-For the members of the band formerly known as “Exit Through The Gift Shop”, the answer was a resounding 200,000 USD.
Exit Through The Gift Shop was a British band composed of 40-something-year-olds trying to come to terms with their ripening ages. But, if their name sounds familiar, its probably because its also the title to Bansky’s new film that documents the exploits of burgeoning street-icon, Mr. Brainwash.
Duncan, the drummer of the band, explains that several months ago he began getting suspect e-mails from a man claliming to be the illusive street artists Bansky. Bansky wanted the band to change their name so as not to interfere with his like-titled film. Banksy suggested that the boys change their title to Brace Yourselves.
According to Duncan, the band-members didn’t know what to believe. ” We didn’t know if they were genuine, ” he explains. Until, that is, they received a surprise visit. Duncan explains that “a scruffy white van arrived. The driver had no idea what he was carrying.”
Inside the van: an original work by Banksy.
“When we saw the painting we could not believe it,” said Duncan. “It is the size of a double bed, for a start. We had to insure it, so a man from Sotheby’s came over to see it in my loft. He said to me, ‘This is surreal. I have just been valuing an 18th-century portrait in a stately home, but it is not as valuable as this.’”
Needless to say, the boys changed their name.
The band has put the painting in storage at Sotheby’s and will perform in front of a full-size copy. They plan to unveil their new name and backdrop, which shows the grim reaper riding a dodgem car, at their upcoming London show.
BANKSY ASKS: What’s in a Name?
BANKSY ASKS: What’s in a Name?
-For the members of the band formerly known as “Exit Through The Gift Shop”, the answer was a resounding 200,000 USD.
Exit Through The Gift Shop was a British band composed of 40-something-year-olds trying to come to terms with their ripening ages. But, if their name sounds familiar, its probably because its also the title to Bansky’s new film that documents the exploits of burgeoning street-icon, Mr. Brainwash.
Duncan, the drummer of the band, explains that several months ago he began getting suspect e-mails from a man claliming to be the illusive street artists Bansky. Bansky wanted the band to change their name so as not to interfere with his like-titled film. Banksy suggested that the boys change their title to Brace Yourselves.
According to Duncan, the band-members didn’t know what to believe. ” We didn’t know if they were genuine, ” he explains. Until, that is, they received a surprise visit. Duncan explains that “a scruffy white van arrived. The driver had no idea what he was carrying.”
Inside the van: an original work by Banksy.
“When we saw the painting we could not believe it,” said Duncan. “It is the size of a double bed, for a start. We had to insure it, so a man from Sotheby’s came over to see it in my loft. He said to me, ‘This is surreal. I have just been valuing an 18th-century portrait in a stately home, but it is not as valuable as this.’”
Needless to say, the boys changed their name.
The band has put the painting in storage at Sotheby’s and will perform in front of a full-size copy. They plan to unveil their new name and backdrop, which shows the grim reaper riding a dodgem car, at their upcoming London show.
(BANKSY GOSSIP):