Factory Records and Malcolm Whitehead

Bessy Talks Turkey [Christmas gift, 1984]. FACT 125/IKON 11.

Manchester: Factory Records/Ikon, 1984. Item #5189

VHS: 8 x 5 in., Card: 3 x 3 1⁄2 in., with holograph inscription to Jon Savage.

In partnership with video distributor Ikon, Factory Records created this musicvideo compilation for their 1984 Christmas gift. Originally called Factory Video Hype, the tape, directed by Malcolm Whitehead, includes videos from Factory artists such as Thick Pigeon, Section 25, The Wake, and others. Claude Bessy, a.k.a. Kick Boy Face, editor of Slash magazine and the Haçienda’s in-house VJ, introduces each video clip, weaving together anecdotes from behind his desk. The video promotes the Factory Records roster, with a focus on newer and lesser-known bands.

Included in the VHS case is a Christmas card that was inscribed to writer, music journalist and Factory Records friend Jon Savage. The card is white, printed in black on top “XMAS 1984” and features the Factory and Ikon Production logos on the bottom. Inscribed in green marker: “Jon – Darling love! – Factory Records”. One of the rarer Factory Christmas gifts – especially with a handwritten note to the one-and-only Jon Savage.

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