Something I’d thought about doing for years, and had a spare weekend so I went ahead with “The Toyah In Glasgow Gig History Tour Of Toyah Tours”. A snappy title. See the full set at Instagram. Coincidentally, one of the venues I forgot to include: The Pavilion Theatre is mentioned in this radio clip from BBC Stereo Underground.
Quadrophenia: BBC2: Saturday 22nd July: 10.50pm
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone.
The Changeling reissue is released on Neon Pink-Coloured LP, 2CD+DVD Expanded Edition and a Super Deluxe Edition Box Set.
Produced by the acclaimed Steve Lillywhite, the album features a line-up of Toyah Willcox (vocals), Joel Bogen (guitar), the late Phil Spalding (bass) and the revered Simon Phillips (drums). The album also features guest synthesizers/keyboards from Andy Clark (David Bowie’s Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), member of Be Bop Deluxe) and Simon Darlow. The brass section from Haircut 100 also feature on Street Creature. The album peaked at no.6 in UK Top 40 Album Chart in June 1982.
All formats presents the album in a new remaster by Nick Watson from the original mastertapes, approved by Joel Bogen, and further endorsed by Steve Lillywhite.
For the tenth release of the Toyah Safari catalogue on Cherry Red, Toyah’s archivist Craig Astley has dug the deepest yet to expand the album with a thrilling treasure trove of previously unheard bonus tracks, previously unseen footage and unseen, thought-lost, imagery.
The limited edition Super Deluxe Edition box set is the ultimate celebration of the hit album and brings together:
The expanded deluxe & remastered 2CD+DVD with an exclusive outtake front cover and alternate images inside (than the standalone 2CD+DVD)
• A BONUS CD of a further 18 previously unreleased and remastered tracks
• THE CHANGELING album on 12” PICTURE DISC LP – first ever picture disc version with rare outtake artwork
• THE CHANGELING|WORKS IN PROGRESS on 12” Pink/Blue Splatter Coloured Vinyl LP
• 44-PAGE BOOK of Changeling anecdotes, lyrics & poetry by Toyah Willcox with rare & unseen imagery
• 12” x 12” ARTWORK PRINT
• 4 COLOUR POSTCARDS
STRICTLY LIMITED Whilst stocks last!
The first 500 orders of the Super Deluxe Edition of The Changeling from Cherry Red Records website will EXCLUSIVELY include a CD single of Brave New World.
This exclusive 6-track CD single comes in a full colour wallet with a colour picture CD disc artwork with 6 remastered tracks that appear only on the CD single.
• This includes the Single Version of Brave New World and an unheard Work in Progress Instrumental version.
• A previously unreleased Full Length Version presents the full unadulterated, unsegued and unedited track for the first time.
• The single Ieya 1982 rounds-off the CD single. Released as the follow-up to Brave New World, the re-recording was Simon Phillips’ final studio recording with the band.
• Full release info and tracklist at toyahwillcox.com. Pre-order The Changeling from Cherry Red Records.
The Changeling reissue is released on Neon Pink-Coloured LP, 2CD+DVD Expanded Edition and a Super Deluxe Edition Box Set.
The Changeling will also be available on strictly limited edition Neon Pink coloured vinyl, reflecting the striking colour of Toyah’s ethereal hair from the back cover and Brave New World video. The vinyl is the original 10-track album running order in its new 2023 remaster by Nick Watson.
A new colour inner bag design features rare imagery plus an additional 4-page facsimile of the LP’s original insert contains the lyrics to all 10 songs on the album plus additional poetry by Toyah Willcox.
An exclusive colour postcard of an unseen Toyah image is available while stocks last exclusively from Cherry Red.
• Full release info and tracklist at toyahwillcox.com. Pre-order The Changeling from Cherry Red Records.
The Changeling reissue is released on Neon Pink-Coloured LP, 2CD+DVD Expanded Edition and a Super Deluxe Edition Box Set.
The 2CD+DVD features 31 bonus tracks are distributed across the two audio discs, including 20 previously unreleased tracks, and a further three previously unavailable on any CD.
An exclusive colour postcard of an unseen Toyah image is available while stocks last exclusively from Cherry Red. The image is different to the LP postcard.
CD1 includes two finished outtakes from the album sessions, B-Side Warrior Rock and the unused Paradise Child. The long-sought after re-recording of Dawn Chorus, previously only available on a BBC television appearance makes its CD debut.
The eight remastered tracks that featured on Cherry Red’s expanded vinyl release of EP Four More From Toyah also make their CD debut. This includes the previously unreleased tour intro Go Berserk and a re-recording of I Want To Be Free, a try-out for the digital recording equipment subsequently used for The Changeling.
CD2 contains 20 previously unheard tracks, an alternate run-through of the full album sequence all in revealing ‘work in progress’ variations courtesy of archive mastertapes and Joel Bogen’s cassette archive. These includes significantly alternate vocals on Brave New World, Creepy Room and Castaways, the latter with an entirely different lyric. Many tracks feature placeholder keyboards from Joel Bogen before Andy Clark and Simon Darlow joined the album sessions. A completely unused instrumental outtake also appears.
Joel Bogen’s previously unheard home Portastudio demos that include Phil Spalding on bass show the embryos that the songs on The Changeling and Four More From Toyah developed from.
In the 24-page booklet Toyah Willcox provides a brand-new introduction alongside a special dedication to the late Phil Spalding by Toyah band co-founder/guitarist Joel Bogen. Plus an extensive sleevenote from Craig Astley.
• Full release info and tracklist at toyahwillcox.com. Pre-order The Changeling from Cherry Red Records.
Britain’s Favourite 80s Songs: Channel 5: Friday 14th July: 10pm
1987. Series 1, Episode 8. Simon Bates narrates this look back at 1987, when George Michael, Madonna, and Pet Shop Boys stormed the Top 40. Series regulars Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini and Jenny Powell are joined by Carol Decker, who reflects on the era that her band, T’Pau, finally made their breakthrough. It was also a time when Rick Astley, the Firm, Mel & Kim, and Bruce Willis had their share of chart success.
Congratulations to Toyah, Alan Sawyers, Craig Astley and Cherry Red – Last year’s fabulous Anthem Box Set WON the category of Best Mixed Media Package at the Making Vinyl Awards 2023.
• Visit the Making Vinyl 2023 Awards website. See Toyah announce this in bonus Toyah At Home footage by clicking below. (Screenshot of Toyah with the Anthem Deluxe Box Set when the release was announced last year © Toyah Willcox)
Carol Decker’s 30 Rock Chicks!: NOW 80s: Monday 3rd July: 3pm
T’Pau’s Carol Decker brings a bit of Heart and Soul to a countdown of ’80s ladies who like to rock! With Joan Jett, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks and Pat Benatar. (as well as Toyah via the Thunder In The Mountains video)
Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride… said Toyah in this morning’s Toyah At Home announcement special!
Cherry Red Records will release the remastered reissue of Toyah’s 1982 Silver-certified album The Changeling on Friday 29 September 2023.
The Changeling reissue is released on Neon Pink-Coloured LP, 2CD+DVD Expanded Edition and a Super Deluxe Edition Box Set.
An official pre-order link will be made available on Monday by email.
• See full comprehensive release details, tracklisting for each format, imagery, and much more at toyahwillcox.com. See also – Further information at the Music section of the official Toyah website. NB: Dreamscape will be posting more about this incredible release over the next few days.
Welcome to a new month! It’s an exciting beginning to July, with the release announcement for the reissue of Toyah’s 1982 studio album, The Changeling, taking place this morning on Toyah At Home. Click below to watch at You Tube. Airs from 11am.
Following their Sensational appearances at the Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury Festival, Robert Fripp will be a special guest playing with the band for Toyah’s upcoming gigs in July!
01 July: Sittingbourne Party In The Park
20 July: Leeds Morley Town Hall
21 July: Holmfirth Picturedrome
22 July: Castleton Devil’s Arse Cave
28 July: Milton Keynes International Festival – officially a Toyah & Robert date
29 July: Holt Festival, Norfolk
• Tickets and full details are on the Gigs page at toyahwillcox.com.
The BBC website broadcast dates confirm that this is the first full repeat of Toyah’s legendary Old Grey Whistle Test Christmas Eve concert from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, since December 1981…
Toyah: Old Grey Whistle Test: BBC Four: Saturday 8th July: 00.35am
Annie Nightingale presents a Christmas Eve performance by the punk princess at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, with a band including acclaimed drummer Simon Phillips. Songs include the hits It’s a Mystery and I Want to Be Free.
Watch Toya
h and Robert cover ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie at Glastonbury 2023
The King Crimson guitarist featured on the original recording
Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp performed a cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ at their recent set at Glastonbury.
The married couple — who both have extensive music careers and came together to form a musical duo in 2020 — took to the stage on Sunday (June 25), and performed renditions of some of their favourite classic rock hits.
A highlight of the set came with their cover of a David Bowie classic, as they put their own spin on his 1977 fan favourite, ‘Heroes’. For the performance, Willcox took the microphone and handled the vocals, while Fripp remained seated and played the guitar through the track.
• Continue reading at the NME. See also : Enter Sandman … Heroes … It’s A Mystery … Are You Gonna Go My Way … School’s Out.
Brand new t-shirt designs, celebrating Toyah & Robert’s 2023 tour, now available. This line-drawing self portrait of herself and Robert was created by Toyah to celebrate the 2023 series of concerts.
Click below for more tour merch, including great posters, prints, tour programmes…
A comprehensive review of Sheep Farming In Barnet, by Spectrum Culture. The album was released on 140g black vinyl on 16th June.
Toyah: Sheep Farming in Barnet
Toyah Willcox is much beloved in the UK as a broadcaster/national treasure, a standing which has only been reinforced by her YouTube videos with husband Robert Fripp. Back in the early ‘80s, she and her self-titled band were genuine pop stars too, scoring three Top 10 singles, plus another 10 or so that charted. And yet, though she’s been famous for the past 40 years and has never gone away, her music isn’t much considered compared to many of her post-punk/new wave/new romantic peers. By the time the Toyah’s debut, Sheep Farming in Barnet – initially an EP, and then extended into an album for its European release – came out in 1979, Willcox was already a familiar face and well-known personality on the punk scene and had appeared in a high-profile acting role in Derek Jarman’s 1978 film Jubilee, so there was an element of skepticism in the critical response to the album. But like Jubilee itself, Sheep Farming… is definitively an artifact of its time, and as interesting as it is typical.
The sound of Toyah in 1979 was definitely new wave, but it was a colorful, flamboyant and theatrical new wave, rather than the chilly, bleak and wiry post-punk of peers like the Cure or Wire. At times – also typical of the period – there’s a noticeable Roxy Music and Bowie influence and the band (Toyah, plus guitarist Joel Bogen, Peter Bush and Keith Hale on synths, bass player Mark Henry and drummer Steve Bray – were accomplished enough musicians to stray far outside of the standard three-chord punk template for the majority of the album’s tracks.
• Continue reading at Spectrum Culture. Browse Dreamscape’s Sheep farming In Barnet news archive.
Craig Charles: BBC Radio 6 Music: Thursday 29th June: 1pm
Your early afternoon party with Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox
Craig Charles brings a joyous mix of the big tunes and catches up with King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp and singer Toyah Willcox. They chat about the success of their Sunday Lunch YouTube series, which has been viewed 111 million times, and how it has turned into a UK tour.
Way Back When! 1981: NOW 80s: Saturday 1st July: 5pm
60 minutes of lesser heard hits from 1981. Including The Pretenders, Spandau Ballet, George Harrison, Toyah & The Pointer Sisters.
Toyah & Robert at Glastonbury 2023: Press, reviews, photos, vidoes…
• The Guardian: Sunday at Glastonbury 2023: Elton John closes the festival in spectacular style – as it happened:
Toyah and Robert Fripp reviewed!
Acoustic stage, 4.10pm
Fresh from their popular pandemic covers series, husband-and-wife duo Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp appear on the misleadingly named Acoustic stage for a set of songs by artists that either the pop star or the King Crimson guitarist have worked with. Willcox, 65 and lithe in a glossy red catsuit, beckons their six-piece, besuited band (with Fripp front and center) to open with a fiery version of her hit Thunder in the Mountains. “We thought we were in the heavy metal tent, I’m really sorry,” she says afterwards, before shouting out her Birmingham hometown and fellow Brummies Black Sabbath – Continue…
• Financial Times: Glastonbury’s final day brings sense of an ending as Elton John bows out – Continue… (subscription required)
• Mojo: Queens Of The Stone Age, Weyes Blood And More At Glastonbury 2023, Reviewed – Continue…
• Rich’s Album Of The Day: Gig Of The Day: The pandemic Sunday Roast sessions made flesh as an eight piece. Great fun as Toyah and hubby Fripp tackle Paranoid, Heart Of Glass, It’s A Mystery and a host of other songs they’ve been involved in – Continue…
• Toyah & Robert – Live on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury photos – Continue…
• Toyah & Robert – Glastonbury Festival: 25.06.2023: Enter Sandman … Heroes … It’s A Mystery … Are You Gonna Go My Way.
A live version of the Posh Pop classic Space Dance filmed live at the Half Moon Putney.
Toyah and Robert Fripp talk the future of Sunday Lunch at Glastonbury 2023
The duo also talk about what David Bowie would have made of music in 2023, and how their upcoming tour is all about “keeping our clothes on and doing fantastic rock music”
Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox — known as Toyah & Robert — caught up with NME backstage at Glastonbury 2023 to tell about the future of their successful Sunday Lunch series, plans to hit the road, and how they handle hateful comments.
Since starting off the series as a bit of light-hearted relief during the pandemic, no one was more surprised by the sudden momentum than the couple themselves. Now, over three-years since they began Sunday Lunch, the duo have ventured out of the kitchen taken the show to the stage.
The latest of which included a debut slot at Glastonbury 2023 this weekend, where they delivered their brand of classic rock covers on the Acoustic Stage. Shortly before they took to the stage, they had a quick catch-up with NME…
NME: Welcome to Glastonbury! Let’s start by taking a look back to when you first started Sunday Lunch. Did the response catch you off guard? It seemed to get a lot of momentum very quickly…
Toyah Willcox: “It did surprise us. We were going for about eight months and it was growing and growing and growing. It started with one very simple post: 28 seconds of us jiving. Within five minutes it got about 100,000 replies from across the world. At that point, we realised that we’d posted something that basically cheered people up who were alone in lockdown.”
“NME almost championed us in a way, and what we loved about NME was they were linking the songs we were covering with the actual artists, and it had a phenomenal effect. Judas Priest wrote to us and said, ‘Thank you so much’ and we’d given them the best tour publicity they could have had when we covered ‘Breaking The Law’. They loved it!
• Continue reading at NME. (Image © Toyah Willcox)
