Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

Toyah shares her memories of growing up as the “only punk in the village” and finally finding her people at a Sex Pistols gig. In this candid interview with Johnnie, Toyah reflects on the challenges she faced as a young teenager: born with a twisted spine, one leg longer than the other, a club foot and no hip sockets, she spent many years undergoing painful operations and countless physical therapies. This never dimmed her spirit however, and she recalls a host of almost-careers including time spent as a department store hair model and a missed chance to be an ice skating superstar. After defeating the bullies at school, she carved out a niche for herself as a punk – before the term had even been invented.

Listen to Toyah guesting, and talking to host Johnnie Walker, on BBC Radio 2’s Sounds Of The 70s at BBC iPlayer by clicking below.

Toyah will be a guest of Johnnie Walker on BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 70s on Sunday 11 February. Toyah will discuss the beginnings of her career in the 1970s and revisiting the Derek Jarman film Jubilee which has been adapted for the stage and plays London’s Lyric Hammersmith this Spring.

Sounds Of The 70s: BBC Radio 2: Sunday 11th February: 3pm
Sounds Of The 70s: BBC Radio 2: Tuesday 13th February: 0.00am
Toyah shares her memories of growing up as the ‘only punk in the village’ and finally finding her people at a Sex Pistols gig.