Latest news with #Asbo
Metro
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
How viral TikTok DJ went from being egged to performing with Adolescence star
DJ AG once had an Asbo because of his performances, now he isperforming alongside the likes of Jessie J, Ashley Walters, and Skepta. DJ AG is a viral TikTok performer who has amassed 906k followers on the app. Real name Ashley Gordon, the star has gained traction through his viral outdoor videos in which he invites upcoming artists to perform a set with him, typically on decks just outside Kings Cross station. As well as shining the spotlight on upcoming talent, he has performed with some major names in the music industry, bringing in more and more followers to his platform. Warm or cold, the DJ has performed across the UK and has gone viral most recently with a seemingly spontaneous performance from Jessie J. During his live stream DJ set, after performances from unknown artists, Jessie J bounded into view and quickly began belting out some of her most famous songs – along with some of her upcoming tracks. Having previously worked in sales, he quit his 60k a year job in pursuit of DJing on the streets of London. 'I was a sales manager. I worked there for my good 12 years, kind of long story short, my director was leaving, and I got passed up for the job. I thought I would have a good chance,' he told Metro. 'So my kids said, 'Oh, why don't you try TikTok? Because you DJ anyway. Like, why not go on TikTok and try.'' He admitted that he was apprehensive and thought the move was 'crazy' as he thought the app was mostly for kids. 'But I thought afterwards, like, you know what? Let me give it a go. Jumped on TikTok. I was DJing at home, and then talked to my community, and I kind of tested it for a few months, and I realised that I can monetise and survive, so I effectively quit my job.' The move was worrying for his family, especially his mother who was baffled as to why he'd make such a risky move. 'I think someone from me, coming from Tottenham, earning like £60,000a year, like, that's a big deal for my family. So it was a shock to her system, but when she started to see that one, I could monetise, but two, more importantly, I was enjoying what I was doing. It was in that acceptance that we are where we are now.' 'When I first started the walking DJ thing, I had people throw water at me, had kids throwing eggs at the equipment,' he previously told Dazed. Transitioning from an office job to making music on the streets wasn't an easy transition to make at first, as he explains, a lot of people didn't understand what he was doing. 'Well, starting the journey of going outside, so a lot of people didn't really understand why I was there, it was like a 'what is this?',' he told Metro. 'I've got heckled, water thrown at me while my decks out. Oh no, I've, I've suffered, man, so embarrassing. I've just been like, 'This is expensive stuff!' 'But look,' he adds with emphasis. 'Now I'm not suffering. Everything's fine. It's good, and it's going in an upward trajectory.' That said, when asked how he 'made it' and what his advice would be to other artists trying to break into the scene, he said: 'I would say, humbly, that I've not, I've not made it, and we're not so far away, but we've got a lot of work to do.' He adds that his secret to his success is consistency and innovation, which he jokes is what led to him being arrested at one point in his career. 'I don't think it's just one thing, but consistency does help. I think you've got to be innovative, willing to take a risk. Look, I've been arrested, man, like I've got an ASBO, like I've been in the middle of Wood Green on my own at like, 10 at night, and I'm not really saying that's a good idea, but like, I've had to go through it.' He has been recognised for showcasing both emerging and established talent in his live sets and in December 2024, he was named Time Out's Londoner of the Year and was praised as the DJ of the people. He explains that every celebrity collaboration is mutually beneficial and all about having fun. 'Someone like Jessie, J She wanted to come, so we made it happen. Yeah, I think a lot of artists want to come because it's organic and it's not a booking. 'When an artist leaves. My thing is, 'Have you had fun? Yes or no,' and if you have, regardless of the engagement, the numbers with the rest of it, whatever. Man, we made a moment, perfect.' His dream artist to appear on the stream? Drake. 'Drake is someone that I definitely wouldn't like to see on the stream. Yeah, he's given a lot to culture, and it has helped the UK, in my opinion. So I think it would be great for him to come on.' Since seeing Adolescence star Ashley Walters appear on the stream in March, fans have been keen to see fellow Top Boy actor Kano appear on the channel as well. When asked if this is a possibility, AG is earnest: 'I hope so. I hope he'll want to, but I guess it has to be right for him. Yeah, when he's ready, so maybe he might have something to release or just wants to have a bit of fun. So I hope it will happen. But again, I'm at the mercy of the artist and when they want to come.' Although I am keen to ask about his celebrity guests, he is insistent that it's not the celebrity interactions that excite him the most. 'It's great to see a celebrity, but I get a lot more pleasure from seeing an artist that has nothing and gets a bit of traction or gets producers that contact them, to radio. 'Eventually, it'd be great to see some other DJs to try and help, because this is not for everyone. But try and educate them and maybe get some more DJs to come out – because I can't cover everywhere at the same time. 'How nice would it be to have like, 50 DJs around the UK doing exactly what I do, and giving that joy, I think, will make the world a better place.' He doesn't just spread the joy on the streets of London, he also regularly visits elderly care homes and plays some of their favourite songs – streaming the event online to spread the positivity. 'I'm not here to gatekeep, but I think inevitably, for me, it's about impact. So it's not about trying to be the richest person, just trying to impact the world in a good way. 'And I think having an initiative like that, where you do teach people that you can be outside, it's safe to be here, and you can give people a chance, a space to just vent. Imagine, like, a long day, you've had a long day at work, and you see a DJ playing the music that you like. Yeah? You listen straight away. So that's why I would like to see it. But look, we've got a long way to go.' When asked about his plans going forward, he said he's hoping to inspire others so he can pass the torch on. More Trending 'I'm 39 years old, so I'm very mindful. Like, this job is very taxing mentally. Yeah, physically, it's taxing. But I think it's more than the mental side, because we're dealing with energy. So I could be outside, and you can sense frustration, and you can sense passion. You can sense people haven't got the money to then execute it,' he explains. 'So I think for me, does it have a shelf life? For me as an older man, yes, it does. How long I can do? We'll have to wait and see. 'I think for me, I'm hoping within the next 10 years, I've done my bit, and it's an opportunity to make sure the infrastructure is in place, but all the other DJs are supporting, are able to come here and beyond. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Donald Trump becomes a lo fi guy with his own MAGA beats MORE: 90s British rock legends confirm first album in 24 years with surprise announcement leaving fans hysterical
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Banksy interviews Tox in the Big Issue and explains use of Tox's tag in his work
Street artist Banksy has explained why he has used the tag of 'London's most imprisoned graffiti writer', Tox, in the background of some of his works in a rare interview. Banksy, whose official identity still remains unknown, speaks to Tox, whose real name is Daniel Halpin, for a special edition of the Big Issue magazine, which goes on sale on St Patrick's Day. The magazine has been taken over from cover to cover by graffiti writer 10Foot, and will also feature an Irish language poem from rap trio Kneecap. Tox is best known for spraying his tag on the London Underground network, and has been dubbed 'London's most imprisoned graffiti writer', having claimed to have been arrested more than 40 times. In 2011 Tox was jailed and prosecutors referred to him as 'no Banksy', which inspired Banksy to do his Child Blowing Bubbles work in Camden Town featuring Tox's tag. Banksy is quoted as opening the interview saying: 'Hello Tox. Are you allowed to carry pens on a bus yet?', a reference to Tox reportedly being banned from carrying pens on public transport, under threat of jail time. Tox, whose signature tag features the word Tox followed by the year, says: '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 anti-social 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 spray paint. '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 with all the other unfortunate childhood souls of society.' Banksy also tells Tox: 'In several of my paintings I've put your tag in the background. 'I kind of use it to signify 'generic urban decay, damage and abandonment'. No offence. I guess I should've asked beforehand, but is that OK?' Tox responds: 'I don't mind. 'I always had people saying, 'Banksy's using your name, when are you going to call him and cash in, he owes you money' and I was like 'Nah I don't care, he stuck me up, I don't care, let him do it'. 'I just cared about painting graffiti and stealing spray paint and being me init.' It comes as 10Foot prepares to launch Long Dark Tunnel, a top secret London exhibition featuring his work and that of Tox and graffiti artist Fume, with its location being revealed on March 21. At the exhibition's opening night, an exclusive 10Foot, Tox25 and Fume DDS limited edition print will be on sale, with all proceeds going to the Big Issue. Also featuring in the issue will be a short story by writer Jonathan Meades, and contributions from musician and composer Mica Levi, as well as war reporter and Popular Front founder Jake Hanrahan. 10Foot previously said of the Big Issue takeover: 'I've given all the space to people who do great work and don't get recognised. London is not dead, however hard the system tries to strangle it. 'I hope the vendors come up hard from this and I hope everyone goes to see the 10Foot Tox25 Fume show – it's so far from a bunch of pictures in a white room, it's emotional and messy and is the culmination of decades and decades of underground artwork.' The 10Foot Big Issue special will go on sale on Monday March 17 across the UK, and can be bought from street vendors or online through the Big Issue Shop.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Banbury business leaders question anti-social behaviour bill
Plans to tackle anti-social behaviour have been backed by an MP despite business leaders doubting the schemes' government introduced a raft of measures including action against shoplifting, as part of its flagship Crime and Policing Bill last Labour MP Sean Woodcock, said his Oxfordshire constituents "wholeheartedly" welcomed the new the chair of Banbury's Chamber of Commerce said the new bill was "almost like dressing up for an occasion and then not being able to go". Derek Hattenbach said shoplifting and anti-social behaviour were "very great problems", and were "putting people out of business" in the market town."Action is needed, but unfortunately just putting in place legislation to show the public you mean to do well is a very different thing from actually having police officers on the ground to act," he Hattenbach said Banbury didn't have the "man power" in terms of policing to "deal with the street crime as it is"."If you haven't got them [police officers] there in the first place, then purely and simply it's just a soundbite for the population unfortunately," he added. 'Devastating impact' Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said there were "some useful things" in the new accepted that, despite a "big increase" in neighbourhood police officers over recent years, he would "desperately like to have more".He said that additional government funding was due, but added that it would only pay for 50 new officers across the Thames the bill, proposed Respect Orders would allow courts to impose restrictions on an individual's behaviour, just like an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo) - which were abolished in would also be able to compel offenders to attend programmes such as addiction treatment or anger management courses."Antisocial behaviour chips away at our communities' confidence and pride, undermines local businesses and can have a devastating impact on victims," Woodcock said."My constituents will welcome the introduction of tough new Respect Orders, and government action on shoplifting cannot come soon enough."Addressing concerns over how the bill could be enforced, Woodcock said the measures would be "backed up by the recruitment of police officers"."We need to make sure we have people on the streets able to resource this and those are our plans," he added. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Safer streets promise in government's flagship crime bill
Police will be given new powers targeting knife crime and anti-social behaviour and be allowed to search homes for stolen mobile phones without a warrant under major legislation to be unveiled in parliament. The Crime and Policing Bill is at the heart of what the government calls its "Safer Streets mission" and ministers want it to become law by the end of the year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the bill would take back "our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order". The Conservatives say the plans have been "copied and pasted from the last government's announcements". Child exploitation and cuckooing to be criminal offences 'Not the ministry of fun': Troubling issues clatter onto Yvette Cooper's desk Will Keir Starmer be able to meet his pledges? The Crime and Policing Bill pulls together many measures set out in Labour's general election manifesto. But they come amid questions over whether police have the money to make the government's plan work. Ministers say that the enormous piece of legislation will target the crimes that communities want prioritised to make their areas feel safer and to bear down on behaviour that has gone unpunished. The bill includes the government's proposed "Respect Orders". These court-imposed restrictions will be similar to the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbo) developed in the Tony Blair era, then scrapped by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats coalition a decade ago. While Asbos were popular with voters, critics say the restrictions often became unworkable or poorly enforced. The proposed Respect Orders allow courts to impose restrictions on an individual's behaviour, just like an Asbo. But they would also be able to compel them to attend programmes such as addiction treatment or anger management courses to change their ways. Under the bill, police gain the power to enter and search a property without a court warrant for a stolen mobile phone, or other items that have been electronically tracked such as laptops or Bluetooth-tagged bikes. The power means that victims of mobile phone thefts, who are tracking their device while it is in the hands of a criminal, can call on police to recover it quickly. Other measures previously announced in the bill include: Scrapping a 2014 law that classified shoplifting of items worth under £200 as less serious than other retail theft - making them less of a priority for the police. An offence of assaulting a shop worker - also a Conservative commitment before the 2024 General Election. A new police power to seize without warning off-road bikes or e-scooters. A new offence of spiking drinks, separate to current assault laws. Giving judges the power to issue a Stalking Prevention Order against a suspect, even if they are not convicted of a crime. Another already announced power to be added as the Bill goes through Parliament will compel online retailers to alert police to bulk or suspicious sales of knives. The Home Office says the bill's aims will be delivered by recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers by 2029 - and the department has pledged £200m specifically towards that. But some forces have already warned they will have to cut officers this year because of a wider budget crisis. The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC ) said last year that forces faced a £1.3bn funding gap, and the available cash was not being shared evenly between forces due to outdated rules. The Home Office has since confirmed it is putting £1.1bn extra into policing up to April 2026. But the NPCC has warned that if it is to deliver the "Safer Streets" plan, forces would need a pay settlement that would help them to attract and retain the best possible officers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "For too long communities have had to put up with rising town centre and street crime, and persistent antisocial behaviour, while neighbourhood police have been cut. "And for years too little has been done to tackle the most serious violence of all including knife crime and violence against women and children. "That is why the new Crime and Policing Bill is about taking back our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order, and giving the police and local communities the support and tools they need to tackle local crime." Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: "Labour had 14 years to come up with new ideas – but all they have done is copied and pasted what the last government had already announced. "Labour's funding settlement next year for police forces leaves them £118m short after accounting for salary rises, inflation and the national insurance hike – putting 1,800 police officers at risk. "Police forces are warning that this will get worse this year due to Labour's inadequate funding settlement."
BBC News
25-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Flagship crime plan unveiled by government
Police will be given new powers targeting knife crime and anti-social behaviour and be allowed to search homes for stolen mobile phones without a warrant under major legislation to be unveiled in Crime and Policing Bill is at the heart of what the government calls its "Safer Streets mission" and ministers want it to become law by the end of the Secretary Yvette Cooper said the bill would take back "our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order". The Conservatives say the plans have been "copied and pasted from the last government's announcements". The Crime and Policing Bill pulls together many measures set out in Labour's general election they come amid questions over whether police have the money to make the government's plan say that the enormous piece of legislation will target the crimes that communities want prioritised to make their areas feel safer and to bear down on behaviour that has gone bill includes the government's proposed "Respect Orders". These court-imposed restrictions will be similar to the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbo) developed in the Tony Blair era, then scrapped by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats coalition a decade Asbos were popular with voters, critics say the restrictions often became unworkable or poorly proposed Respect Orders allow courts to impose restrictions on an individual's behaviour, just like an they would also be able to compel them to attend programmes such as addiction treatment or anger management courses to change their the bill, police gain the power to enter and search a property without a court warrant for a stolen mobile phone, or other items that have been electronically tracked such as laptops or Bluetooth-tagged power means that victims of mobile phone thefts, who are tracking their device while it is in the hands of a criminal, can call on police to recover it quickly. Other measures previously announced in the bill include:Scrapping a 2014 law that classified shoplifting of items worth under £200 as less serious than other retail theft - making them less of a priority for the offence of assaulting a shop worker - also a Conservative commitment before the 2024 General Election.A new police power to seize without warning off-road bikes or e-scooters.A new offence of spiking drinks, separate to current assault judges the power to issue a Stalking Prevention Order against a suspect, even if they are not convicted of a already announced power to be added as the Bill goes through Parliament will compel online retailers to alert police to bulk or suspicious sales of knives. The Home Office says the bill's aims will be delivered by recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood officers by 2029 - and the department has pledged £200m specifically towards some forces have already warned they will have to cut officers this year because of a wider budget National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC ) said last year that forces faced a £1.3bn funding gap, and the available cash was not being shared evenly between forces due to outdated Home Office has since confirmed it is putting £1.1bn extra into policing up to April the NPCC has warned that if it is to deliver the "Safer Streets" plan, forces would need a pay settlement that would help them to attract and retain the best possible Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "For too long communities have had to put up with rising town centre and street crime, and persistent antisocial behaviour, while neighbourhood police have been cut."And for years too little has been done to tackle the most serious violence of all including knife crime and violence against women and children."That is why the new Crime and Policing Bill is about taking back our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order, and giving the police and local communities the support and tools they need to tackle local crime."Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: "Labour had 14 years to come up with new ideas – but all they have done is copied and pasted what the last government had already announced."Labour's funding settlement next year for police forces leaves them £118m short after accounting for salary rises, inflation and the national insurance hike – putting 1,800 police officers at risk. "Police forces are warning that this will get worse this year due to Labour's inadequate funding settlement."
