Street Artist Reveals First Name in Unaired BBC Interview

A previously lost BBC interview with street artist Banksy has been found, wherein he seemingly discloses his first name as "Robbie." During this 2003 conversation with Nigel Wrench, a mystery that has sparked online debate was addressed. The entire interview is available on the "The Banksy Story" series on BBC Sounds.

An additional podcast episode features the newly-discovered interview and Banksy's analogy of his quick graffiti work to microwaving food. This interview is one of his earliest recorded, providing a glimpse into the enigmatic artist's perspective.

Although elusive, Banksy's fame has grown, with a broad fanbase including celebrities. His identity has remained concealed, but this interview offers listeners a rare chance to hear his voice. Banksy was in his twenties when interviewed by Wrench around the time of the opening of his Turf War exhibition in London in 2003. The complete interview went unaired until now, but an abridged version was broadcast that summer.

Years later, motivated by "The Banksy Story" podcast, Wrench found the full interview at home. The unreleased content reveals Banksy's justification for his art, equating quick, impactful graffiti to the convenience of microwave meals over elaborate Sunday roasts his mother used to make.

Banksy provocatively encourages experimenting with graffiti, highlighting its transient nature, as it can be painted over by others. Known for satirical graffiti across the UK, Banksy conceals his identity despite global fame. In a 2018 incident involving his Girl with Balloon painting, Banksy amazed the art community when it shredded itself post-auction. The image, which began as a stencil on an east London wall, has become iconic within Banksy's body of work.