Banksy’s Identity Finally Revealed?
Updated: Jan 13
Updated: November 26, 2023 11 AM EST
By Nilaris Roberts
Getty Images
Art
Since Banksy's emergence in the early 2000s, the mysterious identity of the Bristol-based street artist has captivated audiences. Over the years, speculations linked figures like Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of Gorillaz, and Robert Del Naja, co-founder of Massive Attack, both Bristol natives with ties to graffiti. An unearthed BBC recording from 2003, featured in The Banksy Story podcast, now suggests Banksy is indeed a Robert, although not Del Naja.
In an interview with former BBC arts correspondent Nigel Wrench, Banksy, ahead of the Turf War show, responds to the inquiry about his real name, with the artist confirming,
"It's Robbie."
The full recording, rediscovered by Wrench, sheds light on crucial information about the artist's identity. In the interview, Banksy discusses graffiti's legality, asserting his right to paint while acknowledging others' right to paint over it. The newly surfaced audio is part of The Banksy Story bonus episode, released on Nov. 21, accessible on BBC Sounds.
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