The Durutti Column
Atmospheric post-punk project centered on guitarist Vini Reilly.
The Durutti Column is a Manchester-based post-punk project built around guitarist and pianist Vini Reilly. Formed in 1978, they were early signings to Factory Records. Reilly set the band apart from other post-punk acts with his clean, atmospheric guitar style, blending jazz, folk, and classical music. Drummer Bruce Mitchell and multi-instrumentalist Keir Stewart often accompany him.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Greater Manchester, England
- Genre
- Post-punk
- post-rock
- dream pop
- art rock
- neoclassical
- chill-out
- Years active
- 1978–present
- Label
- Factory
- London
- Artful
- Kookydisc
- Current members
- Vini Reilly
- Bruce Mitchell
- Keir Stewart
Facts from the source article.
History
In 1978, Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus assembled a band around remnants of local punk rock band Fast Breeder, including drummer Chris Joyce and guitarist Dave Rowbotham. The name derived from a misspelling of the Durruti Column, an anarchist military unit in the Spanish Civil War named after Buenaventura Durruti, and also from a comic strip handed out during student protests in October 1966 at Strasbourg University. On 25 January, Vini Reilly joined, followed by vocalist Phil Rainford and later bassist Tony Bowers.
Rainford was sacked in July and replaced by actor Colin Sharp. The Durutti Column played at the Factory club and contributed two numbers to the first Factory Records release, A Factory Sample, produced by Martin Hannett. On the eve of recording a debut album, the band broke up after a dispute about Wilson and Erasmus's choice of producer. Rowbotham, Bowers and Joyce formed the Mothmen, and Sharp formed The Roaring 80s; only Reilly remained. The Durutti Column then defaulted to Reilly's solo project, with Bruce Mitchell doubling as co-manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Durutti Column from?
The Durutti Column originated in Greater Manchester, England.
Which record labels has The Durutti Column released music on?
The Durutti Column has released music on Factory, London, Artful and Kookydisc.
More in British Ambient Music Groups
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