Legend's soft spot for area 

Brummie-born punk princess Toyah Willcox thrilled fans at Wolverhampton's Robin 2 club with a storming set last night. 

Toyah blended some of her greatest hits, including It's A Mystery, with some of her favourite rock anthems to the delight of a packed out crowd. 

And 80s legend Toyah, 47, revealed she has a real soft spot for Black Country audiences. 

Speaking before the gig Toyah, who has played the city three times, praised local rock fans, saying they were some of the best she'd played in front of in her 30 years of touring. She said: "You get really great crowds here. Wolverhampton has really passionate fans who get involved and are great to play to." 

Last night's concert was filmed for a new DVD which will be in the shops for Christmas. It means people attending the concert will be able to buy a permanent momento of the night, together with behind the scenes footage and interviews. 

Toyah returns to thrill her loyal fans in city 

Crowd is in raptures as princess of punk sings 

Punk princess Toyah returned to her roots last night with a gig in Wolverhampton, Mark Douglas spoke to her 

Brummie punk star Toyah stormed into Wolverhampton last night and revealed why the West Midlands holds a special place in her heart. 

Toyah played a riotous set at Bilston's Robin 2 club as part of her sell-out UK tour, and said she loved the passionate crowds she draws in this area. 

Passionate
Speaking before the packed out gig Toyah, who has played the city three times, said: "You get really great crowds here. Wolverhampton has really passionate fans who get involved and are great to play to. I played this venue six or eight years ago and I always remember it being a good gig because the audience can really get involved with you." 

Backed up by a six-piece band, including a brass section, Toyah belted out a selection of hits from three decades to fans last night. 

Toyah played the Civic Centre last year, and said it was great to return to the West Midlands. The flaxen-haired rock star said: "I love heraing the accent. Wherever you go in the world you can always tell when there is a Brummie around and I absolutely love it." 

Filming 
Toyah spent all of yesterday filming a new live DVD at Robin 2, with interviews, live footage and behind-the-scenes extras all being filmed by a camera crew. 

The Robin 2 gig was a bit of a shift of gear for Toyah, who has been selling out huge 20,000 venues as part of the 80s nostalgia Here And Now tour. 

She said: "I think I like bigger venues because there is no feeling like going out in front of 20,000 people and performing. 

"But this place looks fantastic and they have done a great job of refurbishing it." 

This year has been a busy time for Toyah as she has re-released all of her back catalogue of punk classics. And she is still busy as a TV presenter and actress, which has seen her star on everything from popular travel show Holiday to Songs Of Praise. 
 

Birmingham Express & Star
17th September 2005
Thanks to David Gilchrist