Dreamscape | The Toyah Willcox Fansite

A reminder – Toyah presents Steve… A Strange Life, airing on BBC Radio Wales this evening at 6.30pm, and also BBC iPlayer.

Toyah Willcox presents a heartfelt tribute to the flamboyant and iconic Steve Strange, born Steven John Harrington in Newbridge, Wales.

From his early days in the vibrant Northern Soul scene to becoming the frontman of Visage, Steve Strange’s life was a tapestry of artistic brilliance and bold individuality.

Here we delve into his meteoric rise as the lead singer of Visage, best known for their massive hit “Fade to Grey.”

His unique voice and eclectic style helped define the New Romantic movement, and he became a symbol of the era with his extravagant and exciting outfits.

Toyah hears from fashion designer Darla Jane Gilroy, who sheds light on his influence on fashion. Fellow Visage members Billy Currie and Dave Formula share their experiences working with Steve and creating iconic music. Chris Sullivan, Steve’s friend and fellow club host, recounts their adventures in the influential Blitz Club that became a haven for the New Romantics.

Spandau Ballet’s Steve Norman and former Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles offer their reflections on Steve’s impact on the music scene and their personal memories of him. Rare interviews from the archives of Steve himself bring his story to life, capturing his vibrant personality and enduring legacy.

Toyah, who also gives her own reflections on the Steve Strange she knew, also remembers Boy George’s poignant eulogy at Steve’s funeral, celebrating his unique spirit and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.

In Steve, A Strange Life, we honour the legacy of a true original, ten years after his untimely passing.

• Continue reading at BBC Radio Wales.

Steve… A Strange Life: BBC Radio Wales: Friday 14th February: 6.30pm
Steve… A Strange Life: BBC Radio Wales: Sunday 16th February: 6am
Steve… A Strange Life: BBC Radio Wales: Monday 17th February: 6.30am
New 2025. Toyah Willcox explores the life of pop and fashion icon Steve Strange, a star who competed with David Bowie in the 1980s as the New Romantic scene took off.

• Twitter: A rare photo of Toyah & Steve Strange at Derek Jarman’s Tempest party 1980 was tweeted by Toyah last Friday – View here…

• Wales Online: Steve Strange and me, by the friend who knew him for 40 years: “I found a warehouse that was owned by Toyah Willcox in Battersea and we rented it out for a warehouse party,” said Chris. “I had a snake charmer, a burlesque show, blue films from the ’50s going backwards on the ceiling, and it was a huge success” – Continue reading…

• Northampton Herald & Post: Rick Astley, Hot Chocolate, Bucks Fizz stars and Toyah in line-up at Northampton Franklin’s Gardens 80s concert – Continue reading…

• Monocle 24: The Stack: Still available to download – A music magazine special with the Tony Herrington, editor-in-chief of ‘The Wire’ and music journalist Andrew Mueller. Plus Toyah Willcox shares her experience as one of the 1980s most featured front-cover musicians – Play/Download/Share here…

Steve Strange, lead singer of 1980s pop band Visage, has died aged 55 following a heart attack, his record label says. The Welsh New Romantic icon – best known for the hit Fade To Grey – died in hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Ex-Visage bandmates Midge Ure and Rusty Egan said they were “devastated” to hear of his “untimely passing”, adding: “Steve was a major face of the 80s.”

In this archive footage from 1980, Toyah Willcox interviewed Strange, from Newbridge, Caerphilly, about his band and clubs.

• Continue reading/watch the clip at BBC News Wales.

Toyah has paid a touching tribute to New Romantic/BLITZ club pioneer Steve Strange who died yesterday aged 55. “My darling steve strange…….never fade to grey. Just shine bright in the heavens xxx”. Below is a photo of Steve and Toyah taken last Summer. (Photo Credit: V&A)

More great photos from last night’s Club to Catwalk: London Fashion In The 1980s press launch at the V&A in South Kensington. Toyah, Giddy Gavin and Steve Strange all looking fabulous. See another of Gavin’s photos of Toyah at our Gallery. (Thanks to Gavin | Photos © Giddy Gavin & V&A)

Amazing Melissa Caplan outfits from ‘Herb Schulz, Capturing The New Romantics’, along with the, slightly different. original cover. These are from the same collection as Melissa’s famous Toyah outfit, The Wedding Dress. Buy the book here. (Thanks to Andi | Photos © Herb Schulz)