Northeast Music Guide: Toyah 02 Newcastle Review
A review of Toyah’s gig at The O2 Academy, Newcastle on Saturday, by Northeast Music Guide.
Toyah emerged covered in gold. Good Morning Universe was the opening number, an ageless classic. Toyah had a sparkle in her eye and energy that belies her 60 years. Next, from album Anthem: We Are. Toyah’s introduction suggested it should have been a single. Very in the vein of 8th Day, by Hazel O’Connor.
Her cover of Echo Beach was, in our opinion, better than the Martha And The Muffins original.
Inroducing Thunder in the Mountains, Toyah mentions the mad 80s videos. This song got some early audience participation. Toyah told us about Neon Womb, which was written 40 years ago whilst filming with Katherine Hepburn. Being lonely in hotel rooms as a young woman inspired this claustrophobic track.
Next was Rebel Run and then a song for those who got into trouble with their mothers for dying their hair pink: Be Proud Be Loud ( Be Heard). Toyah is wonderfully eccentric and loved by the appreciative audience as she twirls and takes a bow at the end.
• Continue reading at Northeast Music Guide. (Words and photos: Joanne Oliver for Jowheretogo and Carliol Photography)
