word, his recorded voice expounding thoughts on socialism with an eerie echo. Silence followed as Manchester pondered the loss of one of its truly larger-than-life characters. Then everybody cheered."

A fold-out poster booklet designed by Trevor Johnson was given away at all of the gigs. It features pen pictures of all the Durutti protagonists including John Metcalfe and Tim Kellett. The new box set Four Factory Records was available to buy at the Kooky stall - don't worry, there are still plenty left. And it was very hot. The first night was about 80% full but by the third and final night there was not a ticket to be had.

A Paean To Wilson will be featured on the BBC2 Culture Show on Wednesday 22 July.