Wilson is credited with creating the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and 1990s by guiding bands such as Joy Division, New Order, the Happy Mondays and James to success in the British scene.

After an 'epiphany' at a Sex Pistols gig in 1976, Wilson - then presenter of Granada's regional music programme So It Goes became an early champion of the nascent musical trend. Soon after, he began the Factory night at the Russel bar. The night later gave its name to the record label he co-founded with five others.

However, his true legacy is the foundation of The Hacienda club in 1982. It became the first club to play house music on this side of the Atlantic, and is credited with ushering in the 'acid house' phenomenon of the late 1980s.

As well as ushering in a whole new genre of music by mashing up indie and dance, Wilson's work for the Manchester music scene also helped transform his home city from an industrial hub to a cultural centre.

2002's feature film 24-Hour Party People, on the early years of the Manchester music scene, ensured his immortalisation, with an incendiary performance from Steve Coogan.

In 2006, he was diagnosed with renal cancer, and his former protegés rallied around to secure expensive drug treatment for their champion.

In a moving tribute to the mogul's work, the BBC deemed him: "a true free spirit and a passionate advocate for Manchester - the city, its people, and, of course, its music."

Read Tara Brady's report on 24 Hour Party People
New Order talk about 24 Hour Party People