A VIDEO and single honouring the late Anthony H.Wilson featuring Iggy Pop, Steve Coogan, New Order, Shaun Ryder, Christopher Eccleston and Julie Hesmondhalgh will be launched in Manchester on August 14.

Skinny Dog Records is proud to announce the release of St Anthony: An Ode to Anthony H. Wilson, a tribute to the Factory Records legend. The single features artwork by the great Peter Saville and a remix by Andrew Weatherall.

The poem was written by Mancunian poet and lifelong Wilson fan Mike Garry, who took it to music composer Joe Duddell (New Order, Elbow). On the first read, Duddell immediately heard elements of New Order’s ‘Your Silent Face’, unrealised by Garry, and decided to base the music on that song.

"When Anthony H. Wilson died in August 2007, I knew the world would never be the same.Tony Wilson built the modern Manchester," says Garry.

Wilson launched Factory Records in 1978 and went on establish the label by signing Joy Division, New Order, and The Happy Mondays. He became known as Mr Manchester for his work throughout his career promoting the city. He was immortalised on film by Steve Coogan in 2003’s 24 Hour Party People and again in the Joy Division biopic Control, this time played by Craig Parkinson. After a long struggle with cancer, Wilson died in 2007 in Manchester’s Christie Cancer Hospital. All profits from the single will go to The Christie Charitable Fund.

The accompanying video, made by Soup Collective, filmed at the Sharp Project in Manchester, is testament to the love and respect for Wilson that continues after his death. It features a collection of close friends and collaborators each reciting lines from the poem.

The launch takes place on Friday, August 14 at Granada Studios - Manchester. 7pm till 3am.