NEWS: Factory Records Head Diagnosed With Cancer

MUSIC: Factory Records Head Diagnosed With Cancer

In a sad turn of events, Factory Records honcho Tony Wilson has been diagnosed with cancer. During a routine visit to his doctor, malignant tumors were discovered in Wilson's right kidney. The label-head and band manager is just shy of his 57th birthday.

For those unaware, Wilson discovered, promoted and managed acts like Joy Division, New Order and The Happy Mondays. He was also responsible for the now-infamous Manchester nightclub The Hacienda, which acted as the epicenter of the burgeoning Mancunian rave scene during the late '80s and early '90s.

Anyone familiar with Steve Coogan's portrayal of Tony in 24 Hour Party People won't be surprised at Wilson's optimism and bravado in the face of terminal illness. Wilson told The Guardian that he's prepared to go head-to-head with the disease.

Tony will be undergoing chemotherapy at Manchester's Christie Hospital. Our thoughts are with you, Mr. Wilson!

He is a great man who has helped countless musicians, often at a loss to himself. It seems as though they caught it early and hopefully he can be treated successfully. Cheers, sir.

Love you loads Tony, our thoughts are with you and your family.

I hope he goes head to head and wins. It would be sad to loose an icon like him.

Fuq... Half of the decent modern Brit pop that saw daylight owes their lunches to him. Up MADChester!!! Best of luck, Tony.

It took me forever to word the title of this article correctly, in my head.

The world can't aford to lose people like Tony Wilson.

We're all in debt to him and John Peel for unearthing the great bands of our modern times.

No A&R Company man will ever do that.

That's awful! I hope he kicks its ass.

Dude is a brick wall... If anyone can kick cancer in the balls its Wilson. That "24 hour party is over" is kind of harsh, dont you think?

bummer, my only tidbit of seeing Wilson was the SMITHS DVD about the band.

That's fucking shit

Tony Wilson is a legend!

He's died.

That's fucking terrible. RIP, tony wilson.

aw, crap.......RIP Tony.

so sad.

rest in peace.

Godspeed, Tony.

The music you helped bring to light lives on.

While this is sad, I expect his legacy to act as a catalyst.

I'm kind of excited to see what it brings.

Oh no...

RIP Tony.

It's kind of sad, people saying RIP already. I can't imagine he'd just lay down and die without a fight. Fight on, Tony!

A sad time indeed...

Happy trails, Tony.

You helped shape my youth, and brought to me my first true love.

You brought us Joy and Happy-ness, and a New Order. For this you will not be forgotten.