I have a couple of anniversary posts for tonight, but I thought I’d start with this one, which is of no real relevance to anyone but me. Sorry!
Tonight, Toyah is playing down the road (10 minutes walk) in Bishops Stortford. The occasion is ‘The Changeling The Resurrection 2012 – Celebrating The 30th Anniversary of The Changeling and Warrior Rock (Toyah On Tour)’
This made me smile, seeing Toyah was one of my first gigs. Brighton Centre 29th June 1982. This was the original Changeling tour.
I loved ‘Anthem’ at the time, but even moreso the more punky ‘Sheep Farming In Barnet’, but this was my first opportunity to see the band. I was 13 and a bit wee!
• Continue reading at Aural Sculptors (The Stranglers Live Archive).
Stortfest 2012: A week of events with something for everyone around Bishop’s Stortford.
The week of music and events has been a big success in Bishop’s Stortford with lots of great feedback and a brilliant response to the festival.
Tonight ‘The Changeling Resurrection 2012’ headlines the festival, with Toyah playing the final date of the tour on the final night of the festival. The gig takes place at Rhodes Arts Complex in Bishop’s Stortford.
Not to be missed: Buy tickets online or call 01279 651746.
There’s something for everyone in the week-long Stortfest Crawl, a spectacular celebration of music and the arts which launches next Sunday.
Dozens of venues across town are getting in on the act, hosting gigs, poetry recitals, comedy nights, family fun days and loads more activities for all ages and tastes. The event is being co-ordinated by the team behind the long-running Stortford Music Festival, which is taking a break from its regular format at St Mary’s Catholic School in Windhill.
Headlining the proceedings is 80s New Wave and punk-pop sensation Toyah Willcox, who is marking the 30th anniversary of her celebrated album The Changeling with a concert at Rhodes.
• Continue reading, at ‘Herts & Essex Observer’, here.
A report on the ‘Stortfest Crawl 2012’, including info from the festival director, Simon Baker.
Organisers of the Stortford Music Festival have announced a week-long series of events that will take place in and around the town starting next month. Commencing on April 29 and running until May 06, the event is being called the Stortfest Crawl.
Organisers are busy booking bands but can today confirm that the legendary punk-popstress Toyah Willcox will be playing the Rhodes Arts Complex on Saturday May 05 celebrating the 30th anniversary of her seminal “The Changeling” album with a greatest hits set. Festival director Simon Baker said: “This is one act we are particularly excited about. While taking a breather for a year, we felt it was important for people to know that the festival was still going strong and will be back next year. Being able to confirm Toyah as one of the fantastic acts who will be playing during the week proves that people can expect the same high calibre of performers that they have enjoyed in previous years.” (Thanks to Ian Grainge)
A great new interview with Toyah, published today by the ‘Herts & Essex Observer’. An interviewer who actually asks some interesting and intelligent questions!!
Toyah promises Stortford audience new twists on her classic tracks
For original 80s wild child Toyah Willcox, growing old gracefully was never on the cards. At the age of 53, the gloriously extravagant and punk-inspired New Wave singer remains every bit as keen to strap on an outrageous outfit and strut into the spotlight.
Best known for 1981 hit single It’s A Mystery, Toyah – who is the star attraction at Bishop’s Stortford’s week-long Stortfest Crawl – has also enjoyed a career as an actress and voiceover artist.
But it’s her musical ventures that give her the most satisfaction – and when she comes to Rhodes on May 5, fans can expect plenty of surprises and fresh twists on classic tracks.
Asked if she still felt comfortable hitting the stage in her trademark costumes, she told the Observer: “It’s what I do and what I’ve always done, so it’s absolutely second nature to me. “I started out in an age of video, so everything in those early days was about being visual – it had to be. You couldn’t release a single without a video to go with it.
• Continue reading, at ‘Herts & Essex Observer’, here.
More than a dozen pubs, clubs, bars and live venues will be celebrating Bishop’s Stortford’s vibrant music scene as part of next month’s week-long Stortfest Crawl.
In common with its bigger brothers like Glastonbury, the annual Stortford Music Festival – usually held in the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic School – is taking a break for the first time in its 14-year history.
Headlining the event will be 80s punk-pop icon Toyah Willcox, who will mark the 30th anniversary of her album The Changeling with a greatest hits set at Rhodes on May 5.
Best known for 1981 breakthrough single It’s A Mystery and accompanying album Anthem, Toyah has also enjoyed a successful acting career, with roles in films like cult Mod hit Quadrophenia. More recently, she was a guest star on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
