Dreamscape | The Toyah Willcox Fansite

In exactly one month’s time Toyah co-headlines, along with Creedence Clearwater Revived, MantonFest 2017. The one day event is taking place at Manton Grange Watermeadow in Manton

This year’s charity fundraising music festival is on Saturday 1st July at Manton Grange Watermeadow, Marlborough, Wiltshire.

All proceeds from this year’s event will be directed into much needed structural improvements needed at Manton Village Hall.  The hall plays a pivotal role in the local community and hosts activities for young and old alike.  Thank you for your support!

In this lively and energetic festival set with Toyah’s full live electric band you can expect to hear hit singles Good Morning Universe, Thunder In The Mountains, It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free, Brave New World and Rebel Run.

• Further info and ticket booking details at the MantonFest 2017 website.

Record crowds at Exmouth Festival, but donations desperately needed

This year’s Exmouth Festival – which runs until this Saturday (June 3) – appears to be breaking all attendance records.

However despite record crowds, donations are still desperately needed to ensure that the town’s free festival continues next year. Warm weather on Friday (May 26) and Saturday (May 27) brought large crowds out on to the Imperial Rec’ Ground to see musical acts including Noble Jacks, The Locked Horns, Mr Tea and the Minions and Talisman.

But that was nothing compared to the huge crowd that turned up Sunday night’s evening concert (May 28), which featured local reggae band The Barefoot Bandit, covers band Joey the Lips and headliner 1980s punk princess Toyah Willcox.

• Continue reading at the Exmouth Journal.

Here’s who will appearing at the Upton House Music Festival

There’s less than two weeks to go until Upton House and Country Park in Poole becomes a showcase for some of the biggest names in the music business. The three-night festival kicks off with a Classical Spectacular on Thursday, June 8, followed by an ’80s Extravaganza on Friday, closing with internationally renowned singer-songwriter, Michael Bolton on Saturday, June 9.

Billy Ocean, the king of R&B is headlining the 80s Extravaganza on Friday, 9 June with Kim Wilde and Toyah co-starring.

The pop star and actress has close links with Dorset through her 30-year marriage to Wimborne born and bred King Crimson musician, Robert Fripp, and her time spent living in Witchampton.

She said: “Dorset is very close to my heart and I love returning there whenever I can. It will be great fun playing Upton House Music Festival as well as meeting up with a few old friends.”

Toyah, whose 13 top 40 hits included It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free, and Thunder In The Mountains also includes a starring role in the mod movie Quadrophenia and work with Sir Laurence Olivier on her 35-year CV.

She added: “I love the variety in my career – it keeps it all fresh and I’ll certainly be looking to put on a colourful, energetic and exciting show for the 80s fans at Upton House.”

• Continue reading at the Bournemouth Daily Echo. Visit the Upton Festival website.

Now celebrating its 21st year, the festival has emerged as one of the South West’s most important – and impressive – free community events.

A freewheeling fiesta of fabulous fun for all the family, it offers homegrown talent a brilliant opportunity to shine brightly in the spotlight. These included the Imperial Recreation Ground, the Bicton Inn and Exmouth Ceramic Group’s exhibition at Meeting Street.

On Sunday evening, the big headliners came into town. A huge crowd – perhaps as large as 6,000 people – filled the Imperial Rec’ Ground and enjoyed sets by Joey the Lips and 1980s punk princess Toyah Willcox. Joey the Lips put on a solid show of singalong dancefloor fillers. More poppy than their soul roots of some years back, the switch to more accessible material – with songs by Queen and Lulu – has done them no harm. The crowd – particularly the youngsters up the front – loved it.

Toyah Willcox bounded on stage an hour later. Her band sounded very tight as she blasted through a solid set of her hits – such as Thunder In the Mountains and Obselete – and 1980s covers, such as Martha and the Muffins’ Echo Beach.

Toyah was clearly delighted by the warm reception she got from the huge crowd, declaring that ‘Exmouth was cool’.

• Continue reading at the Exmouth Journal. (Photo © Exmouth Journal/Paul Strange)

Cannes 2017: How to Talk to Girls at Parties, review: Nicole Kidman channels Toyah Willcox in this lifeless sci-fi flick

Derived from a Neil Gaiman short story, this must have felt like an opportunity for provoc-auteur and queer cinema hero John Cameron Mitchell to let his hair down, by resurrecting the anarchic spirit of Derek Jarman’s Jubilee and then staging a Shortbus-lite sex romp with added polymorphous perversity. If this film’s an acquired taste, so is kidney sorbet, or a sponge cake seething with live eels. You get to see Nicole Kidman, in a white electroshock wig, grapple with the part of an angry punk matriarch and yell “shut your gaping gob” at one of her minions. A substitute for Toyah Willcox she’ll never be for the life of her, but the silliness of the casting sums the film up, for good and bad.

• Continue reading at The Telegraph.

The long awaited 80’s Invasion Tour is back and opened at the Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl on the 2nd of March. YES Mag was lucky enough to be on the guest list and what a night it was!

The show opened with Liverpool’s finest guitar duo China Crisis, who within minutes had everyone on their feet dancing to theor classic beat.

Next up the legendary (and very energetic) pop punk princess Toyah burst on to the stage with hits ‘It’s A Mystery’, ‘I Want Yo be Free’ and many more of her 80’s classics.

• Continue reading at YES Magazine/Twitter.

‘Let’s make it like an 80s school disco’, said the performers – and the Theatre Severn certainly had a party atmosphere when it came to the 80s Invasion.

Pop stars China Crisis, Toyah, Paul Young and Martika took to the stage in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, performing their nostalgic hits. Most of the shows I go to are chosen by my mum, and this was no exception. The show was opened by China Crisis, who did a great job of getting the mid-week crowd up and dancing.

We both found Toyah a real revelation, she looked absolutely stunning and had energy by the barrel on stage. She also interspersed her hits, including It’s A Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains and I Wanna Be Free, with tales of her time during the 80s. But it was her cover of Echo Beach, originally by Martha and the Muffins, that really got the crowd going.

• Continue reading at the Shropshire Star.

30 celebrities you didn’t know were from Birmingham

We take a look at the stars whose connections to the city are not as well-publicised as the likes of Ozzy Osbourne – how many of these did you know had links to Birmingham?

By now, virtually everyone must be aware that Ozzy Osbourne hails from Birmingham, as are all the other members of Black Sabbath including Tony Iommi.

Other famous faces with widely-documented links to the city include comedians Jasper Carrott and Tony Hancock, actor David Harewood (star of American drama Homeland), plus musicians Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan, Roy Wood, Rob Halford, Toyah Willcox, Jamelia and reggae singer Pato Banton. And of course Duran Duran and girl group Fuzzbox were founded here too.

• Continue reading at the Birmingham Mail.

80’s legends invade the stage at Rhyl Pavilion

The 1980s, is synonymous with big hair and big aspirations.

It was also undoubtedly one of the best decades for music. Not only did it give birth to the music video but also left us with an eclectic mix of styles and genre’s many of which can still be heard in today’s charts.

Such is the fondness for this power dressing period and its place in our relatively recent memories, 37 years on artists from the day are still singing to scores of fans up and down the country at festivals or gigs. An example of this nostalgia package – The 80’s Invasion Tour – was at Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre on Thursday.

… A quick turn around enabled the next act Toyah to capatalise on the feel good mood. The diminutive diva, who looked remarkable for someone set to celebrate her 59th birthday, launched into her set of defiant early 80s anthems including ‘ It’s a Mystery’ and ‘I want to be free’ – enjoyed by scores of fist pumping audience members. A strong contender surely for national treasure Ms Willcox was followed by international recording artist Martika…

• Continue reading at News North Wales.

Checklist: 10 things not to miss in Scotland this week

7. 80s Invasion Tour The Edinburgh Playhouse, March 5 – Music fans will be able to take a nostalgia trip in the capital on Sunday. Eighties favourites, including Paul Young, Martika and Liverpool duo China Crisis, will perform during the show. Punk pop star Toyah Willcox completes this year’s line-up.

Tickets cost £38.65. Visit http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/edinburgh-playhouse/

• Continue reading at The Herald.

Punk Princess Toyah Willcox is all set to roll back the years at the Playhouse on Sunday when she leads the 80’s Invasion Tour to the Capital, in the company of Paul Young, Martika and China Crisis.

The four iconic artists from the decade that fashion forgot will be performing on the same bill together for the first time, so expect a raft of familiar hits.

Toyah has had a incredibly diverse career over the years with major hit records and many stage and screen roles to her credit, but it was in the 80s that she became one of Britain’s biggest household names.

• Continue reading at the Edinburgh Evening News.

A pop icon and star of stage and screen will perform an acoustic set at Newark’s RAFA Club.

Toyah Willcox, who is also a TV presenter, will bring her Acoustic, Up Close and Personal show to Newark on Friday, June 30.

The pop star is known for hits such as It’s A Mystery and Thunder In The Mountains and acting roles in Calamity Jane, Cabaret, Peter Pan, Jubilee and Quadophenia. Her show will be a chance to experience the star in an intimate setting where music and stories will take centre stage. Toyah will perform an unplugged set of her hits and classic songs, alongside recalling stories from her colourful 35 year career.

• Continue reading at the Newark Advertiser.

Toyah announces full band show at King George’s Hall, Blackburn

Toyah has announced a date in Blackburn.

The singer, actress and presenter will be performing with her full electric band at King George’s Hall on Saturday, June 17.

She has recently been touring an acoustic show in which she has shared stories from her remarkable career but this summer date will be a full-on band show packed with hits.

• Continue reading at the Lancashire Telegraph.

• BeniConnect: Toyah Willcox, one of the UK’s most iconic names will perform June 2nd in Calpe: Toyah Willcox, award winning rock legend will perform in concert with support from Chill Factor and Leah Kankowski and her dancers at the AR Diamante Beach Spa Hotel, Calpe – Continue reading… 

• Native Monster: Dr Who and Secret Diary of a Call Girl star Billie Piper to meet fans at Birmingham Comic Con: Other stars set to appear include Toyah Willcox, John Coppinger, Hugh Fraser and Pauline Moran – Continue reading…

• Staffordshire Newsletter: Musicians go back to the 80s with tour at The Victoria Hall: Lovers of 1980s music will be in for a treat when musicians from the era perform at The Victoria Hall in Stoke as part of the 80s Invasion Tour. The tour features solo artist Paul Young, pop punk princess Toyah, Liverpool guitar duo China Crisis, and – flying in especially from the USA – Martika – Continue reading…

• Belper News: Duffield music festival lines up star names for 2017: The organiser of an Amber Valley music festival is hoping big name acts will bring in even bigger crowds this summer, as he looks to build on the event’s early success. Simon said: “I’m really thrilled to say that we’ve got The Blockheads and Toyah headlining the first two nights – Continue reading…

• Petersfield Messenger: 80s Icons at The Anvil: Due to overwhelming public demand, the 80s Invasion tour is back at The Anvil, Basingstoke – Continue reading…

‘People expect me to be tall after seeing me with that big hair’: Toyah Willcox gives her definitive answers to our most probing questions

We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly probing questions – and only accept THE definitive answer. This week it’s actress and singer Toyah Willcox’s turn

The prized possession you value above all others… My notebooks. I think very fast and visually and I have to write down an idea right away or it will be lost forever.

The biggest regret you wish you could amend… Not learning the piano and guitar when I was really young. The height of a child’s learning is before ten, so I missed out.

The book that holds an everlasting resonance… Keith Richards’ autobiography Life. I love how he’s lived life to the full on his own terms.

The priority activity if you were the Invisible Woman for a day… I’d steal the fat cats’ bonuses and pay off all student loans.

• Continue reading at the Daily Mail.

Toyah – the singer and actress best known for her early 1980s top ten hits It’s A Mystery and I Want To Be Free – will be one of the major headlining acts at this year’s Exmouth Festival.

She will be giving a free concert with her band at the Imperial Recreation Ground on Sunday, May 28.

News that Toyah Willcox would be featured in this year’s festival line-up was confirmed by Carla Hiley, Exmouth’s arts manager. It follows last year’s successful show by 1980s band Bad Manners, who drew around 5,000 people to the ‘Rec Ground.

“I had It’s A Mystery in my head – that’s probably the main reason!” said Carla, explaining why she had booked Toyah. “Secondly, I think that – like Bad Manners – she’s fun, she’s credible, I like her new stuff and her old stuff is classic.”

This year’s festival will run from Friday, May 26 to Saturday, June 3, following last year’s pattern of four days on the ‘Rec Ground, week-day shows in the Manor Gardens, finishing with West Country Traditions on The Strand.

“People seemed to enjoy it,” said Carla. “The feedback was that they liked the new venue, so I went with that again this year. Toyah is not the only one that I’m pleased about. There’s a great line-up, so it’s looking good.”

Toyah’s agent said the singer was ‘very much looking forward to the show.’

• Continue reading at the Exmouth Journal.

Toyah Willcox transports Warrington music fans back to the 80s

Warrington was transported back in time to the age of the 80’s with fans and aficionados of the era descending on the Parr Hall for a fantastic night of music and dance at a Loving the 80s gig.

Headlined by the iconic Toyah Willcox there was something for most tastes as the acts rolled on through the night.

…Ending the show with a fabulous finale was Toyah Willcox, the actress, presenter and singing star. Wowing the crowd and turning back the clock with her new look, energy and superb show she went through a frenzied set of classic eighties numbers including all of her own hits like Thunder in the Mountains, I want to be free, Brave new world and of course the unforgettable It’s a mystery.

As a grand finale to the night Toyah invited onstage the whole cast from the evenings entertainment and in a touching tribute to George Michael they danced and sang along to Wham’s hit Club Tropicana.

• Continue reading at Warrington Worldwide. (Photo © Warrington Worldwide)

Toyah featured in another slightly odd article by the Daily Mail yesterday. A great selection of photos, though, from Saturday’s Loving The 80s gig in Warrington.

Toyah Willcox, 58, puts on an eye-popping display as she slips into figure-flaunting one-piece for performance

Her punk sartorial displays became iconic throughout the eighties.

Although working a more demure style three decades on, singer Toyah Willcox still managed to pay tribute to her racy ensembles of yesteryear as she stepped out in a very revealing blue body on Saturday. The 58-year-old songstress was sure to flaunt her ample assets in the figure-flaunting number as she performed her classic Loving The 80’s at Parr Hall in Warrington.

The jersey cobalt blue one-piece hinted at her undergarments as she wowed the crowds with her vocal talents while showcasing her petite frame in a waist cinching navy midi skirt. Not aware of her ample display, she continued her quirky style as she accessorised her stage attire with head-turning gold cuffs that worked their way up her forearms, while wrapping a matching futuristic collar that rested above her bust. Adding height to her diminutive frame, she slipped on a pair of black heeled boots alongside her black denier tights.

Despite being known for her ever changing ‘do in the eighties, Toyah left her glossy locks blonde for the evening’s proceedings as her trademark fringe accentuated her youthful complexion. Toyah completed her beauty look with a dusting of bronzer across her cheeks while she worked a dramatic smokey eye for the electrifying performance. The Anthem hitmaker’s appearance comes after she revealed the unorthdox secret to keeping her 30 year marriage alive, admitting that she and her husband have separate houses.

• Continue reading at the Daily Mail. (Photos © Jules Annan/Barcroft Media)

Four iconic artists from the 1980s will spin back the clock bringing the era of big hair, big shoulder pads and big noise back to life.

The new 80s Invasion line-up features Paul Young – one of the most popular solo artists from the era, legendary pop punk princess Toyah, Liverpool’s finest guitar duo China Crisis and for the first time performing in the UK in over 25 years, flying in especially from the USA, the gorgeously talented Martika!

The tour takes in 15 dates starting at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall and culminating on March 19 at Liverpool’s Philharmonic. Two days before that (March 17) it arrives at Huddersfield Town Hall.

• Continue reading at the Halifax Courier. Catch up on all our 80s Invasion Tour 2017 news.

THREE DAY IRLAM LIVE FESTIVAL WITH LEGEND, SOUL AND RETRO SOUNDS

The line-up for this year’s Irlam Live has been announced with three themed days of top sounds starring huge names, headlined by Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Alexander O’Neal and Jason Donovan, plus Toyah, Owen Paul, K-Klass, Dodgy, Odyssey and more.

Over 8,000 people attended the event at Prince’s Park, Irlam, last year and organisers are expecting an even bigger turnout for this year’s festival which runs on June 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

• Continue reading at Salford Star.

An internationally renowned singer will perform in her home county of Worcestershire as part of a special ‘up close and personal’ gig.

Pershore’s very own Toyah Willcox will perform an unplugged set of all her favourite hits at Evesham Arts Centre on Saturday, February 11.

The show, ‘Toyah: Up Close And Personal’, will see the acclaimed guitarist recall stories from her colourful 35-year career, from filming pop videos on horseback at 5am to acting alongside Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. She promises to take the audience on a journey, through her meticulous and melodic acoustic versions of ‘It’s A Mystery’, ‘Thunder In The Mountains’, ‘I Want To Be Free’ and ‘Good Morning Universe’.

• Continue reading at the Evesham Observer. Stay updated on all of Toyah’s upcoming confirmed live dates at toyahwillcox.com.