2006 03 Q Classic Morrissey and The Story of Manchester - Part 6 - Martin Hannett
POST PUNK IN MANCHESTER In 1978, Joy Division turned their raw musicianship into a virtue, inventing an austere, intense, industrial sound. When local media figure Tony Wilson signed them to his new Factory label, a legendary era began. Heart & Soul Martin Hannett was Factory Records' genius in-house producer - a sonic alchemist inspired by dub and drugs. Martin Aston charts his mercurial rise and tragic end. "I WAS OUTRAGED," snorts Tony Wilson, former MD of Factory Records, when the subject of his late friend, business partner and nemesis is raised. “Last year I picked up this magazine article titled ‘The Ten Craziest Producers Of All Time’. And it didn’t include Martin Hannett! I immediately called the assistant editor, and said,‘You fucking cockney shite, how can you miss him off?’ “24 Hour Party People [the dramatised story of Wil...