Guggi | |
|---|---|
 Guggi at DIFF 2026 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Derek Rowen |
| Genres | Post-punk |
| Occupation | Vocals |
Derek Rowen, better known as Guggi, is an Irish artist and musician who was once a member of the post-punk band Virgin Prunes.
Early life
Derek Rowen grew up with and remains best friends with U2's Bono,1 who gave him his nickname.2
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).3 Known for their outrageous and controversial stage performances, the band began playing small shows in Dublin and gained a cult audience.3 The band released a single, "Moments and Mine (Despite Straight Lines)", on 27 June 1981.45 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.3 In 1984, Guggi left the band.3
Guggi left the Virgin Prunes to dedicate himself to painting.
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.6
References
References
- "Bowling for recognition". Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2007.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - Egan, Barry (13 January 2020). "'We promised each other we would never grow up' - Bono and Guggi on their lifelong friendship". Irish Independent.
- Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 1220/1. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
- "Virgin Prunes - Moments And Mine (Despite Straight Lines)". Discogs. 29 November 1981. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
- Gimarc, George (15 October 1997). Post Punk Diary: 1980-1982. Macmillan. p. 174. ISBN 9780312169688. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
- "Guggi on surviving a brush with death: 'I didn't feel an ounce of fear. There were far greater forces at work'". independent. Retrieved 7 April 2023.