Guggi

Derek Rowen grew up with and remains best friends with U2's Bono,^[1] who gave him his nickname.^[2]

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.^[4][5] 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.

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]