One of the most influential figures in the British music industry, Wilson was one of the five co-founders of Factory Records and also founded the famous Hacienda night club.
He was the longtime partner of Yvette Livesey, who directs the annual 'In The City'
international pop music convention in Manchester.
He was also active in local politics. He was the main presenter of the BBC politics show "North West".
He attended De La Salle Christian Brothers' School, and studied English at Cambridge.
He was the posthumous winner of the 2007 Q Hero Award.