Narrated by Rob Brydon and featuring interviews with Jon Culshaw, Meera Syal, Paul Kaye, Michael Barrymore and the Jackass team this is promises to be the funniest 100 Greatest ever made. Toyah dons her "talking head" to chat about I'm A Celebrity... Jordan, Eurovision, The Grand Knockout Tournament, and more...

Don't forget you can also catch Toyah in The Most Fertile Man In Ireland tonight on Sky Movies 5 at 11.45pm.

Also appearing frequently was Toyah, although, as a native Brummie, that could be expected. Moving back to the subject, Toyah's videos were spectacular mini-epics in their day, and it was no surprise to see them in regular rotation across TV shows other than Tiswas.

NB: A Tiswas DVD was released late last year, though I'm not sure if any of Toyah's Tiswas appearances are included on it.

[ Source: www.tiswasonline.com ]

"Confidence is sexy no matter how old you are. If I tried to deny my age, I'd have lots to worry about, but seeing that I don't want a toy boy, I can let it all hang out" - Pop Icon, Toyah Willcox, 47.

[ Source: News & Star - 24th April 2006 ]

[ Please click on the screenshots to visit the 'Blogger' homepage ]

There are quick and less-than-quick answers to the question: "What Is Slow Music?"

One quick answer is that Slow Music is an opportunity for six pretty good and very experienced musicians to play and improvise together while experimenting/working within a specific context.

One longer answer is… 

The idea for Slow Music initially grew out of imagining a kind of music I might like to hear: long-form live improvisations working with ambient/textural/environmental ideas.

I described this to Robert Fripp and his wife Toyah Willcox while visiting on a day off during last year's R.E.M. tour. As it turned out, Toyah was quite keen on the idea and her enthusiasm helped move things forward.

[ Source: www.thrasherpresents.com ]

• Go Here... for some superb screen captures from the ATV documentary TOYAH.

• Rocky Horror Tribute: Brief Update: Special guest performers will now include Gary Amers, Michael Ball, Adrian Edmonson, Joanne Farrell, Stephen Gateley, Anthony Head, Little Nell, Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Ben Richards, Kraig Thornbur and Toyah Willcox. Special guest narrators will include Tony Slattery, Steve Pemberton, Jamie Theakston, Rayner Bourton and Richard O'Brien. 

[ Many thanks to Paul Lomas ]

Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Sunday 30th April : 9.00pm
Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Tuesday 2nd May : 1.00am
We dissect the decade that gave us Tory sleaze, Millennium bug panic, ladettes and alcopops, blasting the myths and the nostalgia to reveal what was really going on. (Toyah might appear on this as she has guested on the 70s and 80s shows).

You can still listen to the 10 minute chat by clicking on the picture.

The wrinkle-free Toyah Willcox chattd to David Jensen about her recent face-lift. She has written a book about her experiences called 'Diary of a Face-Lift'. 

Toyah talks about her insight into having a facelift as well as lifting the lid on the beauty industry's tactics for eternal youth. She talks about the difficulties that women aged 30 - 50 have in certain industries have getting jobs (eg actresses, singers etc)

Toyah tells us that she knew, at the age of 20, that she would have a facelift, but she was so shocked by seeing videos of herself on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here', that she decided that she had to go through with the procedure so that she can grow old more gracefully. 

Two of this year’s Whatsonstage.com Award winners, Michael Ball (Best Takeover in a Role for The Woman in White) and Anthony Head (Best Supporting Actor for Otherwise Engaged), will share the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter, “the sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania”, in a special one-off tribute performance of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show at the Royal Court next Wednesday 3 May 2006. 

Rocky Horror premiered at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in 1973 and later spawned the 1975 cult film (starring Susan Sarandon, Tim Curry and Meatloaf) as well as countless revivals and an ongoing UK touring production. The score includes "Sweet Transvestite," "Damn It Janet" and "Time Warp". 

In a recent poll conducted by the Royal Court, Rocky Horror was voted the most enjoyed piece of theatre presented at the theatre over the past five decades. To mark the occasion, as part of the theatre’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations, the star-studded tribute performance will be staged for one night only in the Theatre Downstairs. 

Most of the key roles will, like Frank-N-Furter, be shared. Joining Ball and Head on stage will be Stephen Gately and Adrian Edmonson (jointly playing Brad) and Joanne Farrell and Sophie Lawrence (jointly playing Janet) as well as Toyah Willcox, Noel Campbell, Gary Amers and Patricia Quinn. Guest narrators will include Jamie Theakston, League of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton, Tony Slattery, Christopher Biggins and Rocky Horror creator Richard O'Brien, who was inspired to write the musical by his childhood love of schlock sci-fi films. 

Tickets for the Rocky Horror tribute performance are priced at £50, £100, £200 and £350, with all proceeds donated to the Royal Court and Amnesty International. 

[ News Source: www.whatsonstage.com - 26th April 2006 ]

The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Royal Court Theatre on Wednesday 3 May 2006 for an exclusive tribute performance in aid of Amnesty International UK and the Royal Court Theatre.

The unique one-off production - which revives the original play as performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs 33 years ago - features original cast members with special guest performers including Ade Edmonson, Anthony Head, Richard O'Brien, Toyah Willcox, Nell Campbell, Ben Richards and Patricia Quinn. 

The show is narrated by Jamie Theakston and The League of Gentlemen’s Steve Pemberton. For this occasion Richard O'Brien, writer and creator of the original show, has re-written a number of the original characters’ roles.

Richard O'Brien said: "There couldn’t be a better cause for Rocky Horror to support than Amnesty, which continues to defend free expression and stand up for people’s rights all over the world. We need Amnesty International and Amnesty International needs us."

In a recent poll conducted by the Royal Court, The Rocky Horror Show was overwhelmingly voted the Royal Court audience’s favourite play over the past 50 years.

Limited tickets are available from the Royal Court Theatre Box office priced at £50, £100, £200 and £350. Call 020 7565 5000 or go to www.royalcourttheatre.com

[ News Source: Amnesty Internation News Release - 26th April 2006 ]

[ Source: www.toyahwillcox.com - Official e-flyer ]

I haven't had a look at the magazine as yet but, apparently, Toyah is included in a three-page feature. This is possibly the article Toyah mentioned in her March 2006 Webletter:

"At the end of last month I did a ‘sex survey for middle aged women,’ with Dr. Miriam Stoppard and Helen Lederer and I suspect none of it is printable. It’s for Women’s Own and the Daily Mirror around the 15th April."

More info, and hopefully scans, soon.

Shameful Secrets Of The 80s : Sky Three - Tuesday 25th April : 1.00am
Nouvelle cuisine, mobile phones, big hair, Sodastream, Maggie Thatcher...this is the story of what was really going on in the decade that taste forgot.
Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Sunday 30th April : 9.00pm
Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Tuesday 2nd May : 1.00am
We dissect the decade that gave us Tory sleaze, Millennium bug panic, ladettes and alcopops, blasting the myths and the nostalgia to reveal what was really going on.

She was at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on Friday (21st April) for the launch.

The global launch sees British designers join Russian fashionistas to celebrate in a fashion forum aiming to introduce up-and-coming Russian talent to UK and Western European markets.

A whole host of fashion "names" were in attendance at the event.

The Reading Hexagon Theatre (mentioned below) are available through the Reading Arts website, and the Newcastle City Hall through www.ticketline.co.uk

Special guest performers now confirmed are: Richard O'Brien, Adrian Edmondson, Anthony Head, Little Nell and Toyah Willcox. Special guest narrators: Steve Pemberton and Jamie Theakston.

The site, in association with the Royal Court Theatre and those very nice people at Rocky Horror Co., are running a competition to win tickets for the show. The competition has been extended until Midnight on Monday 24th April. Please click on the screenshots for further information on how to win one of the 21 tickets up for grabs!

The Rocky Horror Show won. Resulting in a Gala performance of The Rocky Horror Show, at the Royal Court Theatre itself, on Wednesday 3rd May 2006 at 8pm.

Tickets are being sold at a premium, with proceeds being donated to Amnesty International and the Royal Court. Only 350 tickets have been made available.

Richard O'Brien has especially re-written the part of the narrator, and will be performing on the evening. The show will be a concert performance, performed by some original cast members, high profile performers and celebrities.

She first became well-known during the punk rock era, her appearances in Derek Jarman's 1977 film Jubilee and 1979's Who album-inspired Quadrophenia, launching her as a provocative and anti-establishment figure, an image which she eventually threw off. Her singing career took off shortly afterwards, with 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 — since restyled as The Brit Awards, or "Brits" — and in 1986 she married avant-garde musician, Robert Fripp. She was one of the first acts to score regularly in the UK Singles Chart with EPs.

[ Source: www.wikipedia.org ]

Popular music is arguably the most important art form of the last 50 years. Since rock and roll erupted in the early 1950s, helping to create a new phenomenon - teenage culture, pop has defined the following decades. 

Styles of popular music are closely associated with places: Memphis, Chicago, Nashville, Detroit, Liverpool, Manchester. No one would suggest that Barnet can rival these, but nevertheless the area has played its part in pop music’s story. Lots of significant musicians grew up in the borough and many others have lived here at various times. Some are even buried here! 

[ Please click on the screenshot for further information ]

Amnesty International is delighted to support a tribute performance of The Rocky Horror Show at The Royal Court Theatre, London.

Proceeds of the evening will be donated to Amnesty International and the Royal Court Theatre.

The Rocky Horror show opened at the Royal Court 33 years ago and, in a recent poll, was voted to be the most enjoyed production that has been presented at theatre over the past 50 years.

Cast: This will be a charity performance featuring original cast members and special guest performers.

Performing: Anthony Head, Ade Edmonson, Toyah Willcox, Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Ben Richards. Narrating:, Jamie Theakston & Steve Pemberton. 

Tickets are £350, £200, £100 and £50. You can book online by credit or debit card at the Royal Court Theatre website. 

Alternatively, please telephone the theatre box office on 020 7565 5000.

Toyah has been appearing at the shows, held at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, for the past few years.

The Marlowe show has been and gone, and what an absolutely fabulous night was had by all, the show featured many acts, there were also many presenters from local radio and television present and a whole host of local childrens entertainers who entertained the crowds on the way into the theatre.

On behalf of the charity Thank You Thank You Thank you to everyone who took part in the show and of course to all of you who supported it.

Please click on the picture to visit the 'Happy Holidays'/Dave Lee website.

[ Thanks to Katy McAleese ]

A few dates have been revised and the confirmed schedule is now available. See above for the full list or leap on over to www.toyahwillcox.com.

The website also refers to the tour title as "Hitmakers". Whether this will be the actual title remains to be seen. There's also a new collage featuring Toyah, Martin Fry and Howard.

The Hexagon: Hitmakers
Thu 9 Nov 2006 8pm

Featuring the groundbreaking 80's acts:
Martin Fry and ABC: From their amazing debut 'The Lexicon Of Love', in 1982 with its lush brass constructions, shivers of strings and Trevor Horn's epic production, ABC have continued to make perfect timeless pop.
Howard Jones: A founder of early '80s synth-pop, which was as easy to sing to as it was to dance to. Hits include Things Can Only Get Better, No One Is To Blame, What Is Love? and New Song.
Toyah Willcox: Toyah has had a highly successful and diverse career with major hit records and many prestigious stage and screen roles to her credit, which has made her one of Britain's biggest household names.

[ Source: www.readingarts.com ]

Killing Made Easy 
CD single CATCD01
1. Killing Made Easy 
2. Killing Made Easy (a shot in the dark mix) 
3. Killing Made Easy (lime pickle mix) 

Written by Stranger/Limb/Bartram 
Toyah Willcox: verbals 
The Elusive Stranger: percussion 
Chris Limb: bass, computer, vocals 
Rob Bartram: guitar, vocals 

Also available from Family Of Noise is the, completely free of charge, downloadable mp3 single 'Responsible'. The track written and realised in Brighton 2004 by Chris Limb. © 2004 Catmachine Music

To buy the 'Killing Made Easy' CD please click on the CD picture for full info and payment details. To download 'Responsible' click on that cover.

In a few weeks renowned performers from all over the world head to East Anglia for two of the region's most prestigious arts events.

The Bury St Edmunds Festival began as a Weekend of Words and Music. Now events span more than two weeks and the programme boasts dozens of concerts. 

Like the King's Lynn Festival and Festival Too, which is held in July, the Bury St Edmunds Festival has a 'pop' element in the shape of the Greene King Festival. On the final weekend three concerts are being held in Abbey Gardens. Friday, May 26 is a 1970s' night with tribute bands playing glam and disco hits. The following night Toyah will headline a night of 1980s' nostalgia, including tributes to Blondie, Wham! and Duran Duran.

To read the full article please click on the screenshot.

[ Source: www.edp24.co.uk ]

Toyah Albums Last Chance Offer -  Check These Albums Out Currently Reduced From £8.99 But... This Is The Last Week At These Low Low Prices - Order Yours Now!!

'Warrior Rock', 'Love Is The Law' and 'Minx' (with the wrong cover) are included in the promotion..

• Toyah was mentioned the other night, during a question, on late-night quiz debacle The Mint on through the wee small hours ITV1.

• Both the downloads (see below), the 'Net Talk'/'Spiritual Tides' interview and Woman's Hour/'Living Out Loud' interview will only be available for a limited time. If you want to keep these please download them soon. Left click to listen to them via your browswer. Right click to save to your hard drive.

Last night's show is repeated early Tuesday morning. Shameful Secrets Of The 80s and The 90s will follow next Sunday and the week after. Not sure if Toyah will guest on either of these editions. The dates and transmission times are as follows:

Shameful Secrets Of The 70s : Sky Three - Tuesday 18th April : 1.50am
We expose the truth behind the nostalgia. England went from World Cup heroes to non-qualifiers, Gary Glitter was popular and it was hello Big Mac, hello Fat Britain.
Shameful Secrets Of The 80s : Sky Three - Sunday 23rd April : 9.00pm
Shameful Secrets Of The 80s : Sky Three - Tuesday 25th April : 1.00am
Nouvelle cuisine, mobile phones, big hair, Sodastream, Maggie Thatcher...this is the story of what was really going on in the decade that taste forgot.
Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Sunday 30th April : 9.00pm
Shameful Secrets Of The 90s : Sky Three - Tuesday 2nd May : 1.00am
We dissect the decade that gave us Tory sleaze, Millennium bug panic, ladettes and alcopops, blasting the myths and the nostalgia to reveal what was really going on.

I've just bought a new MP3 converter so I'm hoping to sporadically add some, interesting, downloads over the coming months, including something kinda special in May to celebrate Toyah's 48th birthday...

[ Running Time: 10.36 minutes / File Size: 14.1mb - Click on the image to download ]

[ Keep an eye on the website for updates: www.nowthatsweird.co.uk ]

Thanks to Ross Hemsworth, who interviewed Toyah, and provided the file. Ross hosts Now That's Weird (mentioned during the interview) on 'Net Talk' every Friday night, 9pm till Midnight - Click on the banner below for further information.

[ Running Time: 12.43 minutes / File Size: 10mb - Click on the image to download ]

[ Thanks to Kevin Young ]

[ Thanks to Chris Cox for the picture ]

Still, here's some groovy screen caps, of Toyah sporting a variation of the look best known from the cover of her 'Four More From Toyah' EP, from the programme.