Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

A new interview with Toyah, from the Yorkshire Times, ahead of the Sounds Of The 80s gigs later this month.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Gary Davies has announced a nationwide 2024 tour for the live version of his show Sounds of the 80s, which will include an appearance from Toyah.

Ahead of the tour, Toyah spoke to the Yorkshire Times.

What can people expect when they come to the Sounds of the 80s show?

Anyone who attends one of the evenings will find an atmosphere where the audience can be themselves dancing and singing to their favourite tracks from a classic period in pop music. There was such a broad spectrum of music at the time from artists like Bananarama, Prince, and T’Pau, among others, including myself.

I think what will work beautifully is that the stage will be constantly active. Gary will be on there plus the dancers, and a stage set that is Gary’s Radio 2 studio and there will also be live performances from myself and other artists such as Carol Decker from T’Pau and Denise Pearson from 5 Star.

Why do you think the 1980s were such a golden period for popular music?

It was all very hedonistic, none of us thought beyond the 80s. It was difficult in the 90s to sell music from the previous decade, but that all changed with the Millennium. People wanted to hear all those iconic songs again. Part of the success of those tracks is the narrative of the songs; we really were traditional song writers then, writing about people’s attitudes and what they needed in their lives.

So, Toyah, tell us about your best 80s memories.

There were many good memories appearing on Top of the Pops. One of the happiest memories is the magnitude of what we did. For instance, on Christmas Eve in 1981, I played the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which went out live on television, bringing in twelve million viewers, which at the time was phenomenal.

• Continue reading at the Yorkshire Times. Further information and ticket links available at toyahwillcox.com.

Toyah performing It’s A Mystery at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on New Year’s Eve – BBC Radio 2’s Sounds Of The 80s The Live Tour.

Gary Davies posted at X, and shared this great retro shot from 1987: “Excited to be reunited with Toyah when she will be our special guest on our BBC Radio 2 Sounds of the 80s Live Tour Shows“… (Photo © Gary Davies)

How are you celebrating this New Year’s Eve?

Bring in 2024 with 80s legends – Toyah, Carol Decker (T’Pau) and Deniece Pearson (Five Star) all performing on the BBC Radio 2 Sounds of the 80s Live Tour Show from Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on December 31st.

Taking place from 9pm on New Year’s Eve, Sunday 31 December 2023. Alongside producer Johnny Kalifornia, they will take you back to the best decade in music – the 80s! Party along to specially curated Mastermixes and watch as the brilliant Sounds of the 80s dancers recreate classic scenes from 80s films and videos.

Dance to your favourite 80s anthems from artists such as Wham!, Queen, Prince, Madonna, Whitney and more.

Toyah Willcox has taken to the stage like no other for 42 years. From punk princess to cult stage actress, she has won numerous awards and nominations from singing to writing to acting. In 2001 Toyah was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Central England in Birmingham.

• It will be a massive 80s party. Grab your tickets here, or by clicking below. See further details at toyahwillcox.com.