Sign of the Times music festival is a wet wet wet weekend saved by great music
The Waterboys were an apt first-night headline act for the Sign of the Times festival at Church End, Little Hadham.
If you add in a set by Toyah, complete with a guest appearance by husband and King Crimson guitar hero Robert Fripp, what more could you want?
• Continue reading at Bishop’s Stortford Independent.
These Are All The Celebrities Who’ve Been Rumoured For Strictly Come Dancing 2024 So Far
Stars from across the world of TV, sport, music and beyond have already been tipped to be taking part this year.
With the summer only just starting to get underway, it might seem like the new series of Strictly Come Dancing is still aaaaages away – but we’re actually only just over a month away from the first of this year’s celebrities being revealed. In the past few weeks, rumours have been coming in thick and fast about which stars will be getting their dancing shoes on for a very special series of Strictly, commemorating 20 years since the show first began airing on BBC One.
Celebrities from across the world of TV, sport, music and beyond have already being tipped to be in the pipeline, ahead of the first announcements in August. So, to get you in the Strictly spirit, here are all the rumours about the 2024 line-up that have been reported so far…
Toyah Willcox: In June, The Sun reported that British music legend Toyah Wilcox had signed up for Strictly, after being impressed by her friend and colleague Angela Rippon’s performance a year earlier.
She previously joked to The Mirror: “I’d have to do it sooner rather than later, because I’m not gonna be able to move. I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary,” she continued. “But they’re rehearsing 10 hours a day every day. And then on Saturday, they do two shows.”
She added: “If I’m going to do it, it’s gonna have to happen within the next few years because I don’t think I’ll be able to move like that in two years’ time. But, you know, the whole world wants to do Strictly, I wouldn’t say no.”
• Continue reading at the Huff Post. See also Yahoo! News.
Isle of Wight Festival return for Toyah and Robert Fripp
Making a return to the Isle of Wight Festival following their successful show at last year’s event, husband and wife musical partnership of Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp entertained again in the Big Top.
The musical partnership of singer Toyah and King Crimson’s legendary guitarist Fripp — both from strangely different, but equally experimental musical backgrounds — reinvented themselves in the industry with their popular Sunday Lunch performances on YouTube.
Sunday’s afternoon show was a blend of Fripp’s musical precision and Toyah’s charismatic, spellbinding pop/punk-influenced enthusiasm.
She performed a set which included some of her solo classics, It’s a Mystery and I Want to Be Free, together with some great pop throwbacks, such as Echo Beach, a 70s hit for Martha and the Muffins.
• Continue reading at the Isle Of Wight County Press. (Photo © Isle Of Wight County Press)
EdFringe | Trafford Tanzi starring Toyah Willcox! The play that changed my life – Kevin Maguire
Having given Andrew Pierce the opportunity to share the story of the musical that changed his life – it was Mamma Mia! you may recall – it seemed only fair to offer Kevin Maguire the same courtesy, especially as the pair’s Edinburgh Fringe show, Andrew Pierce vs Kevin Maguire (Assembly Rooms, 8-10 August), pits them against each other. So, in the interest of maintaining an even playing field, here, Maguire shares the piece of theatre that ‘changed his life’… Toyah Willcox in Trafford Tanzi.
‘Time erased exactly why I went to see punk princess Toyah Willcox hitting a wrestling ring’s canvass during 10 rounds over three hours, yet the exhilaration – mine, not hers, just to be clear – is as fresh today as that evening 41 years ago and counting. You never forget the magical impact of your first play, the memory sticking like first day at school, first day at work, first football game, first kiss.
I was a late debutant to the theatre, growing up in a Tyneside working class home where money was tight and the stage a social world away from our life. There’s no need to get out an unfeasibly small violin. Childhood is recalled happily even if now I recognise it could’ve been enriched culturally.
Never going to the York Theatre Royal during three years at the city’s university is explained blushingly by hanging with a group, at least one of whom subsequently came to see Willcox in her cartoonish outfit, who, like me, preferred football, playing the fool and doing nothing.
• Continue reading at Must See Theatre.
Born with club feet, a twisted spine and a lisp, all too often Toyah Willcox found herself the butt of the joke. But having exploited this outsider status to find fame as an actress and singer, she had the last laugh. And she’s still chuckling…
In a remarkably eclectic career spanning almost 50 years, peroxide princess Toyah Willcox has topped the pop charts, illuminated the silver screen with movie legend Katharine Hepburn and even dressed up as a giant vegetable with members of the Royal Family. And today, as she celebrates her newfound status as an unexpected social media sensation, with more than 120 million views of her YouTube channel, the 66-year-old is in a characteristically defiant mood.
“My rebellion has always been that I just don’t fit into the norm,” she says from the once-haunted Dorset home she shares with her online partner in crime, King Crimson guitarist and husband of 38 years, Robert Fripp. “And I never will. I don’t think like other people. I don’t move like other people. I’m unique.”
And for Toyah, who first came to public attention in 1979 as the party-loving Monkey in the iconic British mod film Quadrophenia, before launching a hugely successful pop career in the early 1980s, the roots of her distinctive, often-confrontational creativity lie firmly in her challenging childhood.
“Growing up in Birmingham I was disabled and I was treated as disabled, even though I was physically very, very strong,” she explains. “I had a twisted spine, my legs were twisted, I had club feet, and my family referred to me as ‘Hopalong’. I also had a very bad lisp and dyslexia, but even though people would laugh at me, I had grand ambitions and grand ideas from day one.”
Toyah recalls always being the butt of the joke to the people around her. “And that made me grow into a monster – and that monster grew daily,” she states with the ghost of a smile. “My ambitions grew daily because I was being set up for failure from the moment I could speak, but people didn’t see the person I knew.
• The full interview is available to read online here.
“I was summoned to have tea with the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. We talked about the philosophy of punk.” In 1980, when Britain’s royal family wanted “to see what a punk rocker looks like” they invited Toyah Willcox to St James’s Palace
Toyah recalls the day she talked punk rock with royalty
In the summer of 1977, punk rock gatecrashed into the mainstream consciousness in Britain when the Sex Pistols’ second single, God Save The Queen, entered the UK charts at number 2 during the week of the official observation of Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee: it’s widely believed that the single was actually the UK’s highest-selling single that week, but the official chart stats were deliberately ‘adjusted’ to ensure that the nation’s most infamous punk band were kept from reaching number one.
As controversial as the song was, however, it seems that it didn’t necessarily alarm the monarchy, for three years later, punk starlet Toyah Willcox was summoned to one of London’s royal palaces so that Queen Elizabeth’s mother and sister could see at close quarters “what a punk rocker looks like,” according to a new [paywalled] interview the singer has given to The Telegraph.
• Continue reading at Louder.
Toyah Willcox: ‘I had tea with Princess Margaret – she wanted to see what a punk rocker looked like’
The singer, actress and presenter talks royal encounters, Judi Dench playing pranks, and an £80,000 bank forgery
Best and worst is a regular interview in which a celebrity reflects on the highs and lows of their life
Born in Birmingham in 1958, Toyah Willcox’s breakthrough role was in Quadrophenia in 1979. From there, she juggled acting with a pop career, selling millions of records. She has continued to sing and act throughout her career with roles in Casualty and Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and she also narrated the children’s TV series Teletubbies. She lives in Dorset with her husband, the King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, with whom she presents the popular YouTube show Sunday Lunch…
• Continue reading at The Telegraph. (Registration required)
Secret Diary of a Call Girl cast – where are they now?
What happened to Billie Piper’s co-stars?
ITV2 drama Secret Diary of a Call Girl is enjoying a second wind, courtesy of Netflix.
The series, which was created by Lucy Prebble (Succession, I Hate Suzie) and ran for four seasons between 2007 and 2011, starred Billie Piper as a high-end escort working in London who kept her lucrative double life hidden from her family.
A number of recognisable faces also appeared alongside Piper.
Toyah Willcox played Gail, Hannah’s mother. She didn’t know what her daughter did for a living.
Willcox was an established singer before Secret Diary and continues to perform.
• Continue reading at Radio Times. As well as Netflix, all four series of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl recently aired on That’s TV.
This news hasn’t been officially confirmed, by Toyah or any source related to Strictly or even the BBC, but it’s being reported by numerous tabloids…
• The Sun: Super Signing – Huge 80s star signs up for Strictly – Read on to find out which other stars are in the frame for next season – Continue…
• Daily Mail: 80’s icon Toyah Willcox ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’ after being inspired by pal Angela Rippon – Continue…
• Daily Express: 80s legend ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’ after being inspired by Angela Rippon – Continue…
• Female First: Toyah Willcox set for Strictly Come Dancing – Toyah Willcox, 66, is reportedly set to take part in the next series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – Continue…
• Yahoo!: Toyah Willcox set for Strictly Come Dancing – Continue…
• Mirror: Toyah Willcox looks set for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 thanks to famous pal – Continue…
• Time will tell, as these rumours have circulated in previous years, but not quite as widespread as the current reports. Keep an eye on Toyah’s official website and social media, as well as the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing cast announcements!
Toyah & Robert played the first two dates of their Summer Rock Party Tour over the weekend – in Frome and Evesham. Next Sunday brings their first 2024 festival date at the Isle Of Wight Festival…
• The Westmorland Gazette: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp will perform at The Coro – Continue…
• The Mail: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp to perform in Ulverston – Continue…
• Warrington Worldwide: Toyah and Robert set to rock Parr Hall – Continue…
• Evesham Journal: Pershore’s Toyah Willcox returns to Evesham for rock concert – Continue…
Pershore’s own
Toyah Willcox to perform at Evesham’s Regal Cinema
Pershore’s own Toyah Willcox is set for a return to the area at the Regal Cinema.
The punk rock singer will perform at the Evesham venue on Saturday, June 15 alongside her husband and King Crimson member, Robert Fripp. Willcox and Fripp’s Rock Party will be performing a range of rock classics on the Regal Stage following the viral success of their popular web series ‘Sunday Lunch’. Willcox said: “We can’t wait to rock you out.”
• Continue reading at the Evesham Journal.
Two Expanded Toyah Platters Shine A Fresh Light On Her Past
Last years have seen a long-overdue reappraisal of Toyah‘s career: unjustifiably perceived by too many a listener as a quintessential ’80s artiste, Ms. Willcox proved again and again that she still is a queen of intelligent quirk-rock – and not only by cavorting with her husband in the acclaimed YouTube series but also by curating a series of her classic albums’ reissues, which are to be prolonged soon by two more titles. Appearing on May 17th is an expanded version of “Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour” from 1982, and on July 26th a deluxe version of “Minx” from 1985.
• Continue reading at Let It Rock.
“Shake my left hand man, it’s closer to my heart!”: Robert Fripp recalls what happened when he met Jimi Hendrix
The pair met at London’s Revolution club in 1969.
King Crimson mastermind Robert Fripp has opened up about a heartwarming moment he once shared with guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.
Appearing on the music reaction channel Rob Squad Reactions alongside his wife Toyah Willcox, Fripp shares how the late rocker had sung praises of King Crimson after watching their set back in the day.
“This is the hand shaken by the hand of Jimi Hendrix,” Fripp delightly reveals, gesturing to his left hand.
• Continue reading at Guitar.Com.
Vive Le Rock Awards 2024 – A Star-Studded Evening Of Sparkling Performances!
Finally in this section, the enthusiastic and hard-working Toyah Willcox was presented with the Icon Award by Saffron Sprackling from 90’s stars Republica – it was wonderful to see the two ladies so enthusiastic and supportive of each other. Toyah’s long career in both acting and music continues to this day, with her popular ‘Sunday Lunch‘ broadcasts with husband Robert Fripp (King Crimson) garnering her many new fans across the globe since 2020’s lockdown, as well as festival appearances performing her hit songs!
• Continue reading at Punktuation! Mag. (Photo © Punktuation Mag)
Toyah’s “Warrior Rock” Double Live Album Gets Expanded Reissue
Toyah‘s 1982 double live album, Warrior Rock, is getting a long overdue remastered and expanded release. Originally released as a double album in October 1982, Warrior Rock was recorded at London’s Hammersmith Odeon across the final two nights of the tour and contained 15 songs centred around material from the band’s Top Ten albums, Anthem and The Changeling.
The album was named after the B-Side of Toyah‘s 1982 single Brave New World and features hit singles It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Thunder In The Mountains alongside fan favourites Ieya, Danced and War Boys. This expanded reissue now documents The Changeling Tour, Toyah‘s highly successful run of 25 UK concert dates in the Summer of 1982 in a more comprehensive fashion.
• Continue reading at The Punk Site. Pre-order Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour at Cherry Red Records.
Exclusive: Toyah Willcox looks set for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 thanks to famous pal
Punk icon Toyah Willcox has teased she is up for joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup following her pal Angela Rippon’s success but she has one condition
Toyah Willcox has shared her hopes to take part in Strictly Come Dancing
Toyah Willcox has thrown her name into the mix to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The punk icon, 65, declared she’d love to take part in the BBC dance competition following the success of her close friend Angela Rippon. Journalist and presenter Angela, 79, competed in last year’s series as she was partnered with Kai Widdrington and became the series’ oldest contestant.
Toyah exclusively told The Mirror she would like to follow in Angela’s footsteps, but admitted she wants to do it “sooner rather than later”. It comes after rumours are already swirling over who could be taking part in this year’s Strictly. The singer has been facing calls to take part in the show for years, having recently impressed fans with her moves during her social media videos alongside husband Robert Fripp.
When asked by The Mirror if she would be up for taking part, Toyah said: “Oh, God yeah. Well, I’d have to do it sooner rather than later, because I’m not gonna be able to move. I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.”
• Continue reading at The Mirror.
Toyah / Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour
1982 live album • 3CD and 2LP coloured vinyl
Warrior Rock: Toyah on Tour was the second live album by the band Toyah. It was originally released in November 1982 by Safari Records and is the next release in Cherry Red’s comprehensive reissue campaign.
The 15-track double album featured material recorded on 17 and 18 July 1982 at Hammersmith Odeon at the end of The Changeling UK tour. A new 3CD set (compiled by Craig Astley and Joel Bogen) sees the album remastered and expanded to 41 tracks featuring 26 previously unreleased bonus tracks, with a total of 19 different songs from 11 gigs, at nine different locations!
These means that for the first time all four sides of the original vinyl live album are included on CD – unabridged and uncut. The first CD offers 12 of the 15 tracks while CD 2 starts with the last three songs from the concert. After that follows ‘Street Creature’ a mixed and mastered outtake from Hammersmith, soundcheck recordings, and rehearsals from Brixton Fair Deal (now known as Brixton Academy).
• Continue reading at Super Deluxe Edition. Pre-order Warrior Rock – Toyah On Tour at Cherry Red.
Toyah Willcox, a name synonymous with the vibrant British music and entertainment scene of the 1980s, continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence and undeniable talent. From her early beginnings as a punk rock icon to her diversified career as a singer, actress, author, and television presenter, Toyah has carved a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of Toyah Willcox, exploring her achievements, contributions, and the evolution of her net worth over the years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on May 18, 1958, in Kings Heath, Birmingham, Toyah Ann Willcox showed early signs of artistic flair and ambition. Her passion for performing arts led her to pursue a career in acting and music from a young age. In the late 1970s, Toyah emerged as a prominent figure in the British punk rock scene, gaining attention for her distinctive style, rebellious spirit, and energetic stage presence.
• Continue reading at the Birmingham Journal.
Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp coming to Warrington’s Parr Hall
Two music legends are coming to Warrington’s Parr Hall this summer.
They are both renowned in the music business in their own right, but iconic performers and husband and wife team Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp found a whole new audience together when the short videos they recorded during lockdown started to go viral.
Toyah and Robert’s quirky virtual ‘Sunday Lunch’ performances became a runaway success during the pandemic where they covered songs and put their own twist on classics by the likes of David Bowie, Nirvana and Metallica.
• Continue reading at the Warrington Guardian.
Royal Return: 80s pop legend stuns in see-through top as she returns to making bizarre home videos with rock star husband
Their latest performance is of a late ’60s classic
Their quirky cover versions kept spirits up through the dark Covid years.
But for months pop legend Toyah Wilcox, 65, and husband Robert Fripp, 77, of legendary prog rock band King Crimson, have parked their popular Sunday Lunch series of performances.
Instead fans have been treated to a ‘best of’ selection each week… until now.
The couple have relaunched for 2024, kick-starting their new run with a hard rocking version of Shocking Blue’s Venus inside their country home’s familiar kitchen.
The ever flamboyant Toyah performed in a see-through top with shiny love heart nipple pasties, while guitar God Robert wore space age eyeliner and had an F plastered to his forehead.
The rendition was a hit with fans who relished having them back.
One commented on YouTube: “Barking mad, the pair of them. Love every second of it!”
Another said: “You’ve certainly got it! Brilliant. You breathe wonderment, light and joy into our every Sunday.”
• Continue reading at The Sun.
A new interview with Toyah, from the Yorkshire Times, ahead of the Sounds Of The 80s gigs later this month.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Gary Davies has announced a nationwide 2024 tour for the live version of his show Sounds of the 80s, which will include an appearance from Toyah.
Ahead of the tour, Toyah spoke to the Yorkshire Times.
What can people expect when they come to the Sounds of the 80s show?
Anyone who attends one of the evenings will find an atmosphere where the audience can be themselves dancing and singing to their favourite tracks from a classic period in pop music. There was such a broad spectrum of music at the time from artists like Bananarama, Prince, and T’Pau, among others, including myself.
I think what will work beautifully is that the stage will be constantly active. Gary will be on there plus the dancers, and a stage set that is Gary’s Radio 2 studio and there will also be live performances from myself and other artists such as Carol Decker from T’Pau and Denise Pearson from 5 Star.
Why do you think the 1980s were such a golden period for popular music?
It was all very hedonistic, none of us thought beyond the 80s. It was difficult in the 90s to sell music from the previous decade, but that all changed with the Millennium. People wanted to hear all those iconic songs again. Part of the success of those tracks is the narrative of the songs; we really were traditional song writers then, writing about people’s attitudes and what they needed in their lives.
So, Toyah, tell us about your best 80s memories.
There were many good memories appearing on Top of the Pops. One of the happiest memories is the magnitude of what we did. For instance, on Christmas Eve in 1981, I played the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which went out live on television, bringing in twelve million viewers, which at the time was phenomenal.
• Continue reading at the Yorkshire Times. Further information and ticket links available at toyahwillcox.com.
