The Durutti Column guitarist Vini Reilly is recovering after suffering a minor stroke.
Vini Reilly is a deeply misunderstood artist. The popular image – fostered in part by ’24 Hour Party People’ – is of a deeply eccentric Manchester guitarist playing shows to around a dozen or so people.
A much loved cult figure, Reilly’s work is often challenging yet always rewarding. An early proponent of electronic music, the guitarist moved from dry post-punk towards soundscapes which bordered on the ambient.
And he’s never played shows to a dozen people. At least, not for a while.
Sadly, though, Vini Reilly has always suffered from poor health. Battling episodes of depression, his physical health has also suffered with The Durutti Column rarely able to take on lengthy tours.
Writing a message on his official website, the guitarist revealed to fans that he had recently suffered a minor stroke. Taken to hospital, Vini Reilly was treated by doctors for four days before dis-charging himself.
Describing himself as “well on the road to recovery” the guitarist has sadly lost some feeling in his left hand. Organising an Autumn tour, fans had feared that the latest health battle would take The Durutti Column off the road.
However Vini Reilly assured fans that this would not be the case. The Durutti Column are set to begin recording their new album next Tuesday (September 14th) and are set to play a one off show on October 20th.
Performing as part of the ‘Paul Morley: Tony Wilson’ interviews, The Durutti Column will help pay tribute to the one time Factory boss. A close friend of Wilson’s, Reilly was moved to write a tribute album to the Manchester legend last year.
Get well soon Vini!
