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Since the creation of his now-iconic Vivienne Westwood mural in Glossop town centre, artist and musician Deggy is arguably one of the town’s most notable creative exports.

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We caught up with the street artist and Gorilla Riot bassist to find out what he’s been up to and what he’s planning for 2025.

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Tell us about 2024 - how was it for you?

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2024 was a really cool year. Getting to paint the Sarah Harding mural in Stockport was probably my favourite thing I managed to do but then again, in October, my band Gorilla Riot embarked on a very successful UK tour to promote our new album Salvation that surprisingly made the UK Top 40! We also managed to take Glossop lads The Late Pretenders out with us for half of the run, which was brilliant for their band’s exposure, being on the road in front of fresh crowds.

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What are your plans for Glossop this year?

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I do have a plan for another mural in Glossop but I'm gonna keep you guessing on who it is for a little while!  I have had the sign off from the building owner to do the project, but funding could be tricky so I'm exploring the possibility of crowdfunding the project with some exclusive perks involved. I’m also hoping to get a few of the youngsters that I teach from Gamesley community centre to do some painting on the project, too.  Watch this space!

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This year, I also hope to finally release the skateboarding video that Damien Allsopp and I have been working on for the last five years. Hopefully it should be around 25 mins long and there will be a premiere evening at The Globe later in the year if all goes to plan!

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How’s Gorilla Riot going, and what are your 2025 plans?

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Band life is going very well and we have just been announced that we are headlining the second stage at Made In Stone Festival this July - with Black Stone Cherry, Michael Schenker, Richie Kotzen, Ugly Kid Joe, Sweet and The Quireboys also on the bill!

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Before that though, we head out for five shows this march round the UK and will headline the Saturday night of this year’s Outlaw Weekend Festival at The Globe on 3rd May (tickets are selling very well for that!)

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How do you feel since making the move to being a full-time artist and creative?

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Being a fulltime creative is tough but I am very glad I made the jump. I couldn't have done it without having the encouragement and support of my girlfriend Bobbi and my parents - they all have been diamonds! In 2025, I need to work on growing what I am doing and hopefully get a few more murals on the streets.

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What is your message to Glossop’s creative community- any tips for the new year?

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My message to the creative community is to take a few risks and get out of your comfort zone to achieve your dreams and visions. It's better to say I tried than what if!

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Keep up to date with Deggy’s news at www.deggy.co.uk or follow him on Instagram at @ThisIsDeggy . To secure your tickets to Outlaw Weekend Festival at The Globe, visit https://wegottickets.com/f/13398

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