A four star review of the Anthem Deluxe reissue, by Classic Pop magazine. The 2CD+DVD, colour vinyl and Super Deluxe box set is released on Friday 9th September, and can be pre-ordered here.
Absurdly kept from the top spot by Starsound’s Stars On 45, Toyah’s third album marked her transformation from cult punk to chart revolutionary. With co writer/guitarist Joel Bogen the only survivor from the band’s previous incarnation, the new line-up did a brilliant job of maintaining the ferocity of old while ditching the more outre excesses for facing radio playlists head on. You’ll know It’s A Mystery and I Want To Be Free, with the pointed Marionette and Pop Star similarly unstoppable bursts of fire.
As ever, archivist Craig Astley is exemplary in unearthing extras. The regular Anthem is back on vinyl, there’s a 2CD+DVD set or the boxset is a mighty 3CD, DVD, 2LP and a 7″ of the Flexipop single Sphinx on proper vinyl. The box’s second LP comprises everything from standalone single Thunder In The Mountains, though annoyingly the Anthem LP is a picture disc in the box. Bah.
Alongside a BBC six-song session, the highlight of the extras are a handful of unreleased instrumentals: why Toyah didn’t turn Dropped Earring into a hit is, well, a mystery. Throw in Toyah causing havoc on the DVD’s TV appearances and you get a fabulous document of an ex-punk rivalling Adam Ant for seizing the moment.
• The latest issue of Classic Pop is on sale now! (Thanks to Minna)
The first series of The Older Woman, the six-part radio drama which was originally broadcast in 1993, begins airing again on BBC Radio 4 Extra from next Tuesday.
Toyah plays Elsa, alongside Martun 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 6th September: 9.30am The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra:Tuesday 6th September: 4.30pm The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra:Wednesday 7th September: 4.30am Episode 1 of 6. Local hack journalist Roy Hitchcock meets his former English teacher, and sets out on a crusade to win her heart against all odds. Stars Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Clunes and Toyah Willcox. From January 1993.
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra:Tuesday 13th September: 9.30am The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra:Tuesday 13th September: 4.30pm The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra:Wednesday 14th September: 4.30am Episode 2 of 6. Can Roy impress Jane by joining a green pressure group? Meanwhile, Pavarotti appears in his dreams with some invaluable advice. Stars Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Clunes and Toyah Willcox. From January 1993.
• Below are a couple of Radio Times clippings with a little more detail about the series, published when The Older Woman originally aired in January 1993. (Thanks to Anthony Lewis)
This Tuesday’s Anthem Countdown gifted a vintage live performance of Danced with the Anthem band from a concert in Ulster which was broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland in 1981. A version of Danced from Paris Theatre, London can be heard on CD2 of the 2CD+DVD edition of Anthem.
• Toyah At Home: Reaction to Indecision on Old Grey Whistle Test – Watch… • Robert At Home (& Away): Episode 4 – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Objects Of Desire – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – The One With All The Fripps! – Watch…
The third and final audio preview from the forthcoming expanded deluxe remaster of Toyah’s Anthem. Television is an instrumental outtake recorded by the Anthem line-up in the Thunder single sessions, July 1981.
Just two weeks on Friday until the release of Anthem on Gold vinyl, 2CD+DVD and Super Deluxe Edition box set (2LP/3CD/DVD/7” single).
Toyah hosting The Personality Test, the 30-minute radio quiz that’s, essentially, all about her, airs again early next month on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
The 30 minute radio show was originally broadcast in 2007, on BBC Radio Four, with guests including Sue Perkins and Robin Ince. It will be available at BBC Sounds post-broadcast.
The Personality Test: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Thursday 8th September: 9am/4pm The Personality Test: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Friday 9th September: 4am
Toyah Willcox chairs the comedy quiz in which all the questions are about the guest host. Panellists are Sue Perkins, Caroline Quinlan, Robin Ince and Will Smith.
Interview: Toyah Willcox on her Anthem 40th Anniversary tour
In episode #95 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with Toyah Willcox. In a career spanning more than 40 years, Toyah Willcox has had eight top 40 singles, released over 20 albums, written two books, appeared in over 40 stage plays and ten feature films, and voiced and presented numerous television shows.
In this interview, Toyah talks about supporting Billy Idol on his UK Arena tour, her Anthem 40th Anniversary tour, Posh Pop, Sunday lunch videos with her husband Robert Fripp, acting and lots more.
It’s the day of the summer fete and Oliver’s been minding Will’s artwork stall. He hasn’t sold any pieces, and Will reckons they’ll have to change their strategy. Their tactics of moving the stall and reducing prices have no effect, until they’re approached by one interested party who engages Will in conversation about his style and method. Halfway through their conversation Will’s stunned to realise he’s talking to Toyah Willcox. Will’s a big fan. Toyah takes a shine to one of his works. Will offers it free, but Toyah insists on paying. When she’s gone star struck Will can’t believe it – who cares what anyone else thinks of his work when Toyah loves it!
Lilian reassures nervous Adil in the fortune telling tent; he’s doing really well and his last client was very famous. Adil’s oblivious, and later is keen to quit while he’s ahead having given Jean Harvey a reading she was happy with. Lilian reckons he’s found his calling. She encourages him to go and look round the rest of the fete, but when Denise turns up Lilian can’t help offering Adil’s services for one last reading. With no knowledge of Denise, terrified Adil does his best. He hits on the idea that she has a secret admirer at work. Denise is amazed, and confides to Lilian that this knowledge has helped her with a dilemma she has. Lilian chides Adil for begin irresponsible, but he insists he was hinting that the admirer was in fact an animal. Well that wasn’t obvious to Denise, observes Lilian grimly.
• Listen to the episode at BBC Sounds for the next month.
• Guitar.Com: Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox Do It All For The ‘Nookie’ On This Week’s Sunday Lunch – Continue…
• NME: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp cover Limp Bizkit’s ‘Nookie’ for Sunday Lunch: “The Duo are back on form this week” – Continue…
• Classic Rock/Louder: Perhaps inevitably, Toyah and Robert Fripp have covered Limp Bizkit’s Nookie: Humanity aghast as Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox launch crazed cover of Limp Bizkit’s era-defining nu metal banger Nookie – Continue…
• Brooklyn Vegan: Watch Toyah & Robert cover Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” – Continue…
• Metal Sucks: King Crimson’s Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox Cover Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” – Continue…
• Consequence: Robert Fripp and Toyah Do It All for the “Nookie” with Limp Bizkit Cover: The married couple take on the nu-metal anthem for their latest “Sunday Lunch” performance – Continue…
• Far Out: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp cover ‘Nookie’ by Limp Bizkit – Continue…
• Brave Words: Robert Fripp & Toyah Perform Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” – Continue…
• Ultimate Guitar: Watch: Robert Fripp and Toyah Cover Limp Bizkit’s ‘Nookie’: They did it all for the nookie – Continue…
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Monday 5th September: 5.30pm Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Tuesday 6th September: 1.30pm Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Wednesday 7th September: 9.30am Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Saturday 10th September: 9am 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.
Watch Toyah Willcox, Robert Fripp Cover Limp Bizkit’s ‘Nookie’ for ‘Sunday Lunch’
Video is the latest in a series from the King Crimson guitarist and his wife
Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp will, apparently, do it all for the nookie. The pair covered the quintessential 1999 Limp Bizkit song “Nookie” for their popular YouTube cover series “Sunday Lunch.”
In the video, the King Crimson guitarist, wearing a sequined baseball cap, takes on guitar duties while Willcox rocks out on the vocals. As usual, the pair filmed the clip in their kitchen, using a fan to create a dramatic wind machine effect on Willcox’s hair.
Cover Of The Week – Graceful Toyah And Her Rhythm Slaves
Toyah and Robert Fripp do not need an introduction whatsoever anymore, if you ask me (also if you don’t ask me). Both had/have notable successful careers and both together have their Sunday lunch on YouTube, every week for more than two years now.
About 2 months ago the lovebirds picked Grace Jones‘s giant 1985 hit Slave to the Rhythm to entertain us with it on the laziest day of the week.
Recently T & R recorded their cover of that soulful pearl, fully orchestrated, as a new Toyah single, and shared an accompanying video so you can join sexy Toyah for a little dance to this sensuous interpretation with her seductive posh pop voice as the star in the middle and the trippy guitars of King Robert and Simon Darlow on the sides, left and right. They’re rhythm slaves to Toyah.
WCR FM: Unchained Music Club
Tuesday 23rd August: 10pm
A show for those tired of run of the mill radio, it’s like that eclectic mixtape you always wished you had made….it just happens to be in the radio every Tuesday. And as a bonus you get some amazing guests dropping by.
Further details on this programme here…
BBC Local Radio: Stereo Underground
Saturday 27th August: 6pm
Featured Artist: Toyah Willcox. Richard Latto brings you music with attitude that defines a zest for life and an alternative spirit.
Further details on this programme here…
It’s Tuesday, and that means Official Toyah are continuing the countdown to the Remastered and Expanded editions of Toyah’s Gold-selling album Anthem – released by Cherry Red Records on 9th September.
This vintage live performance of Masai Boy is from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London, from Christmas Eve 1981. Premieres 6pm, Tuesday 23rd August 2022. Pre-order Gold coloured Vinyl, 2CD+DVD or Super Deluxe Box Set now at Cherry Red.
Toyah Willcox on refusing to be ‘controlled’ by age, and playing Glasgow with Billy Idol
The It’s a Mystery star has found a new audience with her YouTube videos.
Toyah Willcox continues to be audacious in her 60s and refuses to be “controlled by the number” of her age.
In the 80s her anthem I Want To Be Free and her vivid hair colours made her an icon of rebellious youth.
And the punk remains a beacon of individuality at 64, posing in revealing outfits for her Sunday Lunch YouTube sensation with guitarist husband Robert Fripp.
The videos have had 100million views since they started doing them during lockdown in 2020.
Toyah said: “I’m not being controlled by the number of my age. I have a great passion for what I do and I’m continuing it. Age should only be a number.
“I’ve been rocking in this world for 45 years as a career. You don’t just suddenly stop or stop that connection with music.”
Craig Charles: BBC Radio 6 Music: Friday 19th August: 1pm Getting your weekend started with Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp. End your week in style with a musical fight club between musician Toyah Willcox, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson. Who will win? You decide! Will Robert Fripp’s stories about working with just about everyone in music secure him the (invisible) trophy? Or will Toyah’s inspired picks get her over the line? Also on the show, Toyah unveils details of the new Rhythm Deluxe Edition of studio album ‘In the Court of the Crimson Queen’, a nod to King Crimson’s debut record.
It’s the final Celebrity Moneybags episode of the week this afternoon on Channel 4. Toyah has been one of 10 celebrity guests taking part in the gameshow all week.
Celebrity Moneybags: Channel 4: Friday 19th August: 5pm Series 2, Episode 5. A pool of contestants including Toyah Willcox, Greg Rutherford, Catherine Tyldesley, Kate Robbins, Nina Wadia, Dane Baptiste, Natasha Hamilton and Claire Richards are on hand to face a series of questions with the answers on moneybags that pass along a conveyor belt in front of them. Grab a right answer and they get that bag’s value – anything from £1,000 to £100,000 for their chosen charities. However, if they pick a wrong bag they could lose everything. Hosted by Craig Charles.
Wake up and embrace the day with Gary Davies, who’s sitting-in for Zoe for ‘two whole weeks (…and a day)! Toyah Willcox is on the show this morning, chatting new music and her upcoming UK tour.
• Listen to the show at BBC Sounds for the next four weeks.
Toyah is heading to Ambridge. She will guest on a future episode of legendary, and very long running, BBC Radio 4’s The Archers. Click below to watch Toyah talk The Archers.
80s Greatest Pop Videos: 5Select: Sunday 28th August: 8.30pm 80s Greatest Pop Videos: Channel 5: Sunday 28th August: 11.05pm 1980. A look back at the greatest pop videos from the eighties, beginning in 1980, with contributions from Toyah Willcox, Paul Gambaccini, David Grant and others. Musicians from the Jam, Dexys Midnight Runners and UB40 check out their early videos, while the director of David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes, and the writer of Sheena Easton’s first big hit revel in the nostalgia.
A four star review of the Anthem Deluxe reissue, by Classic Pop magazine. The 2CD+DVD, colour vinyl and Super Deluxe box set is released on Friday 9th September, and can be pre-ordered here.
Toyah hosting The Personality Test, the 30-minute radio quiz that’s, essentially, all about her, airs again early next month on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
WCR FM: Unchained Music Club
