Birmingham's new 'super-hospital' in Edgbaston is rising at some speed and it won't be long until bosses no longer need Selly Oak Hospital, which it is replacing.

And when they come to demolish the ageing building in Raddlebarn Road, they need look no further than Brummie punk princess Toyah.

Wild-at-heart Toyah, who spent much of her childhood in and out of Selly Oak Hospital, said she would be first in line to press the button that blows up the building.

The 49-year-old star, who now lives with husband and former King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp in Worcestershire, needed years of corrective treatment because she was born with a twisted spine and one leg longer than the other.

Toyah, who was behind hits such as I Want To Be Free, would like nothing better than to see the wards, where she spent so many years, destroyed.

The singer is making a comeback at the moment, recording a new album and starring with Billie Piper in new ITV series Belle De Jour: The Secret Diary Of A Call Girl.

[ News Source: www.icbirmingham.co.uk - 24th August 2007 ]

Check back soon for more Battle Abbey photos.

[ Thanks to Paul White ]

Call Girl Diaries will shed light on the world of high-class call girls, and will ask whether the Belle de Jour diaries, which became a best-selling book, are genuine or fake. 

The eight-part drama, called Secret Diary of a Call Girl, will star Piper alongside Toyah Willcox, as her mother, and Cherie Lunghi, who will play her agent. 

It will premiere on ITV2 in September as part of an effort to put more original commissions on the digital channel.

The hour-long, one-off documentary - which will air on both ITV1 and ITV2 - is being made by independent producer World's End Productions.

"It is very different from previous takes on the British sex industry," said the documentary's executive producer, Gregor Cameron.

"There is a massive internet-based escort industry of self-employed women out there. Some people who are perfectly happy for their pictures to appear on the internet ran for cover at the mere idea of an interview. Others just relished the idea of telling their story.

"Some of the call girls we spoke to said the Belle de Jour diaries couldn't possibly be genuine, others claimed they had met her and one person even claimed to share a literary agent."

Secret Diary of a Call Girl is being made by independent producers Tiger Aspect and Silver Apples, and talent agency Artists Rights Group.

[ News Source: www.media.guardian.co.uk - 9th August 2007 ]

Every Thursday, Sunset Feature (show starts just after sunset). The garden opens at 6pm. and tickets cost $7 per person. Includes picnic mats or seats in the garden, a bag of popcorn, and a drink.

Rock & Roll summer kicks off August 16th with Jubilee.

With Jubilee, legendary British filmmaker Derek Jarman channeled political dissent and artistic daring into a revolutionary blend of history and fantasy, musical and cinematic experimentation, satire and anger, fashion and philosophy. With its uninhibited punk petulance and sloganeering, Jubilee brings together many cultural and musical icons of the time, including Jordan, Toyah Willcox, Little Nell, Wayne County, Adam Ant, and Brian Eno (with his first original film score), to create a genuinely unique, unforgettable vision. Ahead of its time and often frighteningly accurate in its predictions, it is a fascinating historical document and a gorgeous work of film art.

[ Source: www.uppereastgarden.com - August 2007 ]

[ Thanks to Brian Marsh - Visit Brian's MySpace for more pictures ]

Battle Abbey Set-List: Echo Beach, Thunder In The Mountains, Its A Mystery, Sweet Child O' Mine, and I Want To Be Free.

[ Thanks to Paul Johnson - Visit Paul's MySpace for dozens more pictures ]

The three-disc set includes the episode starring Toyah, 'Blue Marigold'. The opening episode of the series.

Roald Dahl's chillingly brilliant anthology series, Tales of the Unexpected, makes a return to DVD.

Although widely-regarded as one of the greatest children's authors of all-time, Roald Dahl also wrote chilling adult fiction, taking the twisted ideas used to entertain children and thrilling adults with similar themes. Much-gossiped about in its day, the surprising stories - usually with a sting in the tale - enthralled a nation the moment the iconic titles started.

The English Heritage Picnic Concerts take place in the idyllic grounds of some of England's finest stately homes. Concerts will be taking place at Audley End in Saffron Walden, Essex, Marble Hill in Twickenham and Battle Abbey near Hastings. Highlights of this year’s programme include Bryan Ferry, Lemar & Beverley Knight, Katherine Jenkins, The Buena Vista Social Club from Cuba, Jools Holland with special guest vocalist Lulu and our new Party! Nights featuring eighties' pop legends Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle, Midge Ure, T'Pau, Toyah Willcox, Limahl and Nick Heyward. The English Heritage Picnic Concerts are supported by Jacques Fruit Cider, the new Belgian cider from Strongbow.

Battle Abbey, Battle, Hastings
Saturday 25th August – Party! At Battle Abbey featuring eighties’ superstars Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle Midge Ure, T’Pau. Toyah Willcox and Nick Heyward. 

[ You can also watch a clip here, or click the banner above ]

[ Please click on the banner above to go there ]

[ Source: Official Toyah MySpace - Go there for larger versions ]

[ Source: Sean Chapman MySpace - Go there for larger versions ]

2 DAVID “HONEYBOY” EDWARDS
The veteran Mississippi Delta bluesman, who is fast approaching a century, continues his legendary journey up the Blues Highway. The Spitz, E1 (020-7392 9032) Sat 

3 DEVOTCHKA
The best in knees-up Mariachi punk – by way of Denver, Colorado – from the four-piece that soundtracked the indie movie Little Miss Sunshine. 93 Feet East, Brick Lane, E1 (www.93feeteast.co.uk 020-7247 3293), Mon

4 RILO KILEY
A blast of Californian sunshine courtesy of the indie-pop darlings, whose ace new album, Under the Blacklight, even has a little disco dust sprinkled on it. Carling Academy Islington, Parkfield Street, N1 (www.islington-academy. co.uk 0844 4772000), Mon

5 THE ROLLING STONES
So, Keef did snort his Dad’s ashes, but it wasn’t “with” cocaine, but “like” cocaine. Anyway, it doesn’t seem to have done him any harm as the old gang are out on the road...again. O2 Arena, Millennium Way, SE10 (0871 2200260), Tues & Thur

[ Source: www.timesonline.co.uk - Saturday 18th August 2007 ]

[ Please click on the images above to visit Toyah's Official MySpace ]

Please click on the picture above to view (or buy) these. Toyah's photos are from Page 22 onwards.

[ Thanks to Andrew York ]

1. Take On Me - A-Ha
2. Mad World - Tears For Fears
3. Tell Me When - Human League
4. Obsession - Animotion
5. Torch - Soft Cell
6. Quiet Life - Japan
7. Feels Like Heaven - Fiction Factory
8. Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You) - A Flock Of Seagulls
9. Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime - Korgis
10. We Are Glass - Gary Numan
11. Mind Of A Toy - Visage
12. New Song - Howard Jones
13. Underpass - John Foxx
14. Love On Your Side - Thompson Twins
15. Einstein A Go Go - Landscape
16. I Want To Be Free - Toyah
17. Drowning In Berlin - Mobiles
18. Da Da Da - Trio

[ Thanks to Angus Turner ]

The woman known as Belle De Jour published her diaries in 2005 and, despite many attempts to discover her true identity, remains anonymous. Her no-holds-barred account of her experiences as a prostitute is frank, funny and highly compelling.

The Secret Diary Of A Call Girl is the story of a 21st-century Moll Flanders, an illuminating glimpse behind the scenes of the high-class sex trade. It is an insight into the secret life of an extraordinary young woman whose conventional family have no idea that she is leading a double life.

The eight-part series, each episode lasting 30 minutes, will be broadcast initially on ITV2 but it is likely it will be repeated on ITV1. It is currently scheduled to be broadcast in Autumn 2007 at a peak airtime.

[ News Source: ITV Media - Inside Out - August 2007 ]

Singer and actress Toyah Willcox is so mean her husband says that her purse screams if she opens it.

Toyah Willcox shot to fame during the punk rock era. Her appearances in Derek Jarman’s 1977 film Jubilee and the cult classic Quadrophenia launched her as an antiestablishment figure.

In the 1980s, she sang hits such as I Want To Be Free and It’s A Mystery. In 1983, she was voted Best Female Singer at the British Rock and Pop Awards. She has also starred in many West End plays, including Taming of the Shrew and Cabaret, and has recently started filming a drama for ITV2, The Secret Diary of a Call Girl, starring Billie Piper. 

Willcox, 49, lives with her husband, the former King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, in Worcester. 

Please click here to read the full interview.

[ Source: www.timesonline.co.uk - Sunday 12th August 2007 ]

Disc One:
1. Confide In Me - Kylie Minogue
2. Crazy Chick - Charlotte Church
3. Not That Kind - Anastacia
4. Ain't Got No : I Got Life - Nina Simone
5. I Try - Macy Gray
6. All Around The World - Lisa Stansfield
7. Un-Break My Heart - Toni Braxton
8. Promise Me - Beverley Craven
9. Perfect - Fairground Attraction
10. Life - Des'Ree
11. Who's Zoomin' Who - Aretha Franklin
12. This Is It - Melba Moore
13. Shackles (Praise You) - Mary Mary
14. Back And Forth - Aaliyah
15. See The Day -  Dee. C. Lee
16. 99 Red Balloons - Nena
17. Yes Sir, I Can Boogie - Baccara
18. Ready To Go - Republica

Disc Two:
1. The Power Of Love - Jennifer Rush
2. Holidng Out For A Hero - Bonnie Tyler
3. Right Beside You - Sophie B Hawkins
4. Tell It To My Heart - Taylor Dayne
5. Love Come Down - Evelyn 'Champagne' King
6. Automatic - The Pointer Sisters
7. Manic Monday - Bangles
8. Ruby Tuesday - Melanie
9. Central Reservation - Beth Orton
10. Don't Fall In Love (I Said) - Toyah
11. I Love To Love - Tina Charles
12. The Way We Were/Try To Remember - Gladys Knight
13. That Ole Devil Called Love - Alison Moyet
14. Free - Deniece Williams
15. When Will I See You Again - The Three Degrees
16. Heartbreaker - Dionne Warwick
17. Losing My Mind - Liza Minnelli
18. True Colours - Cyndi Lauper

Godforsaken (August 2007):

1) Latex Messiah (Viva La Rebel In You) [Preview clip]. 2007. A Brand New Willcox/Darlow produced track.

2) Heal Ourselves 2007. A Brand New Willcox/Darlow produced track.

3) Lesser God [Preview clip] 2007. A Brand New Willcox/Darlow produced track.

4) God Ceases to Dream (remix).1994. Unreleased remix by Phil Nicholas / Toyah Willcox.. Original version on the album Take the Leap! (Edsel CD DIAB 8081).

5) Dreamchild (Acoustic/Live).1997. Official live version recorded at Bourbon Street, Glasgow / Previously unreleased.

[ Source: Official Toyah MySpace - 10th July 2007 ]

Quatermass : ITV4 - Sunday 12th August : 8.00pm
Lovely Lightning. Professor Quatermass and Kapp watch in horror as a huge bolt of lightning hits the gathering at Ringstone Round, reducing the crowd to a carpet of white ash on the ground. Isabel, the sole survivor of the incident, is taken to London by Quatermass and Annie Morgan, but Kapp and his family must stay behind to face the reprisals of the Planet People.

Brum : CBeebies - Tuesday 14th August : 3.15pm
Brum and The Airport Adventure. The adventures of a little car who lives in a motor museum, narrated by Toyah Willcox. When precious gems are stolen from a famous celebrity at the airport, Brum is soon on the trail of the two thieves.

Never Mind The Buzzcocks : VH1UK - Thursday 16th August : 9.30pm
Another edition of the classic comedy pop quiz with special guests Toyah, Tony Wright, Saul Davies and John Moloney. Mark Lamarr presents.

[ Thanks to Andi Westhorpe for the pictures ]

[ Thanks to Richard Smith ]

[ Thanks to Richard Smith ]

The mail out includes a plethora of Toyah news, including info that there will be a new Toyah album at some point (possibly Spring 2008) but full details are still to be confirmed. There will also be a new "Best Of" compilation album, covering Toyah's entire music career from 'Victims Of The Riddle' to 'Velvet Lined Shell', though this won't be available until late 2008.

This also includes Toyah's latest Webletter, which is also available as a blog at the Official Toyah MySpace.

Check your email or subscribe over at www.toyahwillcox.com.

[ Source: Official Toyah e:news - Thursday 9th August 2007 ]

The Official Toyah e:news also mention there are new dates for Skegness and Minehead Butlins in Spring 2008, and that Toyah and Hazel O'Connor are also in talks to do a string of double headline gigs in November 2008 in Manchester and London.

When you reach the page, scroll down and look for "Magic of the 80's video" and " Magic of the 80's - slideshow".

[ Source: www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk - July 2007 ]

A new Toyah song Am I Made By A Lesser God (by Toyah & Simon Darlow) will preview exclusively in August , here on The Official Toyah MySpace.

Thousands of music fans braved heavy downpours and thick mud to enjoy the sounds of the 1980s in Alnwick. They were entertained by stars of the decade, including Toyah Willcox, Midge Ure and Belinda Carlisle.

Some even thought the rain added to the event. Julia Convery, of Fairfields, Alnwick, was enjoying the music with her sister-in-law Karen Convery. Julia said: "It's amazing and it's really brought back the memories. The weather hasn't spoiled it at all. The atmosphere's been fantastic. The mud's like Glastonbury – Glastonbury here we come!"

David Lockey, of Oswald Street, Amble, said: "It's great having this on your doorstep and it's good for the area. You've got the castle as well, you can't go wrong."

His wife Sonia said: "I grew up with these bands so it's great to see them. It's not every day you see Toyah Willcox and T'pau on your doorstep."

John McKewon, of Cornhill Estate, Alnwick, said: "It's been brilliant, the rain hasn't put people off."

Tony Robson and Chris Isats had come to the concert from Chatton. Tony said: "The mud hasn't spoiled it for me."

[ Source: www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk - 26th July 2007 ]

From the moment Toyah Willcox stepped onto the Alnwick stage on Saturday it didn't matter whether it was bucketing down or blazing sunshine.

As for the thousands of people who plodged their way to the Pastures – they were going to have a great time regardless. The concert had been billed as a picnic-type event but the weather put paid to that. But that didn't matter.

There were some who brought along their picnic baskets and freezer boxes but sitting on rugs was definitely out of the question. As long as you had your wellies, you were fine.Down at the front there wasn't a blade of grass to be seen in the quagmire and feet squelched in inches of mud.

Mid-way-through the rain did stop and it was actually pleasant – not something we've been used to during this excuse of a summer. But the heavens opened again towards the end of Belinda Carlisle's set – the penultimate act – ensuring everyone went home soaking wet, but happy.

Toyah started proceedings with a rendition of the Guns 'n' Roses classic Sweet Child O' Mine followed by It's a Mystery and I Want To Be Free.

For many she was the star of the show – she had certainly made the most effort with her outfit – but my favourite was yet to come.

The second act to brace the stage was Carol Decker of T'pau fame who ended on a great high with China In Your Hand.

Haircut 100 frontman Nick Heyward – sporting the wellies and a shirt he'd bought in Alnwick earlier in the day, as he told the Gazette – was next to entertain the crowds. It certainly wasn't a Fantastic Day weather-wise but revellers bopped around and sang-along as if it was.

Midge Ure completed the first half of the programme singing songs from his days with Ultravox – Vienna – and Visage – Fade To Grey.

After the short interval, Go West – Peter Cox and Richard Drummie – performed. They were the highlight for me singing Faithful, We Close Our Eyes and King of Wishful Thinking. Everybody was dancing in the mud and as a bonus the weather was fine at this point.

Belinda Carlisle – the most anticipated act for many – was next and she didn't disappoint. It was a 20-minute-or-so hits fest with Live Your Life Be Free, Circle In The Sand, Leave A Light On and Heaven Is A Place On Earth. It was a shame it starting raining again during her set.

Last to entertain the masses was Martin Fry of ABC fame who performed The Look of Love and When Smokey Sings.

A fireworks display rounded off a great night. The conditions made the night more memorable.

[ Source: www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk - 27th July 2007 ]

[ Source: Official Toyah MySpace - August 2007 ]

[ Source: Scotland on Sunday - 24th June 2007 - Thanks to Alec Kelly ]

[ Please click on the caps to view the clip at YouTube ]

Visit Minna's Article Archive soon for a full transcript from the show.

[ Thanks to Craig Astley @ www.toyahwillcox.com ]

The Set-List was: Echo Beach, Thunder In The Mountains, Sweet Child 'O Mine, I Want To Be Free, and It's A Mystery.

Check back soon for more pictures of Toyah at Tatton Park.

[ Thanks to Richard Smith ]

[ Thanks to Richard Smith ]

Sat on rugs, garden chairs, surrounded by a menagerie of items from their conservatories, many of the nostalgia seeking fans wish they could go home in Marty McFly’s Delorean and wake up in 1985. 

But, for now they are quite happy to let the likes of Toyah, Altered Images and Bananarama bring them back.

The Cheshire set may have donned rose tinted designer sunglasses but this concept only allows them to have brief flashbacks, as each act is only given 20 minutes each, to prove their mettle. How apt, as none of them are Top Of The Pops anymore.

Toyah, more famous with the youth for 'I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here' opens her set with a cruise ship-style version of 'Echo Beach'.

She bounces around the stage like a hyperactive Andrex puppy, desperate for the loo. The crowd drop their quiche and wine for a dance.

Carol Decker  from T’Pau is much more of a classy singer with great stage presence. Her Valentine proves that she still has heart and soul. 

Bananarama have been going strong now for 25 years. They used to be three but now Sarah and Keren are a double act with two unfit dancers and a backing tape. They sound as flat as Robert De Niro, so Siobhan will be glad that she stayed at home with Shakespeare’s Sister. This is strictly hen night karaoke, but by now the crowd seem too drunk to notice.

Claire Grogan breathes life into the gig with her wit and energy, the crowd respond – dancing their way through 'Happy Monday' with no self awareness, whatsoever.

But the night belongs to Belinda Carlisle who has the audience eating out of the palm of her hands, running through all the hits, allowing you to realise how good she actually is. No backing tape required, this lady plays the tambourine, dances and sings. It’s time for a Belinda comeback, methinks.

Nick Heyward has a tough act to follow, but his humble performance creeps up on you and by the time he sings 'Fantastic Day' you realise that what yesterday was just that. 

Despite the odd disappointment, Bananarama murdering their songs in a set reminiscent of a Radio One road show circa 1984; this was one hell of a picnic.

[ Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk - 30th July 2007 ]

The Set-List was: Thunder In The Mountains, It's A Mystery, Sweet Child 'O Mine, and I Want To Be Free.

[ Thanks to Angus Turner ]

[ Thanks to Paul Williams ]