Guggi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Guggi
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Guggi
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Derek Rowen |
| Born | 13 May 1959 Dublin, Ireland |
| Genres | Post-punk |
| Occupation(s) | Vocals |
Guggi (born Derek Rowen) is an Irish artist and musician who was once a member of the post-punk band Virgin Prunes.
Early life
Derek Rowen was born in Dublin in 1959. He is one of 10 children. He grew up with and remains best friends with U2's Bono, who gave him his nickname.
Career
The Virgin Prunes were founded in 1977 by vocalists Guggi, Gavin Friday (né Fionan Hanvey), and Dave-iD Busaras; guitarist Dik Evans (brother of U2's The Edge); bassist Strongman (Trevor Rowen, brother of Guggi); and drummer Pod (Anthony Murphy). Known for their outrageous and controversial stage performances, the band began playing small shows in Dublin and gained a cult audience. The band released a single, "Moments and Mine (Despite Straight Lines)", on 27 June 1981. In November 1982, the Virgin Prunes released their debut studio album, ...If I Die, I Die (produced by Colin Newman of Wire), as well as the double 10" EP Hérésie, a French box set. In 1984, Guggi left the band.
Guggi left the Virgin Prunes to dedicate himself solely to painting. Since the early 1990s, Guggi's artwork has continued to explore the depiction of common everyday objects.
Personal life
Guggi has five sons, the eldest with his first partner and four with his ex-wife Sybille. He lives in Killiney with his partner Gabriella Janni.
