The Durutti Column: A Life of Reilly

by James Nice

Written - and meticulously researched - by 'Shadowplayers: The Rise and Fall of Factory Records' author James Nice, this authorised biography of Vini Reilly and The Durutti Column offers a fascinating insight into the extraordinary triangular relationship between Reilly, Bruce Mitchell and band manager Tony Wilson, as well as the enduring cultural influence of The Durutti Column’s peerless Factory label catalogue.

A Life of Reilly includes candid input from Vini himself, as well as band and family members, and steadfast musical partner Mitchell.

n 1978 Tony Wilson founded Factory Records to release music by The Durutti Column, the unique music ensemble built around the singular talents of virtuoso guitarist Vini Reilly.

A Life of Reilly details Vini’s troubled Manchester upbringing, cult stardom in Japan, punk rock glory at the Roxy, radical auto-destructive sandpaper sleeves, diversions into neoclassical orchestration and glossy electronica, dazzling collaborations with Martin Hannett, Morrissey and Stephen Street, and hellacious Haçienda happenings.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant account of Durutti Column, mainly focusing on the 1980s