The late great Tony Wilson R.I.P.

This is a shot of mine I came across the other day of the great man I thought I would share with you. It was never seen publicly unfortunately, as tragically less than a year after it was taken Tony was taken from us.
I had photographed him earlier in my career at a library in Salford and remember him talking passionately about great writers, most of whom I'm afraid to say I was not versed in. Maybe there is not too much shame involved in not being able to to discuss the merits of Dante, as I don't think there are too many people in the country who could match Tony's knowledge of all things.
When I took this photograph it was over ten years since we had last met, I called him and without hesitation he said "he was suitably flattered and would gladly agree to be part of my book".
During my career I have photographed many huge stars, Royalty including the late Princess Diana, but none of them have I been so enthused at having the opportunity to portray than Mr Wilson.
What he did for the city of Manchester is rightly well documented, if there is one person who did more to put our rainy city on the map than anyone it is without question him. (he even got changing rooms built for the football pitches in my local park!)
Tony loved the shot and sent me a note to say "what a fantastic picture of me and the pooch" which I will always treasure.