Seeing Toyah and Robert Fripp live is always an experience, and their set at the Firestation was no exception. An evening of pure entertainment—blending musical brilliance, theatrical energy, and an undeniable sense of fun. Toyah has always been a powerhouse performer, and Fripp, well… he’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Together, they make for an unlikely but utterly compelling duo.
I first saw Toyah perform in the early ‘80s, at the height of her punk/new wave fame, when she was a force of nature on stage. I remember being struck by her sheer presence commanding the crowd with “It’s a Mystery” and “I Want to Be Free”, two anthems that still resonate today. Fast forward to more recent years, and I saw her again with Robert Fripp as they began touring together, blending their respective musical worlds. That show was a surreal mix of Toyah’s theatricality and Fripp’s intricate, almost otherworldly guitar work a partnership that, despite seeming like an odd pairing on paper, works brilliantly in practice.
At this most recent gig, the duo took to the stage with their signature blend of high-energy rock, nostalgia, and cheeky humour. Toyah, ever the performer, was full of charisma, striding across the stage in a dazzling outfit, engaging with the crowd like she was born to do it (which, of course, she was). Fripp, sitting in his usual composed stance, let his guitar do the talking—delivering those unmistakable King Crimson-style flourishes with effortless precision.
I first saw Robert Fripp in King Crimson in 1974 at Newcastle Odeon, at which he performed the Red album, along with the encore “21st-century schizoid man” I saw him perform with the magnificent Crimson many years later at the Usher Hall Edinburgh. The lineup was very different but his guitar playing remained impeccable.
From the opening number “Rebel Yeah”, it was clear this was going to be a set full of fan favourites. “Thunder in the Mountains” sounded just as thrilling as it did back in the day, was delivered with a theatrical grandeur that few performers could pull off quite like Toyah.
Of course, the real joy of a Toyah & Fripp show is the unexpected moments, and this gig delivered plenty. Their now-infamous Sunday Lunch covers have given them a whole new audience, and it was fantastic to see them incorporate some of those into the set. Their version of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” was as fun as it was ferocious, while “Heroes”, a song close to Fripp’s heart, given his guitar work on the original Bowie track, was simply spellbinding.
The partnership is somewhat bizarre, but it somehow works: Toyah the punk Queen and Robert the quiet guitar hero. I believe that for part of the year he lives in New York and she in London. Yet when they come together their partnership is stronger than ever. This is clearly the case when you see them perform such as this evening.
Then came the crowd-pleaser of all crowd-pleasers, “It’s a Mystery”. The moment those opening notes rang out, the audience erupted. It’s a song that has remained iconic for over 40 years, and seeing Toyah belt it out with such energy and enthusiasm made it feel as fresh as ever.
Toyah closed the evening with a great version of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll ”. And the girl clearly does. Many thanks to Jackie for the photographs and Laura and to Chris for helping me put together the blog entry. Treated myself to a couple of signed prints. Toyah & Robert Fripp continue to prove that music should be fun, fearless, and, above all, full of life. Long may they keep bringing their unique brand of rock and theatricality to the stage!
Setlist: (something like) Thunder in the Mountains; Are You Gonna Go My Way (Lenny Kravitz); Echo Beach (Martha and the Muffins); Paranoid (Black Sabbath); It’s a Mystery; Fashion (David Bowie co written by Fripp); Sunshine of Your Love (Cream); Heart of Glass (Blondie); Sweet Child o’ Mine (Gunz and Roses); Roses in Chains; Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top); Enter Sandman (Metallica); Rockin’ in the Free World (Neil Young); Rebel Yell (Billy Idol); I Want to Be Free; Merry Xmas Everybody (Slade); Heroes (David Bowie co written by Fripp); I Love Rock’n’Roll (Joan Jett / The Arrows).
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by blazevaliantlyfc3a4bdc17 on March 17, 2025 at 6:30 pm
I like their Sunday lunchtime videos, the p*** take is strong!.
I only saw her once in 79, in a small night club in my town. She was out of it falling off stage and the local thugs were fondling her b**bs and sticking their hands up her dress. I have zero memory of whether the music was good or bad.
I guess you’ll edit or not post my comments …
Paul
Posted by vintagerock on March 18, 2025 at 11:44 am
Yes their videos are great fun Peter
Posted by TerriersFan on March 17, 2025 at 6:41 pm
You’re a lucky lad, Peter. I would love to see this pair perform together and, as you rightly say, their ‘Sunday Lunch’ videos are hugely entertaining.
Both Bob and Toyah have clearly still got “it” and I just hope that they continue to tour and get around more of the provinces (Lincoln and/or Nottingham, please!)
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on March 18, 2025 at 11:40 am
Thanks Roger yes they are lots of fun Peter
Posted by annelambton on March 18, 2025 at 12:58 am
Love Robert Fripp – really liked the King Crimson years with Adrian Belew – another interesting musician – have a listen to Man in The Moon – there are a couple of versions of it – one of my favourite songs.
Posted by vintagerock on March 18, 2025 at 11:37 am
Hi Anne I am not aware of that song. I shall search it out best wishes Peter
Posted by annelambton on March 18, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Try this version – https://youtu.be/Q3NVDJk1sZQ?si=_O7zNKzQkfLz9E6a
Posted by vintagerock on March 18, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Sounds lovely. What is the connection with Crimson/Fripp? Peter