VINI REILLY KEEPS BREATHING

Vini Reilly

Every issue we take a look at one of the UK’s less heralded stars. In the last quarter we looked at the enigmatic Mark E Smith. Here we examine a fellow Mancucian the troubled Durutti Column frontman Vini Reilly.

Durutti Columns first record was released in a sandpaper album sleeve, meaning any LP stored next to it was going to be superficially scarred. Despite this odd quirk The Return Of The Durutti Column as it was titled is still regarded as an essential Factory Record release.

Shy, introvert, sorely lacking in confidence and suffering from chronic depression it’s a wonder Vini Reilly managed to get to the studios to record his music. Tony Wilson and Martin Hannett knew he was something special however. Wilson once remarked ‘This isn’t your music Vini, you’re just the conduit from God.’

The music of The Durutti Column is best described as tender, slow and haunting, centring around Reilley’s guitar work, drums and electronics. On some songs Reilly contributes his soft vocals.

1981’s ‘Lotta Continua’ or LC as it was distributed as, saw Reilly move away from Hannett’s production and introduce violins, cello, viola and trumpet. This album would see the bands profile rise but retain their cult almost underground status.

Rather annoyingly for Reilly his music became branded as music to commit suicide to. It was on their second visit to Japan that drummer Bruce Mitchell dispelled any link with his music and suicide ’fans would write letters . . .the sentiments were, ’You saved me from topping myself.’ a positive thing I’d say. You can tell that these people are quite disturbed, and they’ve needed it, at that time. I don’t think it’s miserable. I think it’s life affirming.’

Reilly did not ever achieve commerical success for his band. They maintain a strong following in Japan, Portugal and the East Coast of the US. And whilst drummer Mitchell worries about Reilly’s health when they do tour, his fears are always allayed when they take the stage.

Reilly’s most and perhaps only commercial success was the Morrissey solo debut Viva Hate where he more than makes up for the absence of Johnny Marr. Reilly was asked to do the second Morrissey album but typically things didn’t work out . Indeed one of the biggest criticisms of the solo work of Morrissey since Viva Hate his that the music has been tied to his lyrics and vocals. He has never managed to assemble a band capable of matching his own high standards.

During the declining years of Factory Records Reilly was one of Tony Wilson’s ever presents. Wilson and Reilly also joined together in Factory Too and F4. But latterly they have drifted apart, seeing Reilly recover from the loss of his home (because of unpaid taxes). He has toured heavily and is releasing albums regularly again, with a newfound healthy frame of mind and a freedom he feels he had been lacking.

Ian Brown has claimed Reilly is a genius and John Frusciante the Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist is another huge fan.

If this were not reference enough for the quality of his music the final scene of Michael Winterbottom’s wonderful Manchester music film 24 Hour Party People couldn’t put it any better. Steve Coogan playing Tony Wilson has a vision of God which tells him ‘Vini Reilly . . . its great music to chill out to.’

Written By Hammond