Neil Tennant’s Smash Hits Christmas aired on ‘BBC Radio 2′ on the 20th December 2012.
An interesting look back at the golden years of the magazine, including contributions from Toyah, talking about ‘Smash Hits’ in general as well as her iconic “Brave New World” cover from 1982. Listen to the full programme at You Tube.
Neil Tennant had a life as a journalist before he became famous as a Pet Shop Boy. In fact, it was on a Smash Hits trip to New York that he had his big breakthrough with the record producer Bobby O. Here, 30 years after his first stint on pop’s most successful and inventive magazine, Neil recalls the golden days of Smash Hits. We hear from founder and legendary magazine maker Nick Logan, editors David Hepworth and Mark Ellen, writers Miranda Sawyer and Sylvia Patterson, and from regular Smash Hits cover girl, Toyah.
There’s already been lots of interesting content revealed daily at toyahwillcox.com’s Christmas Advent, including this glorious photo of Toyah, Joel Bogen and Phil Spalding from Hold Tight in 1982. The festive countdown continues right through until Christmas Eve… (Photo Source: The Official Toyah Willcox Website)
Christmas Eve 2012, Toyah guested on Marlow FM’s “Musical Milestones” on The Eclectic Light Show. She discussed her life and career and chose six songs along the way.
As this aired on Christmas Eve and the station didn’t have a Listen Again function I recorded it and uploaded to Dreamscape a low quality mp3 of the 30-minute special. Click below to listen/download.
More upcoming air times/dates for Toyah’s Vintage TV festive specials. (Photo © Vintage TV)
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Sunday 7th December: 1am
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Wednesday 10th December: 11pm
Cosy up with family and friends as Toyah Willcox brings you a selection of fine Christmas songs and a sprinkling of festive stories, surrounded by a variety of creatures great and small. (This originally aired as a two-hour special. These are cut-down one hour programmes)
Toyah’s Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Friday 5th December: 1pm
Toyah’s Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Friday 12th December: 7pm
Snuggle down by the fire with the family as punk princess, Toyah Willcox, introduces some of the finest Christmas videos of the 20th Century, sprinkled with a generous handful of fun festive facts.
More festive Toyah viewing from the fantastic Vintage TV channel. (Photo © Vintage TV)
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Sunday 14th December: 1am
Presenters Toyah Willcox and Wizzard’s Roy Wood are cosying up by the fireplace with two guest artists on our new show as they talk Christmas and sing favourite festive songs. (Part 1)
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Sunday 14th December: 10am
Snuggling up by the fireside with Toyah Willcox and Roy Wood for some Christmas chat and festive songs are pop rock act The Feeling and Imagination’s Leee John. (Part 2)
Toyah didn’t release any new music in 1984 but ‘Smash Hits’ still included her in their special extra issue – The Smash Hits Christmas Party, published in association with Woolworth – in December 1984: Will You Be Watching The Queen’s Speech? When you jump up after the Christmas Top Of The Pops, is it to stand to attention for Her Majesty or a mad dash to switch off the TV? We asked a selection of pop stars if they’d be tuning in to that speech… Click below to view a larger version – Read the full issue here. (Thanks to Like Punk Never Happened – Smash Hits Archive)
The Digital Advent at The Official Toyah Willcox Website has started today. Check every day in the lead up to Christmas – “Surprises in store”.
Welcome to December! It’s the first of our build-up/countdown to Christmas posts. There’s no particular theme this year, other than each entry will be Christmas/Toyah related. Beginning with a look back at some of Dreamscape’s previous Christmas “cards” posted on the site on various Christmas Eve’s over the years. Ah the memories. I particularly enjoyed updating Dreamscape at Christmas… December was always a ridiculously busy month and updating each day seemed to add to the excitement of the countdown to the 25th!
More upcoming air times/dates for Toyah’s Vintage TV festive special.
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Wednesday 3rd December: 5pm
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Sunday 7th December: 1am
Cosy up with family and friends as Toyah Willcox brings you a selection of fine Christmas songs and a sprinkling of festive stories, surrounded by a variety of creatures great and small. (This originally aired as a two-hour special. These are cut-down one hour programmes)
It will soon be December, which for me is the start of the Christmas season. This is Dreamscape’s 15th Christmas so look out for (or avoid if Christmas isn’t your thing) lots of Toyah related festive updates throughout the month in the lead up to the 25th. Content from Christmasses past of course but some new additions too…
