In the interview, Banksy talks to TOX about how TOX was banned from carrying pens on public transport, under threat of jail time.
Banksy opens the interview: “Hello TOX. Are you allowed to carry pens on a bus yet?” (It was rumoured in graffiti circles that TOX had done so much damage and been caught so many times that he was banned from carrying any mark-making tool on public transport, under penalty of an immediate 30 day jail term.)
TOX responds: “It wasn’t 30 days, it was five years maximum cos it was breach of ASBO, I think that’s what you’re on about init? ASBO means antisocial behaviour order where they could lock you up for stuff that wasn’t actually a criminal offence, stuff like trespass and carrying a can of spraypaint.
“I done nine prison sentences in all, six months here, six months there, I got sent to prison for not having a train ticket once, a couple times for just possessing a can of spray paint without even using it. I served four months for having a glass bottle in my hand cos they said I could use it to scratch windows.
“From age 18 I was going in and out of Feltham [a young offender institution] with all the other unfortunate childhood souls of society.”
This complete takeover of the Big Issue launches alongside what has been described as “the most authentic exhibition of London graffiti culture ever held in the capital” – 10Foot, Tox, Fume – ‘LONG DARK TUNNEL’. The top-secret central London location will be disclosed on 21 March.
The exhibition’s opening night will feature an exclusive 10Foot, TOX 25 and FUME DDS limited edition print on sale with all proceeds coming to the Big Issue.
Northern Irish hip-hop trailblazers Kneecap have also contributed an Irish language poem to the Big Issue special, which has gone on sale today – St Patrick’s Day.
Writer Jonathan Meades has penned a short story for the magazine, and other contributors include the musician and composer Mica Levi who recently sold out the Barbican Centre, as well as war reporter and Popular Front founder Jake Hanrahan.
You can read Banksy’s full interview with TOX, in this week’s Big Issue. It can be bought from street vendors across the UK or online through the Big Issue Shop.
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