Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

Toyah sending Westside Bid her congratulations on Instagram…

Sad news tweeted by Toyah: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Colin Hinds. A gentle musical genius who played and sang like an angel. Greatly missed but so grateful you were in our lives. Our deepest sympathy to all of Colin’s family. Toyah x (Photo © Toyah Willcox)

Charity Stars currently have three original artworks by Toyah up for auction, in aid of CALM. There are just 10 days left to bid. Click on previews of the art below for more info and/or to bid.

“Beneath My Feet” by Toyah Willcox based on a lyrical poem by the artist. “The Rose” by Toyah Willcox inspired by Amanda McBroom’s Song. “Cry Me a River” by Toyah Willcox inspired by Arthur Hamilton’s Song. Dimensions: 8×8 inch canvases inside 30x30cm frames. On canvas.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide – the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week – for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems, as well as supporting those bereaved by suicide and working in the community to reengage with people before they reach the point of crisis. The charity actively campaigns via the media to spread awareness of suicide and challenge male stereotypes, using cultural touch points like art, music, sport and comedy.

Okay this news post is about a different Toyah. Help give one of these amazing dogs a home…

The RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal to help the dogs desperate for forever homes in West Sussex. The charity rehomed 95 dogs in the county last year, but many pets are still in need of an owner. They include the German Shepherd brought in because her owner was unable to care for her.

Meet the dogs desperate for forever homes in West Sussex:

Toyah: “Toyah is an energetic, intelligent German Shepherd. She was brought into the branch after her previous owner was unable to care for her.

“Toyah is affectionate, comical, playful and intelligent. She would make a fantastic dog for German Shepherd enthusiasts. Toyah has struggled a little with being in kennels, and can be unsure of meeting new people. But she loves toys and these can be used to build a bond with her. Once she knows you Toyah has so much love to give and really enjoys cuddles and a groom. Adopters will need to be prepared to spend time working with the centre when getting to know her before taking her home.

“An ideal home would be a calm and quiet adult-only household in a semi-rural location, with German Shepherd enthusiasts that have a keen interest in dog training.”

• Continue reading at Spirit Radio.

Tim Rose, longtime guitarist with Toyah’s live band, plays a gig in London this coming weekend, playing music from his recently released Outlook album..

Guitarist/composer Tim Rose has twenty years experience on the freelance/session scene. He has toured the country and the world with a diverse range of artists including Toyah Willcox, Carol Decker, Brendan Cole, has performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra and graced the orchestra pit of some 15 West End shows. At this launch gig, Tim celebrates the release of his first solo album, ‘Outlook’ on Pathway Records. The material on ‘Outlook’ reflects many of Tim’s influences, particularly early fusion, jazz/funk, R and B and European ‘ECM’ jazz styles. Brecker Brothers style horns take much of the lead with powerful solos coming from top class frontline.

• Further info on the gig at evensi. Visit Tim Rose Official. More details on Outlook at Amazon.

Toyah has paid tribute to George Michael, who died on Christmas Day – “My deepest condolences to all George Michael’s loved ones, friends & fans. This has come as a complete shock. He was a mighty talent“. I always thought Wham! were a great pop band. A perfect five-year career, with lots of happy memories and music. Rest in Peace, George Michael.

Sad news, Status Quo founder Rick Parfitt died today. The Guardian have published a tribute – Rick Parfitt – A Life in Pictures: Rick Parfitt appearing on Tiswas with Rick Wakeman and Toyah Willcox. (Photograph: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Such sad news – Greg Lake, legendary bass guitarist and writer of the greatest Christmas song, I Believe in Father Christmas, died yesterday. Read The Guardian’s tribute to Greg here.

Wonderful WillyFred passed away yesterday :(

Toyah expressed her disbelief at the news of Prince’s death on Thursday. Toyah and Robert Fripp were just as shocked by the sudden passing of the music legend as the rest of us. I love a lot Prince’s work, though admittedly mostly his 80s stuff – Around The World In A Day and Sign O’ The Times are two of my favourite albums. Such a huge talent.

Toyah’s sister has just returned home after sailing the Atlantic.

Visit Toyah’s Twitter to see a photo of this brave and adventurous lady.

Meet Toyah the Rabbit, at The Rabbit Residence Rescue: “One of our newest little ladies, named after the fabulous @toyahofficial ❤️ our #Toyah is a bit shy at the moment“. This organisation does such a great job – Dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating over 150 rabbits, each with their own story to tell – Gorgeous Neroli passed away last month :(

Read Toyah’s tribute to the incredible David Bowie, who died peacefully yesterday, aged 69.

Today Toyah retweeted Ultimate Classic Rock’s tweet about the 46th anniversary of the release of In The Court Of The Crimson King. Read an article on the album at Ultimate Classic Rock.

Toyah has paid tribute to showbiz legend Cilla Black who died today: “Dearest Cilla, You taught me so much. Be strong, be kind, be proud and shine! shine! shine! with love + respect toyah“.

The actor Roger Rees, who starred with Toyah, Sir Laurence Olivier and Greta Scacchi in The Ebony Tower in 1983, has died aged 71.

BBC News: Welsh actor Roger Rees, star of Cheers and The West Wing, has died aged 71

Mr Rees, who was born in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, won Tony and Olivier awards in 1982 for his title role in the The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. He played millionaire Robin Colcord in 1980s comedy Cheers and Lord John Marbury in US political drama The West Wing from 2000 to 2005. Mr Rees had lived in America for 25 years and died after a short illness.

• Continue reading at BBC News.

Wishing a very Happy 60th Birthday to, punk icon and Jubilee legend, Jordan – aka Pamela Rooke.

Toyah has paid tribute to two legendary veterans of British theatre, television and film: Sir Christopher Lee and Ron Moody both died yesterday, at the respective ages of 93 and 91. Toyah worked with Christopher on The Disputation and Ron in Peter Pan. Click below to read Toyah’s tributes at Twitter.

Sad to hear the news that “Mayhem”, Toyah’s legendary warehouse in Battersea will soon be demolished – Read the plans for regeneration of the area here. (Thanks to Dan Greensmith for the info and for these photos)

A slightly strange, but interesting, article about Steve Strange: The day I met Steve Strange – after he invited me to his birthday party, has been published by the Mirror. The article includes a selection of photos of Steve, including this one of Toyah and Steve at the British Rock & Pop Awards in 1982. (NB. The post title isn’t a quote by Toyah, they just include a photo of her!)

Toyah has paid a touching tribute to New Romantic/BLITZ club pioneer Steve Strange who died yesterday aged 55. “My darling steve strange…….never fade to grey. Just shine bright in the heavens xxx”. Below is a photo of Steve and Toyah taken last Summer. (Photo Credit: V&A)