Gigs: Toyah & Robert's Sunday Lunch at Liverpool Philharmonic
On 16 October, Toyah Wilcox, Robert Fripp, and their fabulous six-piece band enlightened the Liverpool Philharmonic with hilarious comedy bits, personal stories, and, last but not least, music that lit up the whole hall. Inspired by their YouTube series Sunday Lunch, which started in 2020’s infamous lockdown, they decided to go out on the road for a change of scenery.
I arrived at my seat right after the doors opened. As the Phil filled up, a couple sat down next to me, one of whom was a photographer. The crowd was in good spirits throughout the whole evening, singing many of the songs and dancing in their seats. I spotted one man in a Bowie t-shirt and another wearing a Sparks tour tee.
On stage, there were inflatable props: gold crowns, red and silver hearts, and a unicorn fit for a child’s birthday party that comically fell over. One could almost palpably feel the rise in excitement as Toyah arrived on stage adorned in a sparkling gold dress with a long-sleeved mesh undershirt; Robert and the rest of the band wore more simplistic formal garments in black and white.
As part of their introduction, Toyah commented that going out on a Monday night was quite a rebellious act for us concert-goers. It certainly was, but it was worth every minute! Thundering in with her “Thunder in the Mountains,” the audience was powered up and ready to go. Her voice hasn’t lost its magnificence; in fact, it almost seemed stronger and more powerful onstage.
A commonality during the two-hour performance was a rivalry between Toyah and Robert – an ‘insight’ into their thirty-seven-year marriage. She once made note of Robert’s ‘headmaster demeanour’ and that there was more to him than that; he is a rock god, after all! Later, Robert said that he often bore the brunt of ‘harsh critique’ with a pitiful tone of voice. We were made to feel sorry for him, poor Robert! Another comment about halfway through, made by Toyah again: “I’m so pleased I can’t see one Fripp shirt!” Then, pausing: “We’re SO competitive!” She must’ve jinxed it as she found a King Crimson tee seconds after. Quelle horreur!
Most songs were opened by personal stories, often about the musician(s) whose music they were covering. For example, before diving headfirst into Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” Toyah told a story of how Robert had been asked to perform with the ‘other’ Robert (Robert Plant, frontman of Led Zeppelin) this summer. She said whenever the Roberts hang out, she can never get a word in! Supposedly, they both have a thing for blues music. A wave of euphoria washed over everyone as “Kashmir” transported us to higher realms.
For Toyah’s very own “It’s a Mystery,” she shared how the single sold a whopping 75,000 units right after its initial release. So, she had the crowd record the song with their phones to recreate that sense of hysteria and popularity she felt back in 1981. There was a strong sense of group togetherness.
Toyah then showed off her smooth tricks with a baseball bat, gracefully twirling it around in her hands and marching around the stage for Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” Apparently, that was the song that made her like school!
Of particular note was their cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” where Robert’s guitar soared to new heights. A moment of pure Fripp magic.
The song that made the crowd sing and dance the most was ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” Until the end, that is.
Everybody stood up in the encore for their cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” of which Fripp was the lead guitarist on the original recording. There was a sense of comradery between the audience members there. The final song to carry the crowd home was The Arrows’ “I Love Rock ‘n Roll”; a fitting conclusion to such a rockin’ concert. Everyone was clapping with their arms high up in the air, per Toyah’s instruction.
Speaking fondly of their Sunday Lunch show, Toyah said the music is ‘ never the joke’ as it’s always about supporting the artist(s). In fact, Toyah mentioned that Judas Priest’s management team said their show was the best advertising they’d had in ages.
Not only was Liverpool graced by wildly skilled musicians on Monday evening, but also by a talented comedy duo: Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp. At 65 and 77 years of age, respectively. I shall look back at this gig with a big smile on my face in the years to come.
Remaining tour dates
21 Oct - London, Shepherd's Bush Empire
25 Oct - Buxton, Opera House
26 Oct - Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
28 Oct - Swansea, Grand Theatre
29 Oct - Birmingham, Town Hall
