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Toyah on TV: Quadrophenia

August 23rd, 2016

Quadrophenia: Sky Select HD: Friday 24th August: 4.10pm
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone. (Sky Select HD is on Sky Channel 312)

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Twelve Inch Eighties: Don’t Fall in Love (I Said) [Extended]

August 22nd, 2016

twelveincheighties16aThe extended version of Toyah’s debut solo single, released in 1985, Don’t Fall in Love (I Said), is included on the forthcoming 3CD Twelve Inch Eighties: Digging Your Scene box set.

The 30-song collection will also be available digitally via iTunes and other online music retailers.

Twelve Inch Eighties is the successful 3CD range by Crimson Productions, compiling extended alternate mixes of some of the biggest hit singles of the 80s. Each themed release is housed in a sleek 3CD digipak with abstract imagery representative of early dance label releases. These carefully selected titles across the range bring together the finest eighties pop, dance and disco, amongst other genres, in all their full 12” single glory.

Digging Your Scene is a collection of classic 12” remixes straight from the edge of the 80s. Other artists on the set include Japan, Fiction Factory, Thompson Twins, Adam Ant and Altered Images.

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• In May of this year the original version of Don’t Fall in Love (I Said) was also included on “100 Hits” 5CD compilation Pure 80s. (Thanks to Michael Cooney for the Twelve Inch Eighties info)

Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces!

August 22nd, 2016

quadsteelbook16aQuadrophenia: Zavvi recently announced an exclusive slipcase Steelbook release of, iconic, classic, legendary etc, Quadrophenia for October 2016. A fantastic collectable limited to just 2000 copies. With a couple of months until it is available Zavvi is saying it has already sold out, but steelbookbluray.com say “Pre-orders aren’t live yet, so ignore the ‘sold out’ button for now”.

Crime and Punishment: Rock music is the perfect medium with which to express the energy, rebellion, and passion of its youthful characters, particularly the restless fury and alienation of the books ant-hero, Raskolnikov. Accordingly this new musical adaptation will feature specially written songs and favourite tracks by British rock legend, Toyah Willcox and her song writing partner Simon Darlow – Continue reading…

Screen Relish: Screen Relish’s Saturday Screamer: AAAAAAAAH!: Aah, the precarious position of the alpha male. Oh should I say AAAAAAAAH!? Because that is the delightfully appropriate title of Steve Oram’s feature directorial debut – Continue reading…

Fashion Scout: Typical Freaks: Typical Freaks is a bold, colourful and cenceptual fashion brand from London… Their most recent collection, shown as part of Fashion Scout’s ‘Ones to Watch’, took inspiration from British seasides Derek Jarman’s ‘Jubilee’ and Nigerian basket sellers – Continue reading…

Evensi: Each month Future Film picks out a number of films that will excite, stimulate and inspire you!: In August, Future Film recommends one of the punk classics Derek Jarman’s apocalyptic fantasy JUBILEE to coincide with BFI Southbank’s celebration of all things punk – Continue reading…

Rolling Stone: 25 Greatest Punk Rock Movies of All Time

August 22nd, 2016

jubilee12cFrom U.K.-to-L.A. scene rockumentaries to riot-grrl portraits and the Ramones’ fictional alma mater, our favorite portrayals of punk on screen

10. ‘Jubilee’ (1978)

It’s been called “the first punk film,” but Derek Jarman’s 1978 feature turns the subculture’s oppositional stance back on itself: It’s like a guerrilla Shakespeare production staged in a mosh pit. While the Sex Pistols sneered at Queen Elizabeth II, Jarman cast his lot with the original Her Majesty E., who travels through time to a dystopian Britain ruled by roving gangs. Appearances by Adam Ant, the Slits and Siouxsie and the Banshees, along with U.S. trans icon Jayne County, ground it in the moment, but Jarman’s suggestion that even the most vocal nihilists would sell out their ideals — if given enough encouragement, naturally — provided a glimpse of the future. SA

• Continue reading at Rolling Stone. Earlier this year Jubilee also featured in Dazed‘s “The Best Feminist Punk Films Of The Last 50 years”.

Categories: Films, Jubilee Tags:

Dazed: A Rare Interview With Jordan

August 22nd, 2016

jubilee12aA rare interview with Jordan, punk’s enigmatic frontwoman

Working with Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McClaren, performing with the Sex Pistols and acting for Derek Jarman – Jordan Mooney reflects on a life of iconoclasm

With her legacy being celebrated in new tome Fashion + Music (out now, by Laurence King Publishing), punk legend Jordan discusses some of her most significant moments with the book’s author, Katie Baron.

Still one of punk’s most-fetishised poster women, Jordan Mooney’s pivotal role at the nexus of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren’s riotous (Sex and Seditionaries-era) world was vital to the looks of bands like the Sex Pistols and Adam and the Ants. She’s often immortalised in grainy black-and-white photography, as a severe vision of bleach-blonde-beehived, Cleopatra-eyed, latex-sheathed, fuck-you defiance, yet, there is far more to her influence than straightforward anarchic provocation. Rebellion was actually something of a by-product. Art (“I often described myself as a living work of art”), personal expression and a militant desire to champion the outlier were all at the real crux of her infectious perspective. As punk celebrates turning 40 this year, Jordan revisits her iconoclastic life.

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At 14 you changed your name – why?

Jordan Mooney: I truly felt like I’d been labelled the wrong thing, like a kind of name dysmorphia.

You were suspended from school for your haircut, and famously given your own spot in a first-class carriage on the train to avoid your outfits provoking outrage in fellow commuters – do you think dressing the way you did was an act of bravery?

Jordan Mooney: People often refer to the name and the things that I wore as demonstrating bravery and shaking things up, but while I showed off to the best of my ability it wasn’t about bravery because I didn’t care what people thought. I’ve always been extremely comfortable in my own skin. It’s like being in an art movement – someone has to start it.

• Continue reading at Dazed.

Grimsby Telegraph: Toyah at Cleethorpes Rocks

August 22nd, 2016

grimsbytgraph16dCleethorpes Rocks: 80s pop star Toyah Willcox performs – pictures

Eighties pop singer Toyah Willcox delighted crowds on the third and final night of Cleethorpes Rocks.

The songstress, best known for hits such as It’s A Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains and I Want To Be Free, performed to a receptive crowd at the popular festival.

Returning for a fifth year, the annual festival attracts people from far and wide who have descended on the resort to see the likes of pop band Scouting For Girls and indie act Reverend And The Makers.

Also on show for the crowds to enjoy was The Brew, Mustang, The Brookes and Chariots. And providing a spin on the usual festival act was the Frou Frou Club Burlesque and Cabaret Show, who performed on Friday evening.

• Continue reading at the Grimsby Telegraph. (Photo © Grimsby Telegraph)

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Live 2016: Toyah & Hazell at Rewind

August 21st, 2016

Toyah and Hazell Dean at Rewind South 2016 yesterday. (Photo © Hazell Dean)

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Live 2016: Toyah @ Rewind South

August 21st, 2016

Toyah at Rewind South 2016 yesterday. View more photos here. (Photo © Get Reading)

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Grimsby Telegraph: Things To Do in Cleethorpes

August 20th, 2016

grimsbytgraph16bToyah is playing the Rewind South 2016 festival today and tomorrow she headlines the final day of the Cleethorpes Rocks Festival 2016.

From Clee Rocks to a night of illusion: Things to do this weekend

Cleethorpes Rocks Festival 2016
Meridian Showground, tonight and tomorrow

If you missed yesterday’s show, don’t miss what’s in store at Clee Rocks for the remainder of the weekend. Scouting For Girls will be tonight’s headliner while the brilliant Toyah will be finishing off the festival tomorrow evening. Ticket prices start at £25 per person. Call 01472 349222 to book. See www.cleethorpesrocks.co.uk

• Continue reading at the Grimsby Telegraph. Visit the Cleethorpes Rocks festival website here. Browse all of Dreamscape’s Cleethorpes Rocks 2016 news here.

Grimsby Telegraph: Cleethorpes Rocks Festival Gets Underway

August 20th, 2016

cleethorpesrocks16bThis year’s three-day Cleethorpes Rocks festival gets underway tonight.

Over the weekend, the festival – taking place at the Meridian Show – will feature bands such as Wishbone Ash, Scouting For Girls, Toyah and From The Jam – plus a burlesque show. The event kicked off tonight with headline act Wishbone Ash, who will be joined by Mostly Autumn and Danny Bryant. And this year the Frou Frou Club Burlesque and Cabaret Show will also “Rock Cleethorpes”.

It also stars Kitty Bang Bang – a global burlesque sensation and the “wild child” of British Burlesque. Kitty was voted as number 21 in the world in the Top 50 Burlesque performers of 2015. Add to this home-grown Grimsby gal, Lady Wildflower, who is now taking the world of Burlesque by storm – from the UK, to Europe, to China.

Following the news that Toyah Willcox will take to the stage with her full live electric band, bands Criminal Mind and The Jackobins will showcase their talent too.

• Continue reading at the Grimsby Telegraph. Visit the Cleethorpes Rocks festival website here.

Henley Standard: Eighties Pop Legends Descend on Henley

August 19th, 2016

rewind16dA total of 40,000 people will descend on Temple Island Meadows near Henley for the eighth annual Rewind South festival this weekend. The Eighties pop extravaganza will kick off tonight (Friday) with a welcome party headlined by West Country folk band The Wurzels.

Tomorrow’s performers include Rick Astley, whose latest album, 50, topped the charts this week, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet, Jimmy Somerville, the Trevor Horn Band, Toyah, Leo Sayer and Andy Bell of Erasure.

The festival concludes on Sunday with appearances by Adam Ant, Earth, Wind and Fire, M People’s Heather Small, The Beat, The Blockheads and Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory, among others. There will be scores of attractions around the site including an inflatable church where revellers can get “married”, real ale and cocktail bars, food stalls, a roller disco, a funfair and a second stage featuring local performers.

The weather is expected to be warm and overcast with sunny spells and the chance of the odd shower tomorrow. Organiser David Heartfield said: “Everything is looking great for the weekend. We’re looking forward to it. It has been incredibly hot this week so I’d welcome slightly cooler weather.”

• Continue reading at the Henley Standard.

My Vinyl Dreams: Toyah – Echo Beach (12″)

August 19th, 2016

Toyah has a successful go at covering Martha & The Muffins classic. Released in 1987 this was off the album “Desire” and see’s her go for a more mainstream sound. Mike Hedges gives it enough weird synth sound and the vocal delivery is spot on. The track is remixed by English electro-dance duo, The Quick and it polishes up the original really well. B-side, “Plenty,” was written by Toyah even has a Motown feel to it with a horn section and a guitar solo, weird!

• Continue reading at My Vinyl Dreams.

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Gered Mankowitz: Rock and Roll Photography

August 19th, 2016

gmrarp16aA newly updated and revised version of , Rock and Roll Photography, the book of photographer Gered Mankowitz’s rock photos has just been published. It includes a photo of Toyah on the cover (Thunder In The Mountains) and inside (The Blue Meaning/Ieya).

Gered Mankowitz was the man who created the enduring and defining image of not only Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones but of ‘the rock star.’ Now you can enjoy the best of his 50-year career in this defining tome of photography which chronicles music history, and tells you more about relevant popular culture than any text book could.

Mankowitz has been photographing rock stars for 50 years, helping to create the image of musical legends like Annie Lennox, the Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithfull, Paul McCartney, Duran Duran, Elton John, Oasis, Wham!, and more. Mankowitz’s favourites of his own portraits are included in a new release of his book  Rock and Roll Photography. Here are some of the best, from a flawless Kate Bush to a sun-bronzed George Michael, along with quotes from Mankowitz, both from his book and in conversation with BuzzFeed.

Toyah, 1980: “Toyah is a real performer, she developed these extraordinary visual identities that sort of related to her music was saying at that time. This look of flaming hair, punk-priestess, was a portrait intended to present her confrontational power.”

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Categories: Books Tags: ,

Toyah Live 2017: Loving The 80’s

August 17th, 2016

live2017aYes, we are only midway through August but here’s one to put in your diary for early 2017. Toyah will headline Loving The 80’s in January.

After the resounding success of our January Gig we want to bring the 80’s back to the Parr Hall once again! If you love the music, the makeup, the fashion and the vibe of this fantastic decade, join us for a fantastic night on January 28th 2017.

Headlining our gig is the amazing Toyah – we just know you’ll be ” loving the 80’s ” once again!

• Continue reading at pyramidparrhall.com.

Categories: Live 2017 Tags:

Toyah Live 2017: Acoustic, Up Close & Personal

August 17th, 2016

acoustic16bToyah will take her Acoustic, Up Close & Personal tour into another year, with new dates already being listed online for 2017.

Toyah Willcox – Up Close and Personal
Acapela Studio, Cardiff: Saturday 1st April, 2017

After a sell out concert in June 2016, Acapela welcomes back the incredible Toyah Willcox. If you missed out on her concert at Acapela then here is your chance to catch the pop icon again in what is sure to be another memorable event.

Book early to avoid disappointment as this is sure to be a sell out again.

• Continue reading/Buy tickets at Ticket Source. Browse all of Toyah’s confirmed forthcoming live dates at toyahwillcox.com.

Drinking From The Gun: Download at iTunes

August 17th, 2016

Dodson & Fogg’s new album, White House On The Hill, is now available on iTunes. This includes the track featuring Toyah, Drinking From The Gun, which can be downloaded individually. Click below for iTunes. Toyah talks about the collaboration in her latest blog.

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Derbyshire Times: Hitmaker Toyah’s Concert in Cathedral

August 16th, 2016

derbytimes16aFormer punk princess Toyah Willcox will perform an intimate evening of acoustic music at Derby Cathedral. During her 30-year career she has racked up eight top 40 singles, released more than 20 albums, written two books and appeared in 40 stage plays.

Toyah rose to fame on the back of hits such as It’s A Mystery and Thunder in the Mountains. Her concert on Saturday, August 27, will raise money for the upkeep of Derby Cathedral.

• Continue reading at the Derbyshire Times.

Toyah on TV: Neil McCormick’s Needle Time

August 16th, 2016

Another chance to see Vintage TV’s 60 minute Toyah special at the end of the month…

Neil McCormick’s Needle Time: Vintage TV: Tuesday 30th August: 4am
Toyah Willcox. Prolific artist and actor, who enjoyed hits with ‘It’s a Mystery’, ‘Thunder in the Mountains’ and ‘I Want to be Free’, shares the story behind her remarkable career – Running Time: 60 minutes. Vintage TV is available on Sky 369, Freeview 242, Virgin 343 and Freesat 505.

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Toyah on TV: Quadrophenia

August 16th, 2016

Quadrophenia: Sky Select HD: Sunday 19th August: 1.25am
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone. (Sky Select HD is on Sky Channel 312)

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London Calling: Interview with Phil Willmott

August 13th, 2016

cprm16bCrime & Punishment: A Rock Musical – Interview with Director Phil Willmott

As part of London’s Free Open-Air Theatre Season, Crime & Punishment: A Rock Musical will hold its world premiere at The Scoop in London Bridge this month. Directed and adapted by Phil Willmott and featuring music by legendary rock legend Toyah Willcox, this revamped production will transform Dostoyevsky’s most famous and influential novel into a thrilling new musical. We sit down with director Phil Willmott to get the low-down on this adaptation of a classic with a tuneful twist.

London Calling: What attracted you to doing a rock-version of Crime & Punishment?

Phil Willmott: Well, we always try to do plays that reflect what’s going on in London society. Right now, we’re all very interested in what motivates these lone wolf killers to commit these terrible atrocities around the world. Crime & Punishment is very much about this, about a young man who sincerely believes that for the greater good and because of his beliefs that he is entitled to kill, so it feels very topical. And even though it’s a 19th Century Russian novel, the story is all about student angst, anger, and idealism so it seemed to really suggest itself to rock music as a sort of language for anger and alienation, as well as having a youthful energy.

LC: You’re using music by Toyah Willcox and Simon Darlow. What is it about their music that fits so well with this rock adaptation?

PW: Well in the 80s she was the punk princess. She was the person who took punk rock and sort of glamourised it and made it theatrical, while still retaining the kind of rawness, the anger and the energy of rock. So, because that’s my generation’s music, the first thing I did was to go back and listen to her songs and then I discovered that she is still recording and is still a best-selling recording artist so I got in touch with her and explained what I wanted to do and fortunately she said yes, that she’d love to come on board.

• Continue reading at London Calling.

Crime and Punishment: New Promotional Images

August 13th, 2016

Opening 31st August at The Scoop Theatre, London, Crime and Punishment, with songs by Toyah Willcox and Simon Darlow. Adapted and Directed by Phil Willmott

Crime and Punishment – The Rock Musical
Dostoyevsky and the music of Toyah Willcox and Simon Darlow

As the skies darken over The Scoop, so does our story. Published in 1866 Dostoyeksky’s Crime and Punishment is one of the most famous and influential novels in world literature. When an idealistic student kills a ruthless money lender, who terrorises the poor of St. Petersburg, the novel challenges us to ask if murder is ever justified.

Rock music works as the perfect medium to express the energy, rebellion and passion of the story. Fittingly this new musical production, adapted and directed by Phil Willmott, will feature specially written songs and favourite tracks by British rock legend, Toyah Willcox and her song-writing partner Simon Darlow.

From 31st August to 25th September, 8pm, every Wednesday to Sunday at The Scoop at More London. Captioned performance of both shows: Thursday 22nd September. Post show chats with the Company: Thurs 8th, 15th & 22nd September after Crime & Punishment.

A couple of newly revealed promotional images for Crime and Punishment. Click below for more info on this new rock musical.

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