Click for The Official Toyah Willcox website Click for The Official Toyah Facebook Click for The Humans Official website Dreamscape Home Page News Archive Gallery Press Archive Audio & Video Toyah Features Links Click for The Official From Sheep Farming To Anthem page

Click for forthcoming Toyah on TV & Radio More info on Sugar Rush at The Official Humans website Click for the full gig diary at The Official Toyah website Click for full Sheep Farming To Anthem dates Click for more info at Hazel OConnor Facebook Click for Crimson Queen at iTunes Click for Good Morning Universe at Amazon Click for We Are The Humans at iTunes Click for Bootz at iTunes Click for The Power Of Three website Click for This Fragile Moment at iTunes














• New for 2010! 'Crimson Queen' Japanese Edition CD: Available from Eil, Ideal Copy & other Import CD stores •

From Sheep Farming... London: Live! Tonight!! 17 June, 2011
This evening Toyah brings 'Sheep Farming To Anthem' to London. The most anticipated live Toyah gig since the Mean Fiddler 2003 show. She will rock the Leicester Square Theatre!

 
From Sheep Farming... London: One Day To Go 16 June, 2011
There's now just one day to go until 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' plays London, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Toyah has said the gig will be "A true celebration of 30 years of images!"

It's our final Melissa Caplan inspired update/countdown. Toyah
tweeted a great photo of some of her Melissa outfits yesterday (Thanks Michael). Tomorrow evening hundreds of Toyah fans will be treated to a gig of great music, awesome visuals and fantastic nostalgia. It's an early show, 8pm start at very latest! Doors open from 7pm. Have fun everyone and best wishes to Toyah and band for a rocking concert!

Official Toyah: Toyah Kicks Off Special Anniversary Tour 16 June, 2011
TOYAH KICKS OFF SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY TOUR FEATURING CULT CLASSICS, DARK ANTHEMS & HIT SINGLES

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit It's A Mystery and the platinum-selling album Anthem, Toyah has confirmed a special anniversary tour which kicks off on Friday 17 June at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Visit gigs for full details & ticket links.

The “From Sheep Farming To Anthem” show includes selections drawn exclusively from Toyah's first three albums, Sheep Farming In Barnet, The Blue Meaning and Anthem. These unique readings and fresh, live interpretations of classic material have been praised highly with rave reviews for a preview concerts date at Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club.

The Leicester Square concert date will also see Toyah revisit the colourful and iconic imagery which became synonymous with her name, with original 1980s costumes. There will also be a 21st century re-working of the renowned hair and make-up which Toyah became recognized for and which helped define the look of the 1980s. The striking Toyah visuals which she created were an innovative forerunner of the styles and approaches adopted by the hitmakers of today including Lady GaGa and Gwen Stefani. Toyah has recently been cited as influencing or drawing comparisons with contemporary music acts Marina & The Diamonds, Andi Fraggs and Florence & The Machine.

• Read the full news update at Toyah's Official News page, here

 
From Sheep Farming... London: Two Days To Go 15 June, 2011
There's now just two days to go until 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' plays London, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Toyah has said the gig will be "A true celebration of 30 years of images!"

Melissa Caplan designed many of Toyah's iconic early costumes, and Toyah confirmed during her 'Gaydar Radio' interview last night that she will be wearing some of of them this Friday, saying there would be five costume changes!

From Sheep Farming... London: Three Days To Go 14 June, 2011
There's now just three days to go until 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' hits London, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Toyah has said the gig will be "A true celebration of 30 years of images!"

Melissa Caplan designed many of Toyah's iconic early costumes, some of which she will, hopefully, wear on Friday. Steve Strange, Spandau Ballet, Bucks Fizz and many others also wore clothes designed by Melissa.

From Sheep Farming... London: Four Days To Go 13 June, 2011
There's just four days to go until 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' hits London, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Toyah has said the gig will be "A true celebration of 30 years of images!"

Melissa Caplan designed many of Toyah's iconic early costumes, some of which she will, hopefully, wear on Friday. Here's a few more Q&A's from Melissa's interview with 'Intergalactic Ranchouse' in 1982:

How did you first get into designing and when? Professionally it was about two years ago, but it's a very slow process because of contacts and things. The first order once I had left college was from Toyah, and the money that she gave me started the company. I plough all of my money into the business and keep expanding.

Are you friends with Toyah? Yes, we started off as friends.

Toyah describes you as a genius. How do you describe her? If I said she had good taste it would be biased because she buys my clothes, but she's developed her own image alongside the clothes and the image they give her.

From Sheep Farming... London: Five Days To Go 12 June, 2011
There's just five days to go until 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' hits London, at the Leicester Square Theatre. Toyah has said the gig will be "A true celebration of 30 years of images!"

Many of Toyah's most memorable and iconic outfits were designed/co-designed by Melissa Caplan. It's anticipated that one, or more, of Melissa's designs will be worn by Toyah this Friday.

Melissa was interviewed by Toyah's Official Fanclub, 'Intergalactic Ranchouse', in 1982:

How did you and Toyah first get together? We met at a party. I asked her about the colour of her hair and she asked me about a skirt. We were the only two real freaks there.

Has Toyah ever said that she doesn't like a design? Not yet. There have had to be alterations. In Dublin a sleeve got ripped off. I was a bit upset. Another time she had a skirt ripped off... Toyah's clothes get ripped and battered so they get in a bad condition. I build them to last though.

Which of your designs do you like best? I did a royal blue suede tunic for Toyah but my favourite one changes as I progress.

FSF-A Official T-Shirt: Make Your Tribal Look 10 June, 2011
A brand new official Toyah t-shirt celebrating the "From Sheep Farming to Anthem Tour".... on sale at gigs soon!

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: 18 Dates On Sale 10 June, 2011
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: 18 UK dates on sale now, including London (Leicester Sq Theatre), Oxford, Harrogate, Bromsgrove, Blackpool, Isle of Man, Southampton, Surrey, Hertford, Wolverhampton, Hoylake, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Leamington, Nottingham and London ( Islington o2 Academy).

 
Andi Fraggs Joins 'FSF-A' UK Tour 10 June, 2011
Andi Fraggs was recently announced as Toyah's opening act on seven of the 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' tour dates later this year.

Andi will be performing at The Classic Grand, Glasgow on 26th October right through to the o2 Academy, Islington on 5th November, visiting Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Leamington and Nottingham along the way. As Toyah is one of Andi's favourite musicians it makes this exciting news even more special.

• Andi Fraggs' new single, 'Reality', is available now. All profits fron the sale of the single will be donated to 'London Friend'. Visit Andi's Official Website,
here.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Leicester Sq Theatre 10 June, 2011

The fourth 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig, at Leicester Sq Theatre, London, is now just a week away. Various snippets of info have been tweeted (by Toyah) and posted online in recent weeks, most notably:

Make-up artist booked for new surreal image at Leicester Square show. A true celebration of 30 years of images!

More 'FSF-A' London gig tweets: Just re-learning Masai Boy......so excited! "God's eye. Volcano Cry"... Up at 4.30 this morn learning 6 new songs plus revising 19 others for coming weeks.... there's suprises in store :-)... Some of my original costumes might make a surprise appearance at Leicester Square gig. Did i say might? ;-)... we're putting 3 surprise songs to the @lsqtheatre set list as most requested from fans....... ;-) are you coming?

 
FSF-A: 18th Date/Date Change/Toyah Tweets 15 May, 2011
The 18th 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' tour date was announced at the end of the week. Toyah plays the Harlequin Theatre, Surrey on 18th October. That's now nine dates for October.

The recently confirmed Cardiff Globe date has been moved to 28th October. Toyah
tweeted some very exciting news on Thursday: Make-up artist booked for new surreal image at Leicester Square show. A true celebration of 30 years of images!

Tuesday 18 October 2011: Harlequin Theatre, Surrey

• Visit the Official 'FSF-A' page
here, and view all of Dreamscape's 'FSF-A' news, here.
 
Official Toyah: From Sheep Farming To Anthem 8 May, 2011
The Official 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' page has been revamped, with tour dates, images, videos, music and more: Introducing the new dedicated From Sheep Farming To Anthem Tour page at the official website... look out for further videos, images & info as the tour goes on... :-)
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: More Dates 8 May, 2011
Full details of the three new 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem', previously mentioned, tour dates have now been confirmed: Toyah has added gigs in Glasgow, Bristol and Cardiff to the tour.

Wednesday 26 October 2011
Glasgow / Classic Grand
18 Jamaica Street, Glasgow G1 4QD

Thursday 27 October 2011
Bristol / Tunnels
Lower Approach Rd, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS

Saturday 29 October 2011
Cardiff / Globe
125 Albany Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 3NS

There are now 14 dates (eight in October alone!) on sale: London (Leicester Sq Theatre), Oxford, Bromsgrove, Blackpool, Isle of Man, Southampton, Hertford, Wolverhampton, Hoylake, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, London ( Islington o2 Academy).

See the revamped
Official FSF-A page for further info, and the Official Gigs page for ticket booking details.
 
From Sheep Farming... Update: More Gigs/Toyah Tweets 6 May, 2011
Great news! The Official Toyah Facebook announced yesterday: Glasgow, Bristol & Cardiff gigs for the From Sheep Farming To Anthem Tour in October will be announced very soon..... Toyah tweeted on Wednesday: Some of my original costumes might make a surprise appearance at Leicester Square gig. Did i say might? ;-)

• Visit Dreamscape's comprehensive 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' News Archive.

 
FSF-A: HMV Institute: A Different View 22 April, 2011
A different view of Toyah onstage at HMV Institute, Birmingham last Saturday night. (Thanks to Merx for this great shot of Toyah and the 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' audience)

 
FSF-A: HMV Institute: Junction10 Photos @ Flickr 20 April, 2011
Junction10 Photography have a set of photos from Toyah's HMV Institute, Birmingham gig at their 'Flickr' page.

Click
here, or on the image to the left, to view these fantastic photos from the third 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig. (Thanks to Andi)
 
Midlands Rocks: Toyah @ HMV Institute: Review 19 April, 2011
Toyah + Deadfilmstar + Drag @ HMV Institute, Birmingham - April 16th, 2011: Review by J McGowen

Birmingham pop punk sweetheart, Toyah Willcox returned to her beloved Midlands to celebrate 30 years since her breakthrough album, Anthem was released. The performance promised dark and quirky, cult classics not often heard live and it beckoned diehard fans to the HMV Institute Library venue.

Toyah appeared on stage to rapturous applause and proceeded into tracks like Victims of the Riddle and Race through Space which really exposed her prowess and range - dipping from operatic to the whining punk vocal. She pranced about on stage in skirt with flowing tutu-like organza material down the back. She really embodied hypnotic witchy qualities - Kate Bush meets Stevie Nicks - and there was no doubt that she retains a mature sexiness that many of the men (and women) in the audience appreciated.

• Read the full review at the 'Midlands Rocks' website,
here.

• View a selection of great photos from Saturday's Birmingham gig at 'Contact Music',
here.
 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Birmingham: Elusive Stranger 18 April, 2011
Lots of cool footage, from Saturday night's FSF-A Birmingham gig, already appearing at 'YouTube', including the wonderful 'Elusive Stranger'. Click below to watch at 'YouTube' (Thanks to Andy Spike)

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Dreamscape News 17 April, 2011
Check out all of our FSF-A news by clicking below. Collected together because it makes sense :)

 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: More Photos 17 April, 2011
More Brumtastic photos from last night. Toyah looks... atomic!! Check out all of our 'From Sheep Farming...' news here. (Thanks to Greg Fowler for these great photos - click on each for larger)


 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Photos 17 April, 2011
Toyah, looking amazing, last night at her old dance school (aka HMV Institute, Birmingham). There's been excellent feedback for the gig. Currently, the next FSF-A concert is Leicester Square Theatre, London on 17th June. (Thanks to Richard Smith for the great photos - click each for larger)


 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Toyah Tweets 17 April, 2011
Toyah has just tweeted about last night's gig: Bham HMV was such a cool show!Audience erupted when we launched into Elusive Stranger! Queues around block,even ticket touts had great night.

Toyah's Official Facebook will have photos from the gig soon. The Official Toyah website will also be launching a page dedicated to documenting the 'FSF-A 2011' tour dates.
 
FSF-A: HMV Institute Birmingham: Set List 17 April, 2011
Lots of news filtering through about last night's, long awaited and anticipated, 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig at Birmingham's HMV Institute.

The additional new/old song to the set list, that Toyah tweeted about on Friday night, was the mighty 'Elusive Stranger'. Sadly this meant that, the equally mighty, 'Angel and Me' was removed. There will probably be some song swapping through the year so it might be played again at some gigs?

Toyah
tweeted again yesterday: I've been thru my 80s costume archive.5hrs! Found an orig melissa caplan I never wore.It's weird! I'm thinking leicester sq theatre in June - Interesting or what?

Many thanks to Merx for the Birmingham set list photo.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Live! Tonight!! 16 April, 2011
'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig number three tonight, at HMV Institute, Birmingham. Toyah tweeted last night: Can't wait to play B'ham HMV. Really rockin' venue...it's my old dance school! Adding new(old) song to set, tryin' out new look. C u there x - Have a great gig Toyah and fans!

 
Official Toyah: Toyah Brings Special Concert To Birmingham 15 Apr, 2011
Toyah plays a special gig this Saturday 16 April at the HMV Institute, Birmingham which sees her revisiting songs from her first three albums.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her platinum-selling album Anthem, the concert includes some songs not heard live for thirty years alongside the classics hit singles It's A Mystery and Thunder In The Mountains.

Concert tickets are available
here and special aftershow party tickets are now available to buy now with access to a green room, bar and DJs before and after the headline concert.
 
FSF-A: The Horn, St Albans: Photos 15 April, 2011
A stunning selection of photos from 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' at The Horn on Thursday 7th April. Please click on each for a larger version. (Thanks to Andrea Solomon for these excellent photos - View more photos from The Horn @ www.acsphotos.co.uk)



 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ St Albans: Blue Meanings 15 April, 2011
'Blue Meanings' from The Horn, St Albans. (Thanks to Simon Booth at 'YouTube')

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: St Albans 15 April, 2011
A great photo of Toyah eight days ago at the second 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' date in St Albans. The set list that night was the same as The Cavern gig. Will tomorrow's be the same also? (Thanks to Andrea Solomon for the photo - View more from The Horn @ www.acsphotos.co.uk)

• Check out all of our 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' news here.

 
Toyah Talks Music: Interview Now Online 7 April, 2011
Our interview with Toyah is now online. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to John Wain, Lärwi, and a big thanks to Stephen Bennett for his input. Mostly, thank you to Toyah for taking the time!

• Unfortunately this is the last update for the next 10 days or so. Normal service will, hopefully, resume before the third 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig at Birmingham HMV Institute.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Live! Tonight!! 7 April, 2011
It's gig number two of the 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' tour. Tonight Toyah will rock St Albans.

 
FSF-A: Leicester Square Theatre, London 30 March, 2011
The announcement yesterday of the newest date, at Leicester Square Theatre, London, has heightened the excitement for From Sheep Farming To Anthem. Book tickets by clicking below.

 
Official Toyah: London Concert Of Cult Classic Songs 30 March, 2011
Great news, announced by Toyah's Official website last night.

TOYAH ANNOUNCES SPECIAL LONDON CONCERT OF CULT CLASSIC SONGS

We are pleased to announce a very special Toyah concert is now confirmed for London. Fresh from rave reviews for its debut performance at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, Toyah will perform “From Sheep Farming To Anthem” in
London’s Leicester Square Theatre on Friday 17 June 2011 - tickets are on sale now.

Celebrating 30 years since her breakthrough platinum-selling album Anthem, this live concert will include selections from her first three cult charting albums, Sheep Farming In Barnet, The Blue Meaning and Anthem. Toyah, and her full live band, will be performing the dark and quirky anthems which put her at number one in the indie charts for the chart’s first twelve months. Toyah was then a constant in the top 10 for the following three years before her breakthrough single "It's A Mystery" went to number four in the mainstream chart. Her first three albums have been sited as the beginnings of Goth. Anthem also won the finest accolade of being performed live on the "Old Grey Whistle Test" at Drury Lane Theatre on Christmas Eve 1981 for the BBC, attracting 12million viewers.

Expect a special evening of cherry-picked songs with a substantial sprinkling of material not heard live since Toyah’s very earliest tours including the cult classics, Victims Of The Riddle, Race Through Space, Blue Meaning, Bird In Flight and Angel & Me.
 
Toyah/FSF-A @ The Cavern: Now & Then! 30 March, 2011
An absolutely fantastic photo of Toyah, now and then, at The Cavern on the first 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' date. It sums this tour up perfectly. (Thanks to Shel Mackay for this photo)

 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Liverpool: Pop Star 27 March, 2011
'Pop Star' at The Cavern. Click to watch at 'YouTube' (Thanks to WhichWay)

 
From Sheep Farming: 'The Cavern' News 25 March, 2011
We've added a News page dedicated to Toyah's From Sheep Farming To Anthem gig at The Cavern. There's photos, videos, set list and more. View here. This was the first FSF-A gig of, hopefully, many, especially after the great reaction to Sunday's gig. View our full FSF-A news here.

 
Toyah @ Liverpool Cavern Wall Of Fame 24 March, 2011
A great photo of Toyah checking out her brick at The Cavern last Sunday. View the full/larger version of this at Toyah's Official Facebook and/or Cavern Club Liverpool/Cavern Photos.

 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Liverpool: Blue Meanings 24 March, 2011
There's some excellent footage surfacing from Sunday's first From Sheep Farming To Anthem gig at The Cavern. Here is the amazing 'Blue Meanings', not played live since 1980. (Thanks to Paul Lomas - cleverly mixing footage from Sunday's gig with 'Blue Meanings' from the ATV documentary)

 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Liverpool: It's A Mystery 24 March, 2011
'It's A Mystery' from The Cavern (Thanks to themachman @ 'YouTube')

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Dreamscape News 23 March, 2011
Check out all of our FSF-A news by clicking below. Collected together for your convenience :)

 
YouTubing with FSF-A @ Liverpool 22 March, 2011
Check out WhichWay's 'YouTube'' channel for four excellent uploads from Sunday's gig at The Cavern: 'Ieya', 'Our Movie', 'Danced' and , the sublime, 'Bird In Flight'. Click below to go there.

 
The Blue Meaning: By Mark Satchwill 21 March, 2011
The era/album between 'Sheep Farming' and 'Anthem'... 'The Blue Meaning' is a formidable period in Toyah's timeline, and Mark Satchwill's incredible "Blue Meaning" artwork captures the mood of the album perfectly. FSF-A = a great "excuse" to feature this amazing Toyah art here again. View more of Mark’s work at his website here. The site includes another Toyah painting, War boys.

 
FSF-A: The Cavern, Liverpool: Photos 21 March, 2011
Four Caverntastic photos of Toyah from last night's From Sheep Farming To Anthem premiere gig. Please click on each for a larger version. (Many thanks to Glyn Whelan for these great photos)


 
FSF-A: The Cavern, Liverpool: Set List 21 March, 2011

What an utterly stunning set of songs. 'Pop Star', 'Bird In Flight' and 'Blue Meanings' live in 2011!! Bliss! Not that I'm counting but, that's six from 'Sheep Farming In Barnet', two from 'The Blue Meaning', six from 'Anthem'. Plus 'Bird in Flight', and four songs "post-Anthem": 'Thunder In The Mountains', 'Good Morning Universe', the awesome 'Angel and Me', and a nice surprise, one of the best songs of the Noughties, 'Little Tears of Love'.

Check out Toyah's Official Facebook for photographs, numerous mini reviews and comments on last night's gig. (Huge thanks to Merx for the set list • Thanks also to Paul Lomas and WhichWay)

 
Official Toyah: Toyah Rocks The Cavern Club 21 March, 2011
TOYAH ROCKS THE LEGENDARY LIVERPOOL CAVERN CLUB

Toyah triumphed with a long-awaited performance at Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club last night, kickstarting a tour which celebrates her unique songbook and thirty years since It's A Mystery hit the singles charts.

Performing a special concert at the renowned venue, Toyah delighted the audience with a set list taking in the hits Thunder In The Mountains, Good Morning Universe and I Want To Be Free alongside songs Pop Star and We Are from her Platinum-selling album Anthem.

Material not heard live since Toyah's early tours also made it to the set list, including Blue Meanings, Bird In Flight and her very first single, Victims Of The Riddle. In addition, Liverpool Cavern Club cast Toyah's name into brick which will be displayed on Liverpool's Wall of fame cited next to the music venue alongside other music legends Robert Plant, Jimi Hendrix and Robert Fripp. The "Sheep Farming To Anthem: Classics Revisited Live" tour continues with dates in St. Albans and Birmingham in April.
Click here for full live dates.
 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces!: FSF-A + 21 March, 2011
Someone 'borrowed' Toyah's handwritten lyrics from the stage and she needs them back. If you would rather keep them then a photocopy of the originals will do. (Info from John Wain)

• The world famous Cavern Club Liverpool has cast Toyah's name into a brick which will be displayed on the Liverpool Wall of Fame next to the Club & the Beatles Museum. Respect! :-) (Source:
Toyah's Official Facebook)

• Toyah wore a black sparkly dress with matching jacket, she said the reason 'Bird in Flight' was rarely done live is because "it's a bastard to sing", this was only the second time she has played 'Pop Star' live, and she said 'We Are' "should have been a single". (Thanks to Paul Lomas)

• From
Toyah's Official Facebook: "you never know...... there might be a live album of it. Cross those fingers."

• Toyah was mentioned in yesterday morning's Stiff At The BBC on Radio 4. They did a Top 9(!) rundown and 'Thunder In The Mountains' was "up three to number five..." (Thanks to PJ)

• Just 24 hours before hitting Liverpool's The Cavern, Toyah played her first full band set of the year in Southport at the 80s 48 Hr Party, alongside Go West. It was by all accounts a great gig and even had David Van Day, of Dollar, tweeting about how good it was!

 
YouTubing with From Sheep Farming To Anthem @ Liverpool 21 Mar, 2011
An amazing 'Ieya' from last night's Cavern gig. Click to watch at 'YouTube' (Thanks to WhichWay)

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #7 20 March, 2011
The countdown is complete, the first gig is tonight, and I'm ending this with a slightly controversial choice. Is this song part of the FSF-A era? It came with 'FlexiPop' number 8, published around the time of the release of 'Anthem' (the magazine even includes a review) so, yes.

FOR YOU: This is Toyah's "lost" gem. The second song on a flexi disc given away with a short-lived pop magazine, and yet this is a fantastic song, with beautiful lyrics (Secure as a clifftop in wind and snow...), great melody and vocals by Toyah. Of course it won't be included on the set list but in an ideal world it would be.

DID YOU KNOW: Toyah forgot she wrote and recorded this wonderful song? In 1998, just before 'Anthem' and 'The Changeling' were reisuued on CD, and 'For You' was finally liberated from its flexi-disc tomb, "Remember The Eighties" interviewed Toyah and asked her about it and she said :"I don't know it! Oooooh, I must go and listen to it! But I'd forgotten about 'Stand Proud' too, and 'Sphinx' and all of those... I'm going to go back and listen to it!".
 
Sheep Farming In Barnet Era: Three Rare Photos 20 March, 2011
Three, fairly, rare photos of Toyah from around the time 'Sheep Farming In Barnet' was released in 1979. Please click below for larger versions. (Thanks to Andi)

 
Counting Done! 20 March, 2011
The final "Countdown" page will be online shortly. I wonder how many of these, magnificent, seven will be played tonight? Knowing my powers of prediction, I'll take a guess at... none! :)

If I had to choose just one it would be the one the final songwords page is dedicated to. A song that definitely has zero chance of being played.

PS. Thanks for the nice comments about the mock ad. There's just something incredibly iconic about those three Toyah images, isn't there!

 
This Week.. Today.. Right Now.. We Are Mostly Listening To.. 20 Mar, 2011
... But then we always have... It's been the soundtrack to our lives!! Thanks Toyah!

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Tours 20 March, 2011
Three years, six tours: From 'The Ressurrection Tour 1979' to the 'Anthem Tour 1981'.

 
FSF-A: Overseas Features & Relea 20 March, 2011
Of course it wasn't just the UK that was obsessed with Toyah From Sheep Farming To Anthem...

Just a small selection of overseas Toyah articles and releases from that 1979 - 1981 era.

Please click to the left to view a larger version.

(Thanks to Andi for the articles scans - if anyone wants larger versions of the articles let me know)

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Live! Tonight!! 20 March, 2011
It's finally here! Toyah premieres "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" tonight! For those of you not lucky enough to be in Liverpool or heading in that direction stay tuned today to Dreamscape for our FSF-A updates. Have a great night Toyah and fans. (Awesome photo by Mick Mercer)

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #6 19 March, 2011
It's the penultimate countdown song page! Toyah plays The Cavern, Liverpool tomorrow night on the very first "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig.

BLUE MEANINGS: This probably seems like an obvious choice (whaddya mean all my choices are? :)) but it would be incredible to hear this song live in 2011. It's intrinsic to the band's early era, and its inclusion in the 1980 ATV TOYAH docu is probably one of the reasons (along with Toyah's force-of-nature personality back then) Toyah moved onto massive success mere weeks after the docu aired on ITV. View the sixth countdown page here.

DID YOU KNOW: The reason for 'The Blue Meaning' title is: "I called it "The Blue Meaning" because there are a lot of sexual innuendoes in the album songs and also it's depressing in places, so I called it "The Blue Meaning" which meant whatever the colour blue triggers off." (Toyah explaining the album's title in 'Intergalactic Ranchouse' #1).

 
Toyah in Liverpool 1979/2011 19 March, 2011

Toyah plays The Cavern, Liverpool tomorrow night. Toyah first played the city on 14th April 1979 on 'The Resurrection Tour', supporting The Damned at Eric's. The venue closed in March 1980 so its legend ties in with the FSF-A era. The "new" Cavern is across the road from where Eric's once was.

Tickets for the Cavern gig can be bought online at www.rspromo.co.uk.

 
Toyah Interviews: Post Sheep/Pre Anthem 19 March, 2011
A couple of post-Sheep Farming/pre-Anthem tabloid interviews with Toyah. Please click on either for the larger, original versions. (Thanks to Andi - who sent me these for the site many years ago)

 
IOM Today: Toyah Willcox Heads For Villa 19 March, 2011
Toyah Willcox will perform at the Villa Marina in September during a tour of special live gigs throughout the British Isles this year.

From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Classics Revisited Live! celebrates the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit It’s A Mystery and the platinum LP Anthem. The show will include selections from her first three albums, Sheep Farming In Barnet, The Blue Meaning and Anthem. It is on Friday, September 30, in the Promenade Suite. Doors open at 7.45pm and Toyah is expected on stage at 9pm. Tickets are £17.50 if bought before May 1.

Visit www.printaticket.co.uk
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #5 18 March, 2011
Counting down to Sunday's premiere "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig at The Cavern, Liverpool.

Through until Sunday we're dedicating a page a day to a classic Toyah song that should, though not necessarily will, be included in the FSF-A set list.

ELUSIVE STRANGER: What can be said about this song... ? People have, for over 30 years now, enthused about 'Danced', 'Neon Womb', 'Ieya'... and yet 'Elusive Stranger'... I think the adjective "epic" was possibly invented just to be used to describe the sixth track on 'Sheep Farming In Barnet' ... maybe :). View the fifth countdown page here.

DID YOU KNOW: Toyah "revisited" the Elusive Stranger four years after originally recording the song for 'Sheep Farming In Barnet': Elusive stranger, come on lay it on the line, alone in the madness, I'm alone for all time, I'm alone for all time... she sang on 'I Explode' from the 1983 album 'Love Is The Law'.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Bands 17 March, 2011
The Toyah band 2011 have been rehearsing their socks off fine tuning the forthcoming 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' set list... Meanwhile, here are the three original FSF-A bands, circa '79 - '81!

 
The Official Toyah Facebook: FSF-A 17 March, 2011
Some tantalising 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' updates @ Toyah's Official Facebook over the last few days:

• So the set list for FROM SHEEP FARMING TO ANTHEM: Live at the legendary Cavern Club is amazing. Let's have some bets on what the opening song is...

• "i am not part of the old movement called punk; i am part of the future." (Toyah, ATV Documentary, 1980)

• 32 years ago this month, Toyah kicked off The Resurrection Tour (27/03/79) which went on to play Eric's in Liverpool. This Sunday, "Sheep Farming To Anthem: Classics Revisited Live" premieres at Liverpool's legendary Cavern Club.

• A week tonight, the original 1980s "POP STAR", Toyah takes to the stage of the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool for the premiere gig of FROM SHEEP FARMING TO ANTHEM: CLASSICS REVISITED LIVE.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: News Page 17 March, 2011
We now have a dedicated news page for "From Sheep Farming To Anthem".

View all the related news, charting the first mention of the dates last December right through to this week's build up to this Sunday's first gig.

• View Dreamscape's FSF-A news,
here.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #4 17 March, 2011
Counting down to Sunday's premiere "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig at The Cavern, Liverpool.

Through until Sunday we're dedicating a page a day to a classic Toyah song that should, though not necessarily will, be included in the FSF-A set list.

BIRD IN FLIGHT: The third single from Toyah, released on 1st February 1980, and a non-album track. This is raw, yet melodic, with emotive lyrics and a great vocal delivery from Toyah. This didn't appear on any Toyah album for almost 15 years (Best Of Toyah, first CD compilation, 1994), and is certainly one of the early band's finest moments. View the fourth countdown page here.

DID YOU KNOW: After Mark Henry left the band following the 'Sheep Farming In Barnet' UK tour in late 1979, Toyah auditioned over 80 bassists before deciding on Charlie Francis, who co-wrote and played bass on this single, before heading out on the 'Bird In Flight' UK tour in January 1980.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Mock Ad 16 March, 2011
Unfortunately this, mock "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" ad, didn't go exactly to plan, but I've always loved these three Toyah images so I thought I would add it here anyway...

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #3 16 March, 2011
We're counting down to Sunday's premiere "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig at The Cavern, Liverpool.

Through until Sunday we're dedicating a page a day to a classic Toyah song that should, though not necessarily will, be included in the FSF-A set list. Though, every song from the first three albums are utter classics anyway.

OBSOLETE: The second song on 'Anthem', and it couldn't be more different to the first: Frantic and driven, never losing pace, and a brilliantly sudden end. I first heard this when I was 12 and I still love it as much today! View the third countdown page here.

DID YOU KNOW:
The lyrics in the second verse of 'Obsolete': We scanned their skies with stardust eyes, and kissed their rainbow minds, so we jumped right down and played the clown, to their glittering kind, they clapped and cheered, it was mighty weird, but we had to go back home, so we went to the ship for our cosmic trip, right through their dome... is part of a poem Toyah wrote when she was aged just 12?

 
Sheep Farming In Barnet: Wallpaper 15 March, 2011
Counting down to the first "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig this Sunday... Here is a rare 'Sheep Farming In Barnet' era photo of Toyah from 1979. Please click on it if you'd like to download a larger wallpaper version, without the FSF-A logo. (Thanks to Andi for this great picture)

 
Official Toyah: Toyah Kicks Off Concert Dates 15 March, 2011
TOYAH KICKS OFF CONCERT DATES AT LEGENDARY CAVERN CLUB

Hot on the heels of her performance in the final of Let’s Dance For Comic Relief, Toyah kicks off a series of hotly-awaited, special live concerts this coming Sunday, 20 March at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her hit single It’s A Mystery and the platinum-certified album, Anthem, the concerts will see Toyah perform her greatest hits and a cherry-picked selection of songs from her first three albums and early singles – many of which haven’t been performed live since the early Eighties.

The
From Sheep Farming To Anthem – Classics Revisited Live dates continue throughout 2011 and take in Liverpool, Birmingham, Oxford, Wolverhampton, Wirral, Isle of Man & a set at Blackpool’s Rebellion Punk Festival.

In addition, Toyah will perform alongside Nik Kershaw, Jimmy Somerville, Hazel O’ Connor & Rick Astley at the special Mencap charity concert, Our Friends Acoustic, at London’s The Grand on 12 May. To see Toyah’s full gig diary for 2011 with links to buy tickets click
here.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #2 15 March, 2011
We're counting down to Sunday's premiere "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig at The Cavern, Liverpool.

Over the next week we are going to dedicate a page a day to a classic Toyah song that should, though not necessarily will, be included in the FSF-A set list. Though, every song from the first three albums are classic Toyah.

LOVE ME: Has always been one of my favourites; incredible vocals, incredible band, awesome production from Steve James & Toyah. View the second countdown page here.

DID YOU KNOW: The house on the cover of 'The Blue Meaning' is Wykehurst Manor/Place situated in Wykehurst Park in Bolney, West Sussex? It was famously used for location filming in the 1973 horror movie The Legend Of Hell House as well as a number of other films (The Eagle Has Landed, Oh! What A Lovely War), including a few Hammer Horror's. Built between 1871 - 74, it was most recenty used as a hotel.

 
TV Times 1980: Toyah - Rebel Without A Pause 14 March, 2011
Counting down to the first "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig this Sunday... Here's an interview with Toyah from 'TV Times' in October 1980.

She's been a Hell's Angel, a waitress and a go-go dancer. She used to sleep in a coffin and believes the next Antichrist is due in 1982. She is now, aged 22, a post-punk singer and actress who has played the National Theatre. On Thursday, in a Minder episode, All Mod Cons, she plays Kate, a girl about to be married, whose future home, a gify from a relation, contains squatters. Her name is Toyah Willcox, and her hair is bright red (it's been through about 30 colour changes so far), her clothes (tights, top and tiny cloak) are black, and among her jewellery are bird-claw ear-rings and a false eye made into a ring.

• Read the interview via full scan here. (Thanks to Andi)

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Counting Down #1 14 March, 2011
The countdown has begun! The 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' *Premiere* gig takes place on Sunday, 20th March at The Cavern, Liverpool.

Anticipation for Toyah's "Classics Revisited Live 2011" dates has been growing and now the first gig is almost here.

The set list is, of course, being kept secret, only helping to build even more excitement, but over the next seven days we are going to dedicate a page a day to a classic Toyah song that should, though not necessarily will, be included. Every song from the first three albums is a classic.

COMPUTER: A song written over 30 years ago and yet far more lyrically relevant than much of the music clogging up the charts in 2011! View the first countdown page
here.

DID YOU KNOW: The iconic cover shot of Toyah on 'Sheep Farming In Barnet' was taken at Fylingdales Radar Base in Yorkshire? It almost didn't happen as security guards chased Toyah and photography crew from the high security site. The three "golf balls" no longer exist, they were removed in the early 90's.

• View more details and book tickets for The Cavern gig, here. Visit The Official 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' page, here.

 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces! 12 March, 2011
• There's lots of excellent online promotion for Toyah's 2011 live gigs, in particular the "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" dates. There's a great page at The Cavern's website, where the "From Sheep Farming..." premiere gig takes place a week tomorrow. View the page here, and book tickets for The Cavern gig, here.

• 'Atrix' have also just added a new page at their website on the, just announced, "From Sheep Farming..." gig taking place there in July. View their page
here.

Chesney Talks Toyah, and much more, in a new interview with 'Digital Spy'.

• Thanks to everyone for their 11th Birthday messages. Very much appreciated, as always!

 
The Official Toyah Facebook 10 March, 2011
A couple of "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" related updates at The Official Toyah Facebook yesterday:

• the better the currently announced FROM SHEEP FARMING TO ANTHEM dates sell, the better chance there is of more being added incl. London; time for the faithful to show the sign of the Voor & extra support :)

• 1 song not heard live since 1980. 1 song not heard live since 1981. 1 song not heard live since 1982. These & more will be on the SHEEP-ANTHEM set list folks..
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Two More Dates 8 March, 2011
Two more 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' dates have been confirmed for July and September.

There are now nine confirmed dates in total. Although these dates, obviously, aren't being promoted as a "tour" I know from speaking to people that many are thinking of the gigs as a tour of sorts!

Saturday 23 July 2011: Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove:
www.artrix.co.uk [Tickets on sale soon]
Friday 30 September 2011: Villa Marina Promenade Suite, Isle Of Man [
Tickets ]

With just 12 days until the first concert, at The Cavern in Liverpool on Sunday 20th March, rehearsals are in full swing. Tickets for The Cavern are available here.

 
Crave Metal: Toyah Returns To The Neon Womb 3 March, 2011
She was one of the original pioneers in the punk rock movement, but with a prolific career spanning over 30 years, 2011 welcomes Toyah Willcox back onstage in an audience approved trip back in time, and return to her outrageous roots. With a number of special gigs throughout the up and coming year, including a one off home-coming show in Birmingham, Toyah will be performing hits from her popular and iconic early albums ‘Sheep Farming In Barnet’, ‘The Blue Meaning’, ‘Toyah! Toyah! Toyah!’ and ‘Anthem’. Her stamp in the world of music sets her firmly into the immortal realm of rock legends, with 13 top 40 singles, and 20 albums since her breakthrough single “It’s A Mystery” first hit the charts back in 1981.

Toyah is also currently working on new material with writing partner Bill Rieflin, (who was a member of Ministry and Nine Inch Nails), and so eclectic as her full house audiences are, from our perspective it’s great to see her embrace the alternative scene again, which saw what many would say, her most favored and ground breaking releases to date.

Toyah’s Birmingham show is at The HMV Institute on 16th April 2011, and features her full live band, plus support from special guest goth/rock outfit, Deadfilmstar
 
Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces! 19 February, 2011
• 'Wolves Civic' have recently added a nice Toyah page, promoting her "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig at The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton on Saturday 22nd October.

• We have mentioned previously that 'Flashback Alternatives' plays a fair bit of Toyah. 'Baldy Radio' ("Home to Eighties and Rarities!!!") plays even more. Check them out
here. (Thanks to Gregory)
 
Dreamscape: Coming Soon! 14 February, 2011
Coming soon to Dreamscape: With just weeks to go until the first "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gig we will be bringing you some very rare 'Sheep Farming' era Toyah photos. ( Thanks to Andi )

 
Toyah Live 2011: Gigs Updated 8 February, 2011
Toyah at 'Here and Now' Ascot, August 2011, has now been officially confirmed. Upcoming live dates for Toyah are being added to her Gig Diary all the time. View full details of all the confirmed appearances at the Gigs page, here.

Saturday 26th February: Weekend Guitar Trio with Toyah & Jan Bang: Kings Place, London
Saturday 19th March: 48 Hour Party: 80s Weekender: Pontins, Southport
Sunday 20th March: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Cavern Club, Liverpool
Thursday 7th April: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Horn, St Albans
Saturday 16th April: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: HMV Institute, Birmingham
Friday 22nd April: Live PA: The Canterbury City Faerie Ball
Saturday 2nd July: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Regal, Oxford
Saturday 16th July: Toyah comperes at The Rock & Bike Festival (Non music)
Sunday 31st July: Rewind Festival, Scone Palace, Perth
Friday 5th August: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Rebellion Punk Music Festival, Blackpool
Saturday 6th August: Here & Now: Ascot Racecourse
Saturday 20th August: Flashback To The 80s: Clumber Park, North Nottinghamshire
Sunday 21st August: Rewind Festival, Henley-On-Thames
Saturday 22nd october: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
Sunday 23rd October: From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Jack Rabbit Slims. Hoylake, Wirral

• Toyah is included on the latest Cavern Club flyer. View here, and see The Best of the '80s comes to Ascot for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at 'Ascot Insider', here.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Band Line-Up 28 January, 2011
The "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" band has been announced:

Toyah Willcox: Verbals + Unusual Sounds
Chris Wong: Guitar
Tim Rose: Bass
Andy Doble: Keyboards
Shan Chana: Drums

Throughout 2011 a special series of Toyah concerts, "From Sheep Farming to Anthem", will take place. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit It's A Mystery these live dates will include selections from Toyah's first three albums, "Sheep Farming In Barnet", "The Blue Meaning" & the platinum-selling "Anthem". This period includes some of Toyah's biggest hits and greatest songs. The set list for these gigs will celebrate the hits but feature a a sprinkling of material not heard since some of Toyah's early tours from the late 70s and early 1980s.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: 7th Date Announced 28 January, 2011
A seventh "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" date has been announced:

Saturday 22nd October 2011
The Slade Rooms: Broad Street, Wolverhampton
Tickets
 
Best Kept Secrets: Toyah "Sheep Farming..." Live Dates 28 January, 2011
Perennial punk goddess Toyah Willcox is playing a special series of concerts during 2011 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit "It's A Mystery".

These live dates will include selections from Toyah's first three albums, "Sheep Farming In Barnet", "The Blue Meaning" & the Platinum-selling "Anthem". This period includes some of Toyah's biggest hits and greatest songs.

The set list for these gigs will celebrate the hits but feature a a sprinkling of material not heard since some of Toyah's early tours from the late 70s and early 1980s.

And to to celebrate, in the run up to the first date at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, we will be reposting clips from the fascinating intevriew that we recorded with Toyah last year where she talks about her early career and some of the many interesting things she has been invloved with.

• Read the full report at the 'Best Kept Secrets' website,
here.
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem: Official Promo 25 January, 2011
The great new official promo for Toyah's upcoming "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" dates. Please click below to view the fantastic full larger version at Toyah's Official Facebook.

 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem @ The Cavern 23 January, 2011
Very recent news from The Official Toyah Facebook: Rehearsals are being lined up for the new set.... the first From Sheep Farming To Anthem gig will be Sunday 20 March live at the legendary Cavern Club.

The Cavern Club: 10 Matthew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE
0151 236 1965 | www.cavernclub.org |
Tickets
 
From Sheep Farming To Anthem *Updated* 21 January, 2011
There are now six confirmed "From Sheep Farming To Anthem" gigs, the exciting live music event of 2011 that every Toyah fan is talking about! Classics Revisited Live with full band.

Sunday 20th March 2011: The Cavern Club, Liverpool
0151 236 1965 | www.cavernclub.org |
Tickets

Thursday 7th April 2011: The Horn, St Albans
01727 853 143 | www.thehorn.co.uk

Saturday 16th April 2011: HMV Institute, Birmingham
Digbeth, West Midlands, B5 6DY |
Tickets

Saturday 2nd July 2011: The Regal, Oxford
300 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 2AF |
Tickets

Friday 5th August 2011: Rebellion Punk Music Festival
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, FY1 1HL |
Tickets

Sunday 23rd October 2011: Jack Rabbit Slims
www.jacksbar.co.uk |
Tickets

Keep checking the
gigs section of toyahwillcox.com for further dates.

 
Toyah Live 2011 15 December, 2010
The first (at this stage) scheduled 'From Sheep Farming To Anthem' gig at HMV Institute, Birmingham has had to be moved by the promoter to Sat 16 April 2011. Ticket info here.
 
Toyah Live 2011: From Sheep Farming To Anthem 15 December, 2010
All good (good?, make that utterly amazing!) things come to those who wait... Is this just the best news to end the year on? Thanks to Toyah for such awesome news and toyahwillcox.com for < that amazing photo/promo image!

Toyahwillcox.com can exclusively reveal Toyah will perform a series of special gigs, From "Sheep Farming" To "Anthem": Classics Revisited Live throughout 2011.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her breakthrough hit It's A Mystery and the platinum LP Anthem, these live dates will include selections from her first three albums, "Sheep Farming In Barnet", "The Blue Meaning" , "Anthem". This period includes some of Toyah's biggest and greatest hit singles. This series of concerts will celebrate the hits but feature a a sprinkling of material not heard since some of Toyah's early tours from the late 70s and early 1980s.

One of the first From "Sheep Farming" To "Anthem" gigs is confirmed to take place on 26 March at the HMV Institute, Birmingham and tickets are on sale now.

There will be further details and confirmed date list announced on the Gigs page at www.toyahwillcox.com soon. Keep an eye on the official Toyah facebook page too for updates and to talk about the concerts.
 
Live Brum: Toyah at HMV Institute 2011 1 December, 2010
HMV Institute, Birmingham: 26th March 2011
From punk princess to high priestess of TV, Toyah Willcox is a uniquely gifted performer. Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, she is one of Britain’s iconic household names – an award-winning rock legend as well as a much-loved actress and music composer. This is a one off home town show. Toyah will perform her Sheep Farming album.


Dreamscape Four From Toyah 30th Anniversay Feature
Dreamscape News Archive Dreamscape Press Archive 1979 Gallery Audio & Video 1985 (& 84) Gallery Crimson Queen News & Press Archive Dreamscape Crimson Queen Feature Classic Toyah Interviews Dreamscape Toyah Gallery Classic Albums: Anthem Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Changeling 50th Birthday Mini Site Toyah Extras: Random Goodies! Three Classic Toyah Albums

Web Analytics Made Easy -
StatCounter