If you’re never quite sure whether you preferred the music of the 70s, 80s or 90s, you will be in for a treat if you plan a short break in Blackpool next month.
On Saturday July 12th the city will host Rocking Through the Decades, a free show that will see a range of musical acts from various decades perform to the crowds. Representing the 70s, for instance, will be the three Dynamos from Mamma Mia, while Toyah Willcox – who is best known for songs like It’s a Mystery and Thunder in the Mountains – will be there to showcase the sounds of the 1980s.
• Continue reading at Superbreak.
Great photos of Toyah last night at the Astor Theatre, Deal, on the latest date of the Crimson Queen/Greatest Hits…Live! UK Tour. Click below to view the full versions of these, and more, at Dreamscape Gallery. Tonight Toyah plays a, sold out, Acoustic, Up Close & Personal concert at Tithe Barn, Bishop’s Cleeve. (Thanks to Angus | All photos © Angus Turner)
For a superstar who writes songs about the universe, Toyah Willcox is surprisingly down-to-earth. Performing for the first time in the Peel Centenary Centre, and for the second time in the island, she sung her lungs out to a nearly sold out theatre.
The pyramid seating of the theatre gave everyone a wonderful view as the white backstage turned to neon green and coral pink. The lights then shifted the hue farther as the band members walked out.
They took their positions, all wearing predominantly black clothing so our star could shine: Toyah. She emerged wearing her iconic eccentricities of a kaleidoscopic T-shirt and space invader accessories. Although her outfit certainly won the prize for uniqueness, her hair no longer wins the prize of weirdest style as ‘Mr Mohican’ (as Toyah named him when he shouted out) was far more exciting.
Toyah didn’t just perform a concert, she was also a personality on the stage; she stopped in-between tracks and spoke to the crowd about what she felt when she wrote the song, or what she felt when she performed it. This was fantastic for the audience as we gained so much insight into the mind of star.
• Continue reading at the Isle Of Man Today.
The book marking the 35th anniversary of the release of the film, Quadrophenia: A Way Of Life – Inside The Making Of Britain’s Greatest Youth Film, by Simon Wells is published today.
It’s 35 years since the film Quadrophenia first hit the world’s cinema screens. Jimmy the Mod’s search for identity against the backdrop of the May Bank Holiday riots of the 1960′s, is regarded as the finest example of a British “youth” movie and a warmly remembered timepiece.
As the generation that first saw it now approach their fifties with teenagers of their own, Quadrophenia has become a glorious benchmark for their own youthful excesses, hopes, dreams and nostalgia. To critics, admirers and casual observers, it’s intriguing: what makes a 30 plus year-old film like Quadrophenia so appealing? And similarly, why do people return to it time and time again?
For the first time, QUADROPHENIA… A WAY OF LIFE explores the making of Britain’s finest youth film and its subsequent influence on popular culture. With interviews with principal cast members, director Franc Roddam, scriptwriter Martin Stellman and other involved in the creation of the film, this is the definitive account of Britain’s greatest cult movie.
• View further details and buy the book at Countdown Books.
• Visit Lancashire: Rocking Through The Decades: A free concert which celebrates the best of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and bang up to date music with artists from those decades really rocking the stage on St John’s Square. Come along and see Brutus Gold, Denise Pearson from Five Star, Ntrance, and Toyah Willcox showcasing their decade. And bang up to date, we have Harry Mondryk and Kingsland Road. Come along and experience St John’s Square really rocking with everyone’s favourite stars. Further artists to be announced – Continue reading… (Taking place on 12th July – Toyah’s inclusion is, as yet, officially unconfirmed)
• Live 2014: Check out Toyah’s full, confirmed, “bang up to date” gig schedule at toyahwillcox.com – Lots of concerts!!!
• Spoilers: “Had Wild nite @ Pinewood Studios“, Toyah tweeted the other day… and here is why – Only click if you want a future surprise “spoiled”! (Thanks to @MaisieRoach at Twitter)
• Berlin 1980: Breaking Through, Toyah’s Official Newsletter, will be bringing news of an exclusive new photobook of a set of photos taken by Ilse Ruppert in Hamburg in 1980, whilst Toyah was promoting the abum ‘The Blue Meaning’.
Toyah is the cover star of the July – September 2014 issue of The Stroud Subscription Rooms magazine. Toyah plays an Acoustic, Up Close & Personal tourdate at the venue on 5th September. Click below to view the magazine online. (Thanks to Kevin McNamara)
Punk icon Toyah Willcox will become an honorary member of the UK’s largest contemporary choir next week.
The actress and singer will visit a Rock Choir session at Pitmaston Primary School, Malvern Road, Worcester, on Tuesday, June 24 at 8pm ahead of joining the choir for a special performance at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on Saturday, July 19.
The Birmingham show will be used to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust after the choir was inspired by the multi-million charity efforts of Stephen Sutton.
• Continue reading at Worcester News. Toyah also tweeted earlier: “Learning Rock Choir arrangement of Sensational 4 B’ham Symphony Hall 19th july. pure joy. Had Wild nite @ Pinewood Studios“.
A new interview with Toyah, ahead of her Crimson Queen/Greatest Hits…Live! gig at The Astor Theatre in Kent on Saturday, published yesterday by Kent Online.
Former ‘high priestess of punk’ Toyah Willcox may have mellowed with age but she still loves donning the dramatic costumes to become her on-stage musical alter-ego, as she tells Jo Roberts
“In my youth, I was happy standing out but I love that now I can be anonymous in the street. I’d rather just turn it on for the stage,” says Toyah, whose current conventionally blonde tresses and subtle chic contrast with the flame-haired punk appearance she sported in the 1980s.
The prolific singer has released more than 20 albums in the past 35 years. Her biggest chart hits came in 1981 with the EP Four from Toyah and the single Thunder in the Mountains. Toyah forged a three-pronged career as an actress and media personality too but she will be returning to her first love when she hits the stage at Deal’s Astor Theatre this weekend with her Crimson Queen Greatest Hits show.
“It’s definitely a different part of me,” she says of her musical alter ego, known for a signature dramatic look which manages to combine a futuristic vibe with retro 1980s stylings. “The majority of the time I’m a businesswoman, but I can’t wait to get out of the office and become my on-stage persona, I love that freedom”.
• Continue reading at Kent Online.
Lorraine: ITV/STV: Wed 25th June: 8.30am
Morning show with a topical mix of entertainment, discussion and showbiz glamour, as well as featuring the latest fashion, food and celebrity gossip.
Maureen Lipman talks about her role in the play Daytona, which transfers to the West End this month, plus Toyah Willcox recalls her starring role alongside Ray Winstone, Sting, Leslie Ash and Phil Daniels in the classic film Quadrophenia, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
• Visit the Lorraine website at ITV.com.
You’ve been asking for a t-shirt with tour dates on…..and here it is!
From this Saturday’s gig at Kent Astor Theatre, you will be able to get your hands on one.
The reverse of the t-shirt carries all 2014 dates up until the Intergalactic Ranch House Tour. The front carries the classic Toyah logo on the breast.
Get these on tour at the gigs this year. If any remain they will be sold online but they might not last!
• Check out larger photos at toyahwillcox.com.
There is a lot of upcoming Toyah on TV and radio, so here’s a summary…
Kavanagh Q.C.: ITV Encore: Saturday 21st June: 4.15pm
All Star Mr & Mrs: TV3: Saturday 21st June: 5pm
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Sunday 22nd June: 9am
Kavanagh Q.C.: ITV Encore: Sunday 22nd June: 1pm
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Sunday 22nd June: 5pm
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 23rd June: 5am
Maigret: ITV Encore: Monday 23rd June: 5.50pm
Maigret: ITV Encore: Tuesday 24th June: 12pm
Sunday Girl – The Blondie Story: BBC Radio 6 Music: Wednesday 25th June: 1am
Lorraine: ITV/STV: Wednesday 25th June: 8.30am
Celebrity Fantasy Homes: Really: Saturday 28th June: 2pm
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Sunday 29th June: 9am
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Sunday 29th June: 5pm
My Vintage: Vintage TV: Sunday 29th June: 5pm
JM Barrie – Peter Pan: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 30th June: 5am
The Corn Is Green: True Movies 2: Monday 30th June: 5pm
More detailed info on each programme is available in TV&Radio.
Full dates, and links to buy tickets for Toyah’s forthcoming Autumn tour…
The Corn Is Green: True Movies 2: Monday 30th June: 5pm
Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn stars as a schoolteacher determined to help the people of a turn-of-the-century Welsh mining town. With Ian Saynor, Bill Fraser, Patricia Hayes, Anna Massey, Artro Morris, Dorothea Phillips, Toyah Willcox, Huw Richards, Bryn Fon, Dyfan Roberts and Robin John. Directed by: George Cukor (1979).
I’ve been waiting for this to re-air for as long as I can remember… and it finally is!
Sunday Girl – The Blondie Story: BBC Radio 6 Music: Wednesday 25th June: 1am
Toyah Willcox charts the development of the pop group, who achieved success in the 1970s and 80s with their iconic singer Debbie Harry. (Available post-broadcast for one week at BBC iPlayer)
A great video montage capturing all the fun of Let’s Rock Bristol 2014. Click on the caps below to watch at You Tube. (Thanks to Kevin McNamara)
Film Maker Profile: Simon Cox – Kaleidoscope Man
Simon Cox has worked in the UK TV and Film industry for over 20 years for the BBC, Channel four and five as well as directing a feature film of his own and is now attempting to make Independent film history by writing and directing a full-on sci-fi thriller – Kaleidoscope Man:
When psychiatrist and father-to-be Thomas Dunn’s patients begin to share terrifying visions of the destruction of planet Earth a chain reaction is begun which could threaten everything that he holds dear. He and a group of his patients must battle their own demons as well as invading aliens in Earth’s last stand.
• Continue reading at Graham Inman.com. Read another new interview with Simon Cox, at The Cutting Room Floor.
My Vintage with The Fripps airs again at the end of the month on Vintage TV. A great hour of chat and classic music choices from Robert and Toyah. Here’s the full Fripp Playlist from My Vintage:
Salisbury Hill – Peter Gabriel, Rapture – Blondie, Heroes – David Bowie, Fashion – David Bowie, Imagine – John Lennon, Bridge Over Troubled Waters – Simon & Garfunkel, Angels – Robbie Williams, I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston.
My Vintage: Vintage TV: Sunday 29th June: 5pm
My Vintage: Vintage TV: Thursday 3rd July: 10.30pm
Toyah and Robert. New! Husband and wife team, punk princess Toyah and guitarist and record producer Robert Fripp, invite My Vintage viewers into their home for their top record picks.
A couple of further airings for “Toyah’s episode” of Kavanagh Q. C. this weekend on, the shiny and new, ITV Encore.
Kavanagh Q.C.: ITV Encore: Sat 21st June: 4.15pm
Kavanagh Q.C.: ITV Encore: Sun 22nd June: 1pm
A Family Affair (1995). Kavanagh finds himself caught up in a bitter family feud when he represents a frustrated father who has kidnapped his son in a desperate attempt to win custody. On the home front, Kavanagh’s daughter wants to let her boyfriend stay overnight. Directed by Renny Rye. With John Thaw, Holly Aird, Robert Ashby, Toyah Willcox and Lisa Harrow. Also airing on ITV Encore HD and Plus 1.
It was the mid-70s. The Bee Gees had discovered disco, Queen were breaking the mould with Bohemian Rhapsody and that tartan clad boy band from Scotland The Bay City Rollers were driving parents to distraction and their teenage daughters to the state of near hyperventilation!
Never the less, the moguls of the music industry were watching from afar green eyed with corporate jealousy. They all wanted what Bell Records had in The Rollers, and for one Coventry born A&R man his wish was about to become a reality, and he didn’t have to go to far to find it!
… It was pretty obvious the band had now reached its sell-by date and it was over as quickly as it began. Steve Bray joined The Toyah Willcox band, and appeared on her two first albums The seminal Sheep Farming In Barnet and The Blue Meaning.
• Continue reading at the Coventry Telegraph.
Eighties pop sensation Toyah Willcox gave a stunning performance in front of an audience of 250 people at the Peel Centenary Centre.
Dave Moncaster from Port St Mary sent us this photo from the gig and said: ‘She was brilliant and gave an absolutely worthy performance, appreciated by everyone in attendance. The evening was full of her well known songs and some that I don’t remember. The lady is funny, well spoken and a total professional. Please come back to the island soon, Toyah.’
• Continue reading at isleofman.com.
Gina Glockler recently sent me a collection of previously unseen photos from 1981’s ‘Anthem Tour’. A really interesting selection of shots from Nigel Glockler’s personal archive, and being shared publically for the first time. I’ll be creating a gallery for these special shots soon but here’s a preview of some. (Thanks to Nigel & Gina Glockler | Photos © Nigel Glockler)
