Beloved Art Attack host Neil Buchanan’s heavy metal life as star turns 70
“This. Is. Art Attack!” are the four words made famous by host Neil Buchanan who this week is celebrating his 70th birthday.
The Art Attack legend and artist who helmed the BAFTA-winning show from 1990 to 2007, however, lived a very different life since the hit kids program aired.
The award-winning show, aired by Britain’s ITV network, was a hit among Aussie and British kids alike. Getty
The British TV host ditched his trademark red jumper for long, shaggy locks and studded jeans as lead guitarist for a reformed heavy metal band.
Long before Buchanan was creating mammoth salt artworks, the beloved host was the lead guitarist for heavy metal band Marseille, formed in 1976.
With four albums and a US tour under their name, the band reformed in 2010, just two years after Art Attack ended as the host addressed fans of the show online.
Neil Buchanan had a completely new look as guitarist of heavy metal band Marseille. Team Rock via Getty Images
“Hey Guys, it’s great talking to you all. Your comments make me smile a lot – most of you lot were real young when Art Attack started and as the years have passed you have all got mad!!,” Buchanan posted to his official Facebook page.
“I guess I am partly to blame, hey. Album is nearly ready. Watch this space, Love ya. NB.”
Seven years later the now 70-year-old stepped away from the heavy rock band before being wrapped up in a wild conspiracy theory.
In September 2020, Buchanan was forced to issue a bizarre denial after fans were convinced he was the secret world-famous street artist Banksy.
Buchanan, pictured with his wife in 2017. Nicky J Sims/Getty Images
Skeptics suspected he was the identity behind the mysterious England-based artist after Banksy’s work began popping up in locations where Buchanan had performed with his band.
The speculation became so widespread, Buchanan took the step of hosing it down.
“Hi folks. You won’t be surprised when I tell you – contrary to the recent media frenzy – I am honestly, hand on heart, not Banksy,” he wrote on Twitter, now X, at the time.
"Trust me, if I had created some of those amazing images he has made, I would be the first to stand up and take a bow.
"Sadly I didn't create them – so I can't!"
The artist and photographer, who now lives a private life, sells prints of his work and photographs on his official website.
