The wait is over – Manchester's finest export, The Durutti Column, are back with their most vital release in decades! Vini Reilly and his cohorts have been quietly crafting their latest opus, a testament to the enduring power of their ethereal sound. With a career spanning an impressive 40+ years, this iconic band has left an indelible mark on British music.
Reilly's own journey is nothing short of remarkable – from battling depression as a young man to rubbing shoulders with Manchester 'gangs' (a far cry from the organised crime connotations, more akin to local rivalries). The guitarist regales us with tales of walking into Factory Records, only to find Joy Division members glued up with sandpaper, adorning the sleeves of their 1980 debut album. This brazen packaging has become a byword for British music's rebellious spirit.
The Durutti Column's influence is everywhere – a veritable who's who of fans from Stewart Lee and Chris Morris to Max Richter, John Frusciante, and even Harry Styles, who recently cited them as an inspiration during a Radio 1 interview. This sparked a tribute show, 'For Vini – A Tribute to the Durutti Column', curated by Styles for the Meltdown festival in London.
Vini remains characteristically understated about his celebrity following, but one thing's clear: The Durutti Column refuses to be pigeonholed. Reilly once quipped that their sound was 'Avant garde jazz classical' – a label that has stuck, much like the band's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
The recent tribute concert has left fans (and artists alike) abuzz about the prospect of a UK tour. This renewed interest is testament to The Durutti Column's quiet yet profound impact on British music – a legacy that shows no signs of fading.