The anonymous group behind a series of bizarre graffiti slogans targeting celebrities in a Newcastle suburb has finally explained their actions.
Danny Dyer, Nigella Lawson and Ross Kemp were among those featured in absurd "gossip" spray-painted on walls in West Denton in September. Last weekend, the vandals—or artists—struck again with another series of phrases targeting Jade Thirlwall, Dermot O'Leary, Alison Hammond and others.
The claims range from statements such as "Kate Garraway brushes her hair with a wooden fork from the chippy" to swear-laden accusations about Emmerdale characters. Local councillors have previously spoken out against the graffiti, but now those responsible have come forward.
Who are The Mellow Birds?
In recent days, an Instagram account has surfaced claiming responsibility. Calling themselves "The Mellow Birds," the name has appeared on walls in the latest bout of tagging.
ChronicleLive spoke to the person behind the account. When asked what prompted them to come forward, The Mellow Birds said: "We knew there would be a word-of-mouth response to it, but to see it genuinely spread organically through everyday people posting about it online made us realise we could have a presence within that conversation."
They added: "Moreover, it was an opportunity to show the fact that, whilst it's not to everyone's taste, we mean no harm and are not in the business of deliberately trying to sabotage or 'ruin' an area, much to the disagreement of the local Reform Counsellor. But again, he is just looking for something to say, with respect, of course."
Response to criticism
Asked about the pressure the graffiti has brought, The Mellow Birds responded: "It's not considered pressure as such, to be honest. Understandably, they have a job to do, they have to be seen to condemn something seen as antisocial or detrimental to the area.
"However, I'd direct them to their council's own decisions when it comes to things detrimental to the area. So that aspect, you do have to take with a pinch of salt. Whilst they wish to complain about it, it brings joy to the everyday person they're somewhat screwing over with their governing, so swings and roundabouts! As we have said before, if they're hard up for the tub of emulsion, we'll chip in for it!"
The attention has brought visitors to West Denton, with many North East residents going out of their way to see the graffiti. The Mellow Birds said: "I am local, and respectfully even within the wider Newcastle area, West Denton hasn't always carried the greatest reputation.
"To carry out something so silly yet effective is a very satisfying feeling. It has been brought up on radio stations in the UK and in Ireland, and mentioned on television. It's surreal, but affirming to know that anything written is being perceived as intended. Everyone needs a little laugh now and then, and it's a pleasure to see it doing that."
Council covering and humour inspiration
Newcastle City Council has covered up the graffiti every time it has been done. Asked about the latest bout, The Mellow Birds said: "As of right now, the initial offerings are still making waves, and it is genuinely lovely to see joy being found in it. We're not anti-establishment in such a petulant way, but it should be acknowledged that the work itself has brought attention and positive vibes to West Denton!
"We of course have our anonymity, but a good friend of mine lives a stone's throw from the subway and has a neurodiverse child, and they were really stimming over the colours decorating it! The initial paint job before we'd even touched it was shocking, so if they do get covered over, I hope they give it a second coat at least."
The comedy has attracted attention from comedians such as Sarah Millican and Joe Lycett. Asked what inspired the humour, The Mellow Birds said: "The absurdity! Sheer absurdity. Sadly, for some of the younger people, they might not know who some of these people are, but it's all part of the joke.
"People who you may not have heard of for a while doing the most mundane things imaginable, yet to phrase it as almost an accusation in itself is where it becomes funny. I know one youngster had to Google who Bonnie Langford was - but again, it makes it better."
While acknowledging the controversial nature, The Mellow Birds concluded: "Ultimately, it's a subjective subject, and we respect that. Some people may take an extremely dim view of it, understandably.
"But we're not here to get on our soapbox and state our case. But we say this; the local council is not cash-strapped painting a tunnel a few times, they did not have this issue when there were multiple things happening that directly impacted the people in this area. They did not have this issue when council tax rises came into play and services stagnated.
"We are not the enemy, we want people to laugh! We love the response and thank everyone for joining in on the fun. And stream Rose Gray!"
The graffiti has directly referenced the London singer-songwriter, who has called the 'Newcastle Banksy' an "infamous graffiti connoisseur". Newcastle City Council has been contacted for comment on the latest graffiti.
