Over the past week or so Toyah has played dates in Neath (Gwyn Hall), Monmouth (Savoy Theatre), Stourbridge (Town Hall), Sale (Waterside), Mansfield (Palace Theatre), and Wellingborough (Castle Theatre). This evening Toyah brings Songs And Stories to Spalding (South Holland Centre), with dates following in Melton Mowbray (Melton Theatre) and Lincoln (New Theatre Royal) over the next few days.
We had a wonderful four-day mini holiday, visiting the amazing city of Liverpool. Saturday was an incredible day at Comic Con, meeting Matt Smith and Karen Gillan (aka the iconic 11th Doctor and Amy Pond from Doctor Who), which was so much fun with so many characters and great people. We also visited Brookside, Liverpool’s two stunning cathedrals, and the rest of the time we just explored a fantastic city, and visited a few of the great pubs. Such a memorable few days and I’ll definitely return to Liverpool.
Last Saturday saw a new Toyah At Home for May, with Toyah paying an emotional tribute to Keith Hale. There will be a bonus Toyah At Home later this month with news of an upcoming release, as well as another announcement at the end of the month!
Last week marked the 45th anniversary of the original release of Toyah’s iconic early 80’s hit I Want To Be Free. Originally released on 1st May 1981, the song was written by Toyah Willcox & Joel Bogen and produced by Nick Tauber.
Last Friday, 45 years to the day, I Want To Be Free was made available as a single on digital and steaming platforms with its two original B-Sides and restored artwork.
Toyah has paid tribute to Keith Hale – the genius who wrote It’s A Mystery and co-wrote Toyah’s debut single, Victims Of The Riddle – who also co-produced and played on Sheep Farming In Barnet. Keith and his band Blood Donor also appeared briefly in the 1980 ATV Toyah documentary, and he was also a full-time member of the Toyah band in 1982, also performing with Toyah and Joel on Pop Goes Christmas in December ”82, as well as other significant TV appearances – who died last week.
“My thoughts are with Keith Hale’s family & friends especially Alice, Keith’s daughter. Keith will be greatly missed.
I owe so much to Keith’s musical legacy from his groundbreaking band Blood Donor, who were staggeringly original right through to the success of “It’s A Mystery”. Keith was in my live band in 1982, and he was a gentleman and a good friend. I am grateful for the time I had with him.” – Toyah Willcox
After a couple of days off, Toyah’s Songs and Stories is back on the road this evening, at Gwyn Hall in Neath, with dates to follow at Monmouth’s Savoy Theatre (Thurs 30th April), Stourbridge Town Hall (Friday 1st May) and Sale Waterside (Saturday 2nd May).
Since our last news update, Toyah has also played dates in Alnwick, Derby, Kings Lynn, Dunstable, Bury St Edmunds, Harpenden and Maidstone.
This coming Saturday is a busy day for Toyah, she is also guesting at RetroCon at Birmingham NEC earlier in the day. (NB: Update – RetroCon has been postponed until November 2026)
My good friend Sharon paid her very first visit to my hometown this week – That town being Paisley on the West Coast of Scotland. I played tour guide round the town, even recalling where I’d bought certain Toyah releases when I was a kid! We took some photos at the 850+ year old Paisley Abbey in the centre of town, and also the beautiful Coats Memorial Church near the West End, just across the road from the uni I went to in the 90s, and we even paid a visit to my house! We also managed to squeeze in food stops at The Last Post and Wendy’s and finished off a great day with some “refreshments” in Glasgow City Centre! – I’ve said this many times previously… Toyah filmed parts of Barmy Aunt Boomerang in Paisley in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The Chase: Celebrity Special: Challenge: Thursday 7th May: 10pm
Bradley Walsh hosts the quiz show as four celebrities take on the Chaser. Singer Toyah Willcox, ex-footballer John Barnes, writer Germaine Greer and heavyweight boxer Audley Harrison pit their wits against one of the country’s finest quiz brains in the hope of winning thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.
Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?! Top 30: NOW 80s: Tuesday 5th May: 10am
Pop legend Toyah brings 30 memorable videos featuring a cavalcade of clothing calamities from superstars including Visage, Five Star, Divine, Cher, The Jam, Bananarama, Dead Or Alive, Bucks Fizz, ABC, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Madonna, Adam & The Ants, A Flock Of Seagulls, Roxy Music, Kajagoogoo, Duran Duran, Grace Jones, Su Pollard, Toyah herself and more in this crazy countdown! See the full Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?!
Minder: That’s TV: Saturday 2nd May: 7.55pm Minder: That’s TV 2: Sunday 3rd May: 11.10pm Minder: That’s TV 2: Monday 4th May: 10.05am Minder: That’s TV 3: Tuesday 5th May: 9pm All Mod Cons. Series 2, Episode 8. Terry tries to help his friend Kate evict some unwanted tenants, but comes to doubt her motives. Meanwhile, Arthur is desperate to get into the property market and tries to sell Terry’s flat without telling him. Guest starring Toyah Willcox and Simon Cadell. Director: Ian Sharp. Also starring: George Cole, Dennis Waterman, Peter Childs, George Layton, Patrick Malahide, Michael Troughton.
Celebrity Catchphrase: Challenge: Tuesday 5th May: 1pm Series 3, episode 7. Stephen Mulhern hosts a celebrity special of the classic game show, with Nicola Coughlan, Stephen Mangan and Toyah Willcox all trying to say what they see as they guess well-known phrases for the chance to win a £50,000 jackpot for their chosen charity.
Toyah’s Songs and Stories UK Tour continues, and here’s a great soundcheck photo from last night’s gig at Scarborough Spa Theatre.
Over the past week or so there have been concerts at Buxton Opera House (10th April), Yarm Princess Alexandra Auditorium (15th April), and the above mentioned, Scarborough date (16th April).
