Arthur Donnelly dead: Music video legend with Factory Records link dies as tributes hit

Music video star Arthur Donnelly has passed away at the age of 83 leaving the entertainment world in mourning as tributes for the businessman have flooded in online. The Manchester native was a local icon, famed for operating his massive scrapyard in Ancoats before moving to Ardwick, from the 1970s right up to 2017.

The proud businessman was father of Anthony and Chris Donnelly, the brains behind the GioGio fashion label, and Tracey Donnelly, who is renowned for her contributions to Factors Records and the Haceinda. The star passed away peacefully at his Stockport home on Friday (May 23) surrounded by his loved ones following a recent battle with cancer, according to . The entrepreneur often rubbed shoulders with the city's most famous characters from the music, business, and culturl spheres throughout his vibrant life.

His main business, Ardwick Autos, became the backfrop for many music videos including the likes of 808 State, Ian Brown, and Chase and Status.

Not just a busiessman, Arthur also made a memorable appearance in the music video for DJ Deadmau5's and Kaskade's 2008 hit I Remember, which starred acclaimed actors Stephen Granahm and Warren Brown and was produced by his sons.

Trubites have been flooding in for the late star, with Luter star Warren Brown branding him an "absolute legend" while others have described him as "one in a billion" and "a lovely man, a true gent and a total character" on social media.

Born on March 4, 1942, in Wythenshawe, Arthur Joseph Donnelly was the son of Ellen and James Donnelly. He grew up alongside his two brothers Johnny and Jimmy, and four sisters, Louise, Anne, Maria, and Claire.

At the age of 17, Arthur met his soon-to-be wife June while dancing at the Plaza. They tied the know in August 1963 at St Jerome's Church in Ardwick and enjoyed 63 years of marriage until June's passing in 2022 at the age of 79.

Arthur's entrepreneurial drive led him to establish a scrapyard on Great Ancoats street in the 1970s. He later moved to Hayle Street in Ardwick in the 1980s, where his business became a staple of the community.

Although the scrapyard eventually closed in 2018, makin way for the redevelopment of Mayfield Park in the heart of the city centre, his business left a lasting legacy on the city.

The scrapyard was a magnet for an array of colourful characters from the city centre. Arthur's daughter Tracey, 61, shares some of her fondest memories with her father at the scrapyard.

She gushed: "He was a massive character, he was just a grafter. The yard was special, believe me the characters who went there it was such an eclectic group of people, musicians, actors, rich, por, gay, straight, it was a catalyst for people to get together.

"He looked after everybody, he'd look after people's kids at Christmas, he was a bit of a Robin Hood type figure. He was resourceful, if someone seemed impossible he'd make it possible."

Her brother Chris, 67, echoed her sentiments with his own tribute. He shared: "I've had a dozen people say to me our dad was like a dad to them - he was that sort of person."

Since announcing her father's passing, Tracey has found solace in the outpouring of tributes and well wishes. Arthur leaves behind a loving family, including his daughter Tracey, 61, sons Anthony, 60, Chris, 57. He also leaves his seven grandchildren Carlie, 37, Daryll, 36, Paris, 34, Milo, 30, Leon, 25, Lola, 21, Dylan, 16, and seven great-grandchildren.

The family are currently organising Arthur's funeral, aiming for it to take place at St Anthony's in Wythenshawe, with final arrangements set to be confirmed shortly. They've made it clear that the service will be open to anyone who wants to come and pay their respects.

Tracey said: "My dad loved everybody, it will be open to everybody, it's what he would want."