The Charlatans' Tim Burgess recalls how mum helped launch his career

To mark the occasion yesterday, The Charlatans frontman took to social media to reflect on his mother’s part in helping to kickstart his musical career.

Marion, who turned 81 on Tuesday (October 8), used to work at a newsagents in Moulton.

As luck would have it, one of her regulars was Alan Erasmus, founder of Factory Records.

“Haaaapppy biiirthday Mum,” Burgess posted on X.

“How my mum helped me on my way to becoming a rock star.

“My mum (Marion) used to work at a newsagents.

“A guy came in each day, bought a paper and chatted with my mum.

“She found out he was ‘in music’. ‘My son loves music,’ she said. She asked his name. ‘Alan’.

“One day she came home with this letter and a copy of Low-Life by New Order… Reader, he was none other than Factory Records co-founder, Alan Erasmus.”

The letter from Alan Erasmus (Image: X/@Tim_Burgess)

Factory Records, which Erasmus founded alongside Tony Wilson, was the label behind bands such as Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays and played a pivotal part in the ‘Madchester’ scene.

In his post on X, Burgess included a photo of the handwritten letter he received from Erasmus.

“Hello Marion. First I apologise for the (my) delay in getting in touch,” Erasmus wrote.

“I will call (to explain my mad existence), in the meantime please pass on the record to your son and wish him a Happy Birthday. Alan”

October 8 isn’t just Marion’s birthday.

It is also the anniversary of the release of The Charlatans’ debut album, Some Friendly.

The album, which features hit songs such as The Only One I Know and Sproston Green, would go on to top the UK Albums Chart.