Tony Wilson died earlier today of a heart attack, following a battle with cancer. He was 57. He was one of the most important non-musicians in the history of pop over the past 30 years. It's unfathomable to imagine what music would be like had he never seen the Pistols that fateful evening so long ago.

Goodbye, Tony.

Wow. Bummer.

He did a lot of good.

It's really a loss...

Damn, what's up with people that I respect dying all of a sudden? Bergman, Antonioni, now Tony Wilson.

Well, I'll have to add 24 Hour Party People to my list of DVDs to watch this next weekend, along with my ongoing Bergman marathon

His help and support of some great Manchester bands will be forever appreciated.

My local college radio station music show is doing a tribute tonight to him and showcasing Factory Records' main artists and music.

I'm guessing a lot of other stations across the US will be doing this as well, seeing as how important a figure the guy was.

Wow. As a huge New Wave and early '80s music fan, this is sad news. Made a lasting impression on pop music.

I wasn't aware of this. Too young. RIP.

I'm just about finished with a killer book that talks a bit about his involvement: