(Source: Luke Bainbridge/The Guardian/photo by Kevin Cummins)

It was only fitting and proper that the wealth of glowing tributes which followed the sad passing of Tony Wilson, co-founder and director of Factory Records and the Hacienda, in August of this year, treated him as a national treasure. The National Portrait Gallery have now followed suit, as Abba to Zappa learns that they will be hanging this image of Tony Wilson by Kevin Cummins, as Portrait of the Month for December, after which it will be added to the national collection.

The shot was taken on the dancefloor of the Hacienda on 10 May 1985. 'We don't have any pictures of Tony Wilson in the collection at the moment and we consider that he has made a significant contribution to British culture and life.' Terence Pepper, Curator of the National Portrait Gallery, told us today. 'We were offered a number of different portraits of Tony and we thought that this portrait by Kevin Cummins was the most iconic.'

With the blessing of Wilson's partner Yvette Livesey, Kevin Cummins is producing a limited edition of signed prints that will be sold with proceeds going to Manchester Royal Infirmary (Kidneys for Life charity) and Christie's Hospital (which was were Wilson himself was treated). The prints are handmade 16 x 20 inch gelatin silver archive photographic prints in an edition of 30, signed by Kevin Cummins. The prints cost £450 (incl VAT) each plus £10 P&P (in the EU). Anyone interested should email kevin@kevincummins.co.uk

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JOY DIVISION DOCUMENTARY PREMIERED

Tuesday 27th November saw the Greater Manchester premiere of 'Joy Division' - the documentary at Salford Quays as part of the annual Salford Film Festival.

The showing was attended by many contributors to the film and was opened by Peter Hook.

The film features in-depth interviews with the surviving members of the band, along with rare footage of Joy Division in concert, and contributions from Tony Wilson and Curtis's girlfriend Annik Honore. It also paints a vivid picture of Manchester's post-punk scene, and of Northern life in the seventies in general.

Both Steve Morris and Peter Hook stepped up after the film for an entertaining Q and A session, revealing their potential as a comedy duo should New Order finally be laid to rest.

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MORRISSEY TAKES LEGAL ACTION

(Source: MEN)

Morrissey has hit out at NME and insisted he is not a racist following the storm over his views on immigration.

The former Smiths star is suing the music publication after it failed to apologise for an article focusing on his comments on the issue.

NME criticised Morrissey, 48, for allegedly telling a reporter that Britain had lost its identity and that you could not hear a "British accent" in Knightsbridge.

Today the singer's statement, posted on a fan website, said: "I believe they (NME) have deliberately tried to characterise me as a racist in a recent interview I gave them in order to boost their dwindling circulation.

"I abhor racism and oppression or cruelty of any kind and will not let this pass without being absolutely clear and emphatic with regard to what my position is.

"Racism is beyond common-sense and I believe it has no place in our society."

He described the magazine staff as "devious, truculent and unreliable" and accused them of stitching him up because he had twice declined their Godlike Genius Award.

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HOOKY: THE NEW SIMON COWELL?

(Source: Deborah Haile/MEN)

Peter Hook has been judging young musicians to find out who has the X Factor to perform at a city centre show.

Students from Trafford College auditioned in front of the former New Order bassist to win a spot at a gig at venue Jabez Clegg later this month.

And while they weren't facing TV's king of mean Simon Cowell, `Hooky' still gave some blunt advice.

Mark Acton, curriculum leader for music at the college, said: "I think Peter Hook has a different agenda to Simon Cowell, who is after straight-forward pop.

"Hook was after integrity, looking at lyrics. He is more concerned with the songs. Simon Cowell is more interested in performers.

"He was quite blunt, but he always had positive things to say. The students took what he said really well and I think they appreciate the advice."

In all, 20 acts auditioned for the eight prime-time evening slots at the gig on December 17.

Hook said: "Having been involved in the launch of the college's music centre, I wanted to get involved in the gigs the students organise each year.

"There's a lot of home grown talent out there and a centre like this just makes sure that Manchester can turn out even more world class musicians."