In June 2007 Tony Wilson interviewed Adele Loch Arlene McCarthy and me at the Cornerhouse Manchester. It was on a BBC Radio Manchester programme called Talk of the Town.
Businesswoman Adele Lock founded the Gentry grooming company in Manchester. Arlene McCarthy was at the time Labour Euro MP for the North West. She stood down in 2014.
Adele talked about her experience on the BBC TV programme the apprentice. Arlene McCarthy spoke about her experience of being in politics.
Tony Wilson introduced me as freelance photographer and said that I was perhaps one of the greatest chroniclers of the city, a very flattering introduction and whether or not it’s true, he said it!
After asking about my website address and correcting the spelling of my name, he asked me the question: Do we care about Scotland? In mid-2007, the SNP had had success in elections in Scotland. At the time people were asking the question: Is the union in danger? Six years later people in Scotland voted in a referendum and rejected independence.
Finally Tony Wilson remarked that Glasgow was one of the first cities to start to come alive, to experience a revival in its economy and development. Arlene McCarthy agreed with him and mentioned the European capital of culture title, which has been held by both Glasgow in 1990 and Liverpool in 2008.
Sadly, only just over two months after this interview, Tony Wilson died at the Christie Hospital South Manchester. Like many people in the city I was devastated.
February 2015 marked the closure of the Cornerhouse and the move to the new arts centre HOME, so I decided to republish excerpts from the interview. I believe it’s very important to keep the voice and spirit Tony Wilson alive. I’m proud to have known him as a friend. The square in front of HOME is named Tony Wilson Place.
Hi, I’m Aidan O’Rourke, @AidanEyewitness, language coach and YouTuber based in North West England, with links to Ireland and Germany. I offer German and English courses with individuals and small groups and run photo walks. I am building my AidanEyewitness YouTube channel, launched autumn 2020, focusing on Liverpool, Manchester and connected cities If you have any enquiries or would like to join me on a course or walk, please get in touch using the contact form or via social media.