Rob Gretton

[2] Gretton's involvement with the Manchester scene began when he contributed £200 to co-finance Slaughter & the Dogs' first single, the punk classic "Cranked Up Really High".

[1] In 1978, Gretton saw Joy Division perform at the Stiff Test/Chiswick Challenge battle of the bands[3] in Manchester City centre.

Tony Wilson of newly formed Factory Records also saw Joy Division, and perhaps Gretton, for the first time that night.

Wilson replied, telling Gretton that "Joy Division (were) the best thing I've heard in Manchester for about six months".

[4] After joining Factory Records in 1979, Gretton brought many new bands to the label, including Section 25, X-O-Dus, Crispy Ambulance, Stockholm Monsters, Minny Pops, The Names, Quando Quango, The Wake, 52nd Street and Happy Mondays.