Live At The Water Rats: Vintage TV: Tuesday 22nd March: 8.00pm
Toyah. See the incomparable artist in action at iconic London venue The Water Rats. Toyah performs an incredible set. It’s no mystery why she’s still so popular!
Debbie Harry and Toyah Willcox feature in vintage photos
When punks ruled the world: Fascinating 70s photos capture hell-raiser fans at riotous Debbie Harry gigs as they surfed a wave of rebellion
• Amateur photographer Derek Ridgers used to blag his way into gigs in the 1970s London punk scene
• Described himself as a ‘mild mannered, bespectacled office worker in the middle of a punk mosh pit’
• Many of his photos have never been seen before, while some have featured in sell-out books
• Derek’s book, Punk London, 1977, will be released this May to coincide with movement’s 40th anniversary
A striking series of black and white photographs has offered a rare insight into London at the height of the 1970s punk movement. From Adam Ant shirtless on stage, to a young Debbie Harry entertaining riotous crowds, the images – most of which have never been seen before – offer a glimpse into an era when rebellion ruled the music scene.
They were all taken in between 1976 and 1978 by Derek Ridgers, a man who, at the time, claimed he ‘wasn’t really a photographer’ but simply borrowed a friend’s camera and blagged his way into gigs – snapping what would become known as the first wave of punk culture.
It now forms a collection of more than 130 vintage photographs, which Derek has finally decided to publish this year – in a book entitled Punk London, 1977 – to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the movement in 2016.
Punk London 1977, by Derek Ridgers, is available from May 1, 2016 from Carpet Bombing Culture
• Continue reading at the Daily Mail.
Not sure what’s going on with Top Of The Pops: 1981 at BBC Four. Despite being advertised as appearing on last night’s re-airing Toyah didn’t feature in the programme, which was half the length of a usual 40 minute show.
BBC Four even tweeted about Toyah appearing yesterday: “You may need a bigger TV screen for tonight’s Top of the Pops ’81 at 7.30pm http://bbc.in/1So8Hk5 @toyahofficial” (though obviously that isn’t how Toyah would have looked on the show!!). Maybe we will have better luck with next week’s, Toyah is listed as appearing in that too, though I think that may be the IWTBF promo video rather than a studio performance.
Midge Ure, Toyah and many more coming to North Devon
Some of music’s biggest names are coming to North Devon this year.
The series of EX39 concerts kicks off with none other than Midge Ure at Devon Hall, Bideford College, on Saturday, May 28. Peter Howarth of The Hollies comes to Hartland Parish Hall on July 2, while Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri perform at the Allardice Hall, Parkham, on September 16.
Princess of punk Toyah is at Devon Hall on October 14 and Brit award-winner Beverley Craven at Hartland on October 28.
The concerts have been organised by independent promoters Rowan Burton and Ian Cann. Ian said: “I have owned a cottage near Woolsery for many years and love North Devon. Devon Hall is a wonderful facility. We are chuffed to get Midge Ure performing our first concert there and indeed he is performing with the superb India Electric Co.”
For the full line-up and tickets, go to www.ex39.net or call 0333 666 3366.
• Continue reading at the North Devon Gazette.
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 :(
There are just a few tickets left for Toyah’s Acoustic, Up Close & Personal date at Fairkytes Arts Centre, Hornchurch on Friday 11th March. Click below if you don’t want to miss this gig. Sure to be great night of music and chat. (Thanks to Havering Culture)
A very rare photo of Toyah is included in a new book, Punk London 1977, which will be published in May.
Punk London, 1977: Thrilling Photos of a Subversive Era
In 1976, Derek Ridgers started shooting punk rock shows in London with a borrowed camera, pretending to be a professional photographer. Edging his way up to the stage, the mid-20s, burgeoning shutterbug witnessed and documented the cultural explosion by night, while by day working as an art director in advertising. Little did he know, his hobby would blossom into a decades-long career, photographing everyone from James Brown to Tony Blair and working for outlets like The Sunday Times, The Independent, GQ and NME. In his latest book, Punk London 1977, Ridgers collects over 130 vintage photos from his early career, capturing the formation of one of the world’s most exciting and influential musical movements. Cuepoint asked Ridgers to elaborate on select photos from his fascinating book.
Photographer Derek Ridgers captured a riotous scene exploding in front of his lens
“That is Toyah Willcox. That was at the Man in the Moon pub in Chelsea at an X-Ray Spex gig. I had a conversation with her and she told me she was going to be famous. Of course I didn’t believe her.”
Photos taken from Derek Ridgers’ Punk London 1977, available May 1st, 2016 from Carpet Bombing Culture. Reserve your copy now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other fine retailers.
• Continue reading at Cuepoint. (Photo © Derek Ridgers)
Toyah returns to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London tonight – a venue she played last September to great reviews. Toyah tweeted earlier this afternoon: “i am WILDLY EXCITED about the ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN 2nite! we r putting in some punky stuff. it will be rocking“. Visit Toyah’s gig page at the Vauxhall Tavern website by clicking below.
From punk princess to cult stage actress, Toyah Willcox is an inextinguishable flame. Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, she is one of Britain’s most established names – an award-winning rock star as well as a much-loved stage and screen actress and music composer.
The singer has confirmed she will be bringing her colourful and energetic full-band to South Molton’s Riverside Caravan And Camping Park this summer. It’s a coup for the park, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and has also booked Queen tribute band The Bohemians later in the year.
“The park has now become known as one of North Devon’s top quality tourist destinations, offering five-star award-winning accommodation, top class entertainment, excellent food and drink that is affordable to all,” said owner Nicky Penfold. “To celebrate this huge achievement by a small North Devon family business, we have managed to book for our 2016 season two famous names in the entertainment world.”
• Continue reading at the North Devon Journal.
Three celebrated UK acts will perform at the second annual Graze Festival in Hampshire this summer.
The Beat, featuring Ranking Roger and his son Ranking Junior, will entertain crowds with hits such as Mirror In The Bathroom, Stand Down Margaret and Tears Of A Clown.
The ska favourites will be joined by Toyah Willcox, who has enjoyed eight Top 40 singles in a career spanning more than 30 years, and her band, plus pop, folk and punk performer John Otway at the event.
The first Graze Festival was held in Twyford, near Winchester, in August 2015 as a family day of music and fine food. As well as entertaining villagers and visitors, the festival also raises money for local good causes.
• Continue reading at the Southern Daily Echo.
Yet another retro Top Of The Pops featuring Toyah has just been added to the television schedules, airing later this month on BBC Four. This edition was originally shown on 4th June 1981 and includes a play of the, Godley & Creme, promo video for I Want To Be Free.
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Friday 11th March: 7.30pm
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Saturday 12th March: 0.00am
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Sunday 13th March: 2.20am
04/06/1981. Richard Skinner introduces the pop programme, featuring Siouxsie and the Banshees (Spellbound), Shakin’ Stevens (You Drive Me Crazy), Kate Robbins (More Than in Love), Squeeze (Is That Love?), Imagination (Body Talk), The Jam (Funeral Pyre), Michael Jackson (One Day in Your Life), Toyah (I Want To Be Free), Phil Collins (If Leaving Me Is Easy), Adam & The Ants (Stand & Deliver), Odyssey (Going Back To My Roots).
• Toyah’s next appearance on Top Of The Pops after this was on 1st October 1981, with the band performing Thunder In The Mountains in the studio. The TITM promo video was also shown on 15th October. On 26th November the band performed Good Morning Universe. All of these will re-air on BBC Four in the coming months. Stay tuned!
Toyah is, again, the pictured artist on the BBC website for an upcoming re-airing of a retro Top Of The Pops. This will include Toyah’s studio performance of I Want To Be Free from May 1981.
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Friday 4th March: 7.30pm
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Saturday 5th March: 00.30am
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC Four: Sunday 6th March: 2.25am
14/05/1981. Tommy Vance introduces the pop programme. Includes appearances from Toyah (I Want To Be Free), Thin Lizzy (Are You Ready?), Department S (Is Vic There?), Tenpole Tudor (Swords Of A Thousand Men), Sheena Easton (When He Shines), Kim Carnes (Bette Davis Eyes) and Adam & the Ants (Stand & Deliver), plus a dance performance by Legs and Co.
It’s only once every four years so it would be rude not to wish you a Happy (Take The) Leap! Day.
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Friday 11th March: 1pm
Blue Marigold. Series 5, Episode 1. Dropped by her agency for her diva-like behaviour, supermodel Marigold’s mental health deteriorates. Years later, she plots a comeback. Director: Giles Foster. Starring: Toyah Willcox, Ralph Bates, Sharon Duce, Helen Fraser, Billy Hamon, Edward Jewesbury.
It’s A Mystery from Tuesday night’s Toyah Unplugged at The Water Rats, London. The full acoustic concert will air on Vintage TV soon. (Thanks to Gigs/KrisLW)
Choccywoccydoodah: W: Tuesday 8th March: 4.30pm
Show Business. Another chunk from the ultimate choccy shop. Tom and Christine make their live TV debut on Sunday Brunch, and Dave creates a chocolate replica of Toyah. W is the new name for Watch | Sky: 109, Virgin Media: 124, BT: 311. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)
Ready Steady Cook: Food Network: Tuesday 8th March: 4pm
Toyah Willcox and Shauna Lowry. Singer Toyah Willcox and TV presenter Shauna Lowry battle it out to see who’ll be Christmas number one in the kitchen as Ainsley Harriott hosts another 20-minute cooking challenge. Also airing on Food Network +1.
Photos from last night’s Toyah Unplugged concert at The Water Rats – filmed for a TV special to air soon on Vintage TV. Please click below to view larger versions of these, and more, at Dreamscape’s Gallery. Obsolete is mentioned in the set-list but wasn’t played and Toyah was considering singing a David Bowie song but felt it was too emotional. (Photos © Paul Lomas)
There’s another retro 1981 Top Of The Pops appearance from Toyah on BBC Four in early March.
I *think* this is the edition that originally aired on 14th May 1981 and was a “Cup Final Special”, with Toyah performing I Want To Be Free in the studio. More detailed info should be available soon. (Update: BBC website have now confirmed it is!!)
Top Of The Pops: 1981: BBC4:
Fri 4th March: 7.30pm / Sat 5th March: 00.30am
Sunday 6th March: 2.25am
Tommy Vance introduces the pop programme. Includes appearances from Toyah, Thin Lizzy, Department S, Tenpole Tudor, Sheena Easton, Kim Carnes and Adam and the Ants, plus a dance performance by Legs and Co.
There are transcripts of a few recent Toyah radio and TV interviews now online at The Toyah Willcox Interview Archive, including Sky High Radio, BBC Radio Wiltshire and Needle Time from Vintage TV. Click below to get reading.
Toyah, Live at the Unity Hall, Wakefield, halfway through the Ieya UK Tour, on 6th June 1980 has recently been uploaded to You Tube. Toyah Willcox (Vocals), Joel Bogen (Guitar), Charlie Francis (Bass), Steve Bray (Drums), Pete Bush (Keyboards). Thanks to Duncan Round.
Vivisection / Indecision / Race Through Space / Waiting / Danced / Ghosts / Love Me / Insects / Tiger! Tiger! / Tribal Look / Bird In Flight / Neon Womb / IEYA / Last Goodbye
