The Guardian: Toyah & Nick Tauber Talk ‘It’s A Mystery’

September 12th, 2022

Toyah and, Anthem – and many other Toyah releases during the Safari Records years – producer, Nick Tauber are interviewed in The Guardian today, discussing It’s A Mystery, from the Four From Toyah EP and the, just reissued in deluxe formats, iconic/legendary/magnificent 1981 album, Anthem.

Toyah on It’s a Mystery: ‘I told Princess Margaret I was a punk rocker. She said “How ridiculous”’

‘There was a vinyl shortage when it was released. Old records had to be sent to the factory to be melted down and pressed. But soon it was selling 75,000 copies a day’

I was a cult punk singer playing sweaty little clubs and getting covered in so much gob that dry cleaners would go: “Yeuch! We’re not touching that!” Then a brilliant PR woman called Judy Totton turned everything around. She put me in every parish magazine in the country that would talk to me. I soon had all these fans who said they discovered me because their parents or grandparents had told them about this punk rocker.

I was making singles that were eight minutes long with reams of lyrics and had never had a hit. When Safari Records played my 1980 single Ieya on rotation in their office, a man apparently appeared at their door with a knife and said: “If you play that song again, I’ll kill you!” I started working with a new producer, Nick Tauber, who said I needed to simplify the message. He was completely right.

• Continue reading at The Guardian.

Sunday Lunch: Heroes – Further Press

September 12th, 2022

More press for Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – This week paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II with David Bowie’s Heroes. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

David Bowie News: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp dedicate cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ to Queen Elizabeth II – Continue…

Guitar.Com: Robert Fripp and Toyah Cover David Bowie’s Heroes In Honour Of Queen Elizabeth II: The musical duo hit pause on their weekly Sunday Lunch series to pay tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – Continue…

NME: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp dedicate cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ to Queen Elizabeth II: The couple paused their usual style of program to pay their respects with the song – Continue…

Classic Rock/Louder: Toyah and Robert Fripp salute Queen Elizabeth II by re-sharing their cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes”: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp pause their regular Sunday Lunch series in acknowledgement of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen – Continue…

Far Out: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp cover David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ in dedication to Queen Elizabeth II – Continue…

Official Charts: Anthem In Midweeks Top 10

September 12th, 2022

Almost mirroring Posh Pop last year, Anthem is high in the Official Charts Album Chart Update (aka midweeks) today, placing at number 8. Posh Pop was at number 9 in the midweeks and eventually achieved number 22 in the confirmed/final chart later in the week, so things are looking very good for Anthem this Friday!

Blitzed: An Interview with Toyah

September 12th, 2022

Toyah remains an iconic figure across several decades of the UK music scene. Outside of her acting career, she chalked up a series of chart hits as a musician including ‘It’s A Mystery’, ‘I Want To Be Free’ and ‘Thunder In The Mountains’.

More recently, she returned with the album Posh Pop which reached the top 25 in the UK charts. She also enjoys her regular (and popular) Sunday Lunch video shows, alongside husband Robert Fripp.

This October sees Toyah supporting Billy Idol as part of his Roadside tour. Meanwhile, Toyah’s classic 1981 album Anthem is also being reissued this September. Blitzed sat down with Toyah to discuss her busy autumn plans…

You’ve got the Billy Idol tour coming up in October, which is an interesting contrast. You’re both very different, yet at the same time you’re both seasoned travelers from that fervent 80s pop scene.

It’s great and don’t forget punk rock. Billy used to be based in London with Generation X, which is when I met him. We both have 45-year careers, are quite diverse in our individual journeys as musicians and then you’ve got Television performing Marquee Moon.

I think it’s quite a clever line up because I’m only on stage for 7:30 to 8:00 o’clock and I’ve got to fit in 28 albums and 15 hit singles. That’s quite a journey to make, but what all of us have in common on this bill is we started in punk and we’ve both, all of us, evolved into rock. I think it’s quite diverse. I’m not just an 80s icon. I’ve been pretty present, especially in the last few years. I think it’s a very clever mix I hope that I can get in some good punk rock material. Obviously the 80s material, but also the new stuff as well because Posh Pop went to No. 1 in 36 charts, 22 in the main charts on August the 27th last year and I’m certainly going to be including some Posh Pop tracks.

• Continue reading at Blitzed.

Toyah & Robert’s Weekend: At Home/OOD/Sunday Lunch + Press

September 12th, 2022

Toyah At Home: The Anthem Specials: Part 1 – Watch… Robert At Home: Episode 6 – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Objects Of DesireWatch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday LunchHeroesWatch…

Press for Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – This week paying respects to Queen Elizabeth II with David Bowie’s Heroes. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

Brooklyn Vegan: Watch Toyah & Robert Fripp cover David Bowie’s “Heroes” in tribute to the Queen – Continue…

Brave Words: Robert Fripp & Toyah Perform David Bowie’s “Heroes” In Honour Of Queen Elizabeth II – Continue…

DGM Live: Toyah & Robert’s Weekend – Continue…

Toyah On The Radio: BBC R4 Extra: The Older Woman (Ep3)

September 12th, 2022

The first series of The Older Woman, the six-part radio drama which was originally broadcast in 1993, is currently airing again on BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Toyah plays Elsa, alongside Martin Clunes and Zoë Wanamaker as Roy and Jane in this excellent, and slightly surreal, drama by Tony Bagley. Toyah also performs the theme song to The Older Woman.

The series, produced by Paul Schlesinger, also features David Troughton, Geoff McGivern, David Holt, Keith Drinkel and Melanie Hudson in a variety of roles.

The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Tuesday 20th September: 1.30am
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Tuesday 20th September: 4.30pm
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Wednesday 21st September: 4.30am
Episode 3 of 6. Roy’s quest to insinuate himself further into Jane’s good books gets a new lease of life when she requests his help to save a tree. Stars Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Clunes and Toyah Willcox. From January 1993.

Releases: Toyah Live At The Rainbow – CD+DVD/Vinyl

September 11th, 2022

One of the most long-awaited titles by Toyah fans finally comes home this November. ‘Toyah Live At The Rainbow’ will be released on CD+DVD and aqua-blue transparent vinyl LP by Cherry Red Records on Friday 25 November 2022.

Featuring the original 12-song concert film released for the first time ever on DVD, much requested and sought after by fans for decades.

The previously unreleased concert audio is released for the first time ever on CD with seven additional songs, all previously unheard and unreleased; restored exclusively for this release. These include ‘Bird In Flight’, ‘Mummies’, ‘Computer’ and ‘Love Me’.

For this release, the original Rolling Stones multitrack reels have been revisited and remixed from scratch by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering to create a new full stereo mix of the gig for the first time in its history. All audio remastering was approved by Joel Bogen.

This newly remastered and expanded release is the fifth in the Toyah reissue programme.

Celebrating the much-loved February 1981 concert at North London’s legendary Rainbow Theatre, this hotly anticipated title marks the first time ever the concert audio has been released on vinyl.

At the time, the Toyah band had seen a new line-up with Willcox and Joel Bogen joined by Nigel Glockler, Phil Spalding and Adrian Lee. In February 1981, the lead track ‘It’s A Mystery’, from the EP ‘Four From Toyah’, rose up through the charts and following an appearance on BBC’s Top Of The Pops, saw the band ‘Toyah’ crossover to mainstream singles chart success. This concert, originally due to take place at the Lyceum, was upgraded to the Rainbow following the EP’s success and demand for tickets.

Safari Records decided to record this unique moment in history as the band were ascending to greater fame and recognition, and before they’d recorded an album to follow the success of ‘It’s A Mystery’.

‘Toyah Live At The Rainbow’ includes the classic tracks ‘It’s A Mystery’, ‘War Boys’, ‘Angels & Demons’, ‘Race Through Space’, ‘Danced’ and ‘Ieya’.

• Pre-Order “Toyah Live At The Rainbow” on CD+DVD and Transparent Aqua Blue Vinyl at Cherry Red, where you can also see the full tracklist for both formats.

Sunday Lunch: For Queen Elizabeth II

September 9th, 2022

** Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp wish to extend condolences to the Royal Family, and respect the dedication HRH Elizabeth II showed her country during her unprecedented reign. **

The Sunday Lunch series is paused to play “Heroes” in acknowledgement of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

Toyah At Home – The Anthem Specials: Part 1

September 7th, 2022

Join Toyah for a deep dive into the music and stories and your questions answered in the first of three new specials dedicated to Anthem. As the classic Gold-certified selling album receives its long-awaited remastered, expanded and deluxe release on Friday 9th September, this special celebrates the songs, the images and history in style. Enjoy much-loved songs, rarely seen footage plus and an extended selection of your questions answered by Toyah as she goes behind the music. There’ll be surprises too and Toyah will also announce the winners of the Anthem Cherry Red pre-order competition!

Toyah At Home – The Anthem Specials: Part 1 premieres on Saturday 10th September, 11am at Toyah’s Official You Tube channel & Facebook. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

Toyah On The Radio: BBCR Scotland – The Afternoon Show

September 7th, 2022

Toyah guested on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Afternoon Show today, talking Slave To The Rhythm and more. Toyah’s interview is now available as a downloadable podcast.

Musician, artist and TV presenter Toyah Willcox chats about returning to music with the release of her brand new single.

• Listen to Toyah’s interview at BBC Sounds.

Shropshire Star: Toyah For Ironbridge Festival of Imagination

September 6th, 2022

Toyah to feature in packed Ironbridge Festival of Imagination line-up

Pop icon Toyah Wilcox will be performing at an 18-day festival held across an historic county location.

The Festival of Imagination returns to Ironbridge from September 15 to October 2, with a packed programme of events.

Taking place across various venues throughout the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, including the Salon Perdu spiegeltent – a large travelling tent made of wood and canvas and decorated with mirrors and stained glass – to be located in Dale End Park.

Across the festival there will be a variety of music, workshops, poetry and walking events. From music icon Toyah to The Graffiti Classics, there will be a host of other performers, including folk music from The Unthanks and the razzle dazzle of the Queenz Show.

Toyah will be performing on Thursday, September 22, at the Salon Perdu. It comes after the released of her top-25 charting album Posh Pop last year.

• Continue reading at the Shropshire Star. NB. This gig is part of the Anthem 40 +1 Tour. More details here.

Official Toyah: September 2022 Blog

September 6th, 2022

Read Toyah’s latest blog at toyahwillcox.com. Including news on the Anthem Tour, and that there will be three “Toyah At Home” Anthem shows this month.

Anthem Countdown: The Story Behind Pop Star

September 6th, 2022

It’s the final Toyah Tuesday before the release of the Remastered + Expanded editions of Toyah’s Gold-selling album Anthem

This exclusive clip from the 2CD+DVD edition of Anthem is Toyah talking about how the track Pop Star came about. Pre-order Gold coloured Vinyl, 2CD+DVD or Super Deluxe Box Set now at Cherry Red.

Anthem 40+1 Tour: 10 Days To Go!

September 6th, 2022

In anticipation of the Anthem 40+1 Tour premiering, Official Toyah shared this amazing photo. The tour begins on Friday 16th September. Get your tickets by clicking below. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)

Toyah On TV: Most Shocking Moments In Pop

September 6th, 2022

Most Shocking Moments In Pop: Channel 5: Sunday 18th September: 10.55pm
Series 1, Episode 4. Tamzin Outhwaite narrates a selection of memorable incidents involving musicians, including Zayn Malik leaving One Direction and Robbie Williams rejoining Take That. There are lessons in etiquette from Grace Jones, the scoop on Beyonce’s sister Solange taking on Jay-Z and the British singing legend who was one of the first to take on the Apartheid regime. With insight from Toyah Willcox, Rick Wakeman, Bez, Dan Hipgrave, Harvey, Jay Aston, Carrie and David Grant and Linda Lewis, with comments from Ralf Little, Matt Richardson, Katie Puckrik, Pat Sharp and Robert Elms.

Toyah & Robert’s Weekend: At Home/OOD/Sunday Lunch + Press

September 6th, 2022

Toyah At Home: CastawaysWatch… • Robert At Home: Episode 5 – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Objects Of DesireWatch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch5 Mins With FrippWatch…

Press for Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – This week covering Pantera. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

Guitar.Com: Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox Spend 5 Minutes Alone In new Pantera Cover: The couple pay homage to the recently reformed Groove metal band with their latest addition to Sunday Lunch – Continue…

NME: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp share rocking cover of Pantera’s ‘5 Minutes Alone’: “Robert is back and on top form” – Continue…

Classic Rock/Louder: Holy hell! Toyah and Robert Fripp have only gone and covered Pantera: Robert Fripp and Toyah get their groove metal thing on with an unlikely cover of Pantera’s 5 Minutes Alone – Continue…

Brooklyn Vegan: Watch Toyah & Robert Fripp cover Pantera’s “5 Minutes Alone” – Continue…

Metal Sucks: Your Favorite Cover Artists Toyah and Fripp Are Back with “5 Minutes Alone” – Continue…

Consequence: Robert Fripp and Toyah Take on Pantera’s “5 Minutes Alone”: The couple’s latest “Sunday Lunch” performance pays homage to the recently reactivated metal band – Continue…

Metal Addicts: Robert Fripp and Toyah Wilcox cover Pantera’s ‘5 Minutes Alone’ – Continue…

Brave Words: Robert Fripp & Toyah Perform Pantera’s “5 Minutes Alone” – Continue…

Guitar World: Robert Fripp and Toyah take on Pantera’s 5 Minutes Alone – Continue…

The Pit: LOL: King Crimson’s Robert Fripp + Toyah Cover Pantera’s ‘5 Minutes Alone’ Holy Hell You Are Not Prepared For This – Continue…

DGM Live: Toyah & Robert’s Weekend – Continue…

Toyah On NOW 80s: Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?!

September 6th, 2022

Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?! Top 30: NOW 80s: Monday 12th September: 9am
Pop legend Toyah brings 30 memorable videos featuring a cavalcade of clothing calamities from superstars including Visage, Five Star, Divine, Cher, The Jam, Bananarama, Dead Or Alive, Bucks Fizz, ABC, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Madonna, Adam & The Ants, A Flock Of Seagulls, Roxy Music, Kajagoogoo, Duran Duran, Grace Jones, Su Pollard, Toyah herself and more in this crazy countdown! See the full Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?! Top 30 playlist here.

Happy Birthday to Joel Bogen

September 3rd, 2022

Happy Birthday Joel: All the best to Joel Bogen who is 64 today. Toyah’s guitarist and songwriting partner from the very beginning of her music career and through all the Safari Records years and albums. He co-wrote songs like Neon Womb, Danced, Computer, Elusive Stranger, Our Movie, Race Through Space, Vision, Love Me, Ieya, Bird in Flight, Jungles of Jupiter, Castaways, The Packt, Dawn Chorus, Brave New World, Laughing With The Fools, Angel & Me, Be Proud Be Loud (Be Heard), Dreamscape, Martian Cowboy, Moonlight Dancing and many others.

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Toyah On NOW 80s: Favourite Singers/80s Stars

September 3rd, 2022

Favourite Singers With Nick Heyward: NOW 80s: Tuesday 6th September: 1am
Mr Favourite Shirts is back on NOW 80s – this time he selects his Favourite Singers! Including some who influenced him the most such as David Byrne & XTC’s Andy Partridge.

80s Stars – Then & Now!: NOW 80s: Tuesday 6th September: 9am
Where are they now? Classic hits, followed by some recent songs – Including Pet Shop Boys, Kylie, Toyah, The Stones, Gary Numan, The Pretenders, New Order, Rick Astley & T’Pau!

On The Wight: Toyah To Star In Weightless

September 1st, 2022

Toyah Willcox to star in Weightless, a short film being shot on the Isle of Wight

A fantastic coup for Ventnorian Rowena Amos, as Toyah Willcox is confirmed for a new short film being shot on the Isle of Wight next month

Congratulations are in order for the powerhouse Ventnor resident, Rowena Amos, who has just announced that she’s secured the musician, actress and presenter, Toyah Willcox, for her next short film.

Weightless will be filmed on the Isle of Wight in Ventnor and Freshwater at the end of September 2022.

“Legendary punk princess and cult actress”

Rowena is incredibly excited about securing the “legendary punk princess and cult actress”, Toyah for the role.

Toyah’s career in music, acting and presenting spans 40 years, during which she had eight Top 40 singles and a prolific 20 albums. She’s married to the founder and guitarist of the progressive rock group King Crimson, Robert Fripp, who thousands enjoyed watching perform with Toyah during Lockdown via YouTube.

• Continue reading at On The Wight.

Fife Today: Toyah & Anthem – 40 Years On

September 1st, 2022

Toyah: 40 years on, a celebration of her groundbreaking album Anthem

It is now 40 years since Toyah released her groundbreaking album Anthem and stunned the music world with her energy, her imagery and her music.

The album was certified gold and next week we can expect a deluxe box set with all you ever wanted to hear.

Looking ever youthful and cheeky as ever during lockdown in 2020 started a Sunday Lunch session of covers live from her kitchen along with her 74-year-old husband Robert Fripp.

He is an amazing guitarist and best known for his work with the prog rock band, King Crimson. Together they would take on short versions of Teenage Kicks, My Generation, Breaking The Law & Toxic, once a week at noon with elaborate costume and make up.

This won them new fans who may have missed the duo’s chart success days.

This new remastered set will satisfy both though and comes as a 2CD + DVD set, LP in gold vinyl and Super Deluxe Set of 3CD, DVD, 2 LP + 7” single. A 24-page booklet offers unseen images, classic studio photos from that time plus a newly penned introduction by Toyah herself.

• Continue reading at Fife Today.