2007
2006
2005

Q: If you weren't the great musician, singer/songwriter that you are what would you have done instead of music? – Colleen, London

Toby: I would have gone into film making and strove to become a director. I still hope to direct some day...


Q: If you could make a duets album (or similar), what songs would you like to sing & with whom? – Daisy – East Anglia

Toby: the easy answer would be to work with Robert Plant, Roger Daltry etc but most of my real heroes are no longer with us and also it would be probably to easy. I like a lot of the female singers at the moment. KT Tunstall (spelling?) and Pink as well as Avril Lavigne would be great to work with. Songs....need to think about that, so many of my favourite songs would be too precious to even contemplate trying to cover...


Q: Blues Good song, but why is that the title? – Nige, Northallerton

Toby: the song was written whilst we were demoing for jam, and I wrote the lyric at Jacobs studios, whilst watching movies back to back through the night. I remember watching Raising Cain, Brian Depalma's movie and it struck a chord with me about how weird it must be for sufferers of that illness, but also what a good subject matter it was and how in many ways being a rock musician is like living two lives, a public and private, so the idea evolved out of that lot of musing...


Q: Toby, I know this is a controversial question, but what are your opinions on file sharing? Do you think it is as damaging to the industry as the record industry would have us believe? I think the dip in CD sales has more to do with the sub standard quality of corporate music being pushed by men in suits who have no idea what is quality music, over people downloading.   Anyway, I would love to hear a real musicians opinion on it. – Craig, Phoenix.  

Toby: I regard it like bootlegging really. I think the problem is the quality, in the old days, we dubbed albums onto ferric tape and the quality was rubbish and usually the only reason we did this was because we couldn't afford the official album. Nowadays I would say that technology has obviously made it possible to get material free and as good as the original, so the landscape has changed and it can’t be denied that it has affected record sales, after all, not everyone is a rabid, hard core fan and so a copy is enough if there is interest there. I personally don't do it, I prefer to own original pieces of work in the official packaging and I have never done it out of respect for the efforts of the artist. Very complicated issue but I choose not to.  I take your point about discovering bands and that has a bearing I’m sure on the overall business, more awareness etc...


Q: How's your Mum these days? I remember sending her a Too Posh To Mosh album cover for you to sign when you next popped home and chatting to her on the phone and she was absolutely fantastic! (And so were you as you also sent me a signed 87EP!) – Smudge

Toby:  my mums great thanks, she was always excited about the band and so continually supported everything to do with it, and still does


Q: Toby I remember when I bought the Ten miles high single and was listening to the track overrated as from that minute half way through the song I turned round to my mate and said to him Little Angels are splitting up as at the time you hadn’t announced it (just listening to some of the words in that song gave me the impression at the time). Was that song wrote in anyway about the band splitting or as a kid was I reading to much into your lyrics.  Must admit though it was a great song as the mood/style of the music fitted in perfectly with the lyrics all be it a little sad for me at the time. – Roky – Hull

Toby: Hi Roky it wasn't related to us splitting up, but when you are a song writer things exist in the subconscious that have a habit of making there way in to the world through your music, so as an observation , you are spot on the money...I hadn't thought about that track in that way before...


Q: I think most of us know that you haven't had much contact with the other guys since the Angels split, however I seem to remember reading recently that you'd exchanged a few emails with Bruce and Jimmy recently (I wasn't dreaming, was I?!)   I wondered, then, whether you might see Bruce when you're down in Brighton later in the month?– Clare Brighton

Toby: yeah I have had some recent contact with Bruce and Jim, but nothing more than pleasantries really. I went to a wedding reception of a mutual friend that Jim attended and we spoke at length about stuff and it was great. It was really good to talk and see him. Bruce lives in Brighton and doesn't have any interest in the Angels anymore, but seems happy.


Q: Having seen the Little Angels on their own tour in the past...I would like to know who was your favourite support act and what criteria you looked for in your opening acts ? My fave support act were Skin....Neville has an amazing voice.....now that’s a band who should have been much bigger !!! Paul Durham

Toby: yeah, Skin were great and all really nice fellas to boot!  I always want a band that will entertain, it's that simple. It is no good having an opening act that don't perk the interest of the crowd. All our support bands I think did this. I really liked Katmandu, and it was really fun in the early days with Marshall law...bit metal but again highly entertaining...


Q: Have you ever been asked to do the line up in "......Buzzcocks"? (or even guest slot) - would you? –DGJ

Toby: never been asked...I would love to go on as a panel member, but not as one of the 'where are they now' contestants...


Q: Truthfully... did you ever wear spandex in the Mr Thrud or early Angels days?... c'mon give us all summat to laugh about! – cockrockdisco

TOBY: Yes and they were black and white leppard print! also wore some candy apple red bad boys once...oh my god...


Q: Weren't you on a quiz show around the time of the LA split? Can't remember what it was called now... – Dragonloulou Hampshire

TOBY: yeah I did pop quiz, and it was a lot of fun although they tell you the answers before you go on to stop you looking stupid! Although I didn't actually need to see them as the questions were quite easy. I spent the entire day with Javis Cocker, I had no idea who he was nor him me, but we got on like a house on fire although I doubt he would remember me now...


Q: What's been your involvement with the 'Beached' Festival, and will you still be involved this year? – Linda, Wakefield 

The VOICE: Thought id better answer this as tobe won’t be on for a bit. No internet access in the old tour bus

Tobe is one of the 4 main organisers of the festival. He's been involved since 2002 when his band played (along with the Kaiser Chiefs and the Libertines) and is still beavering away this year to make the festival happen.

If you come down to the festival, Toby can usually be seen on stage as he’s the stage manager for the festival.


Q: Toby, this might test the grey matter! When you played the farewell gig at the end of the first song, when the lights dipped you made a hastily, rant looking, stroll to the side of the stage and gave someone a fierce figure wagging! Can you remember what that was about. It looked like you were mightily pissed about something, not that from where I was, did I notice anything untoward. Believe it or not, this memory frequents my mind often! Can you help me sleep! – Viper, East Sussex

Toby: Flippin eck mate! The short answer is no! I imagine that it was a technical something, probably monitors, or...god knows. It was a very emotionally charged night, so it could have been nothing. Bizarre thing is that I remember little about the show really...sad night.


Q: Why was there never a live album released of the last Little Angels gig? – Karl

Toby: simple answer is that no body was prepared to pay for it. We had cashed in our chips with polydor and that was that! They had no intention of spending money at that point, and our then manager had done a deal with castle communications for the final record...the rather sad 'too posh to mosh too good to last' rehash...


Q: Why do you say “Too Posh Too Mosh” is rather sad? Because it was the final record or because of the content or because you didn't have a say in it? – Craig Phoenix

Toby: we had a say, in fact the first three tracks were songs I had written for the next album, but because of the situation they were simply bashed onto the tapes quickly to enable us to make a final release. I think the 'too good to last' album was a mistake, ok it helped those who didn't have the original album get a copy, but we should have made a full new album...and carried on, but of course that was not to be, the deal was done, and the carpet was well and truly pulled...I have to take some responsibility for that I guess. It was a bad time and nothing would have been the right way to end it all. Shame, because I thought the direction we were heading in with those three tracks was great, it suggested a simpler more direct approach and I was on a roll with the writing at that stage! Still there you go, all is in deed fair in love war and rock n roll...


Q: Toby, have you worked with any other bands / artists, other than six yard box, and have any of your songs been recorded by other artists? – Andy31

Toby: I have worked with many other artists including Dan Reed, Hugh Cornwell, Jim Vallence, Bernie Marsden, to name a few. I have always loved collaborations and will continue to do them when poss.


Q: This might really be a long shot but I seem to remember that you did a cover of the classic First cut is the deepest.......... It wasn’t on any of the albums( I've got all those) it was on some compilation!!!!??? Anyway I love this version but lost my copy years ago???? when I ask anyone they look at me like I'm mental! could ya please be a little angel (lol) and at least put me on the right track to finding a copy of this recording...............I NEED A COPY OF THAT TUNE!!!!!!!!!   - Paolo

Toby: always very pleased with our version, and it was one of the first tracks Rich played on.


Q: Do you plan to release any of your solo / new material on Guitar Tab?  – Vince

Toby: I would like all the tracks to be written in to tab form. It is a great idea, and one I will give thought to. The problem with 'official' music manuscripts is that they are composed by people who are not akin to understanding what the fan requires to learn the tracks, hence the 'note heavy' translation...really I cannot imagine granny sitting round the old joanna belting out 'young Gods' or 'don't confuse sex with love' can you....?


Q: Have you ever considered putting together an Anthology/B-Sides/Rarities collection?? I know there are various legal issues with publishing and record companies, not to mention getting the all clear from the other guys, but both Thunder & Terrorvision have had collections of material released by former record companies and wondered if it was something that was ever mentioned (or if it could be a future consideration)??? – Mooncat, Stourbridge

Toby: it is a possibility but we always released everything we had at the time, our multitudinous formatting and b sides made that so at the time...there are a couple of rarities available but not much...


Q: After the week of seeing you guys on tour, I'm having post tour blues....what about you??? – Nic

Toby: coming down very slowly...wine and a movie...still got the tour accounting to do...ho hum...roll on the next one...


Q: Here you go then Toby - use one word to sum up your ex band mates! And please don't think too long and hard! I'll make it more interesting - then and now... i.e. what you thought of them when you were in LA, when LA was breaking up (if you wish to answer!) and then now... – Daisy, East Anglia

Toby: wow loved em all like brothers whilst in the band, would have gladly died for everyone of them at one point... apart from Dave Hopper and Mike Lee I hated em like my worst enemies when the band split...worst time of my life... Greatly respect them all now so much time has elapsed and I have a family and no longer feel so precious about it all...feel at peace actually, and realise it was simply too good to last...

Being in a rock band is harder than you think believe me


Q: Just wondering what the funniest thing that happened to you (or any of the others!) on any of the tours you've done? – Daisy, East Anglia

Toby:  too many to list here, but as it goes... big dave kemp having his shorts pulled down at Cardiff Arms Park in front of 40000 people by Plunkett, felt very sorry for him, but it was very funny watching him trying to keep his composure whilst trying to play his sax... I fell arse over tit into the monitors at our 'welcome' back to the north' show at Bradford St Georges Hall, I thought I was so cool as I ran onto the stage...then tripped and made a cock of myself Ha Ha... Mike Lee dressed as an eagle, on stage with Pink Cream 69 (worst/greatest name for a metal band EVER) they were not amused... I could go on but saving for my autobiography...


Q: Toby are you in the process of writing some of your biography now. – Roky, Hull

Toby: roky, no I am not, I think biographies are at best mildly interesting for avid fans, but pretentious beyond belief if you don't have any real cause to write one...I mean seriously, do we really care? I really don’t believe my life has been worthy enough to warrant a biography that people would pay money to read...leave that to those who truly deserve it like cancer researchers or world leaders... ok so I probably sounded very holy there, didn't mean it like that, I just get sick of hearing about 'another' minor celebrity bringing out a biog after 3 and a half seconds in the spotlight and probably not even enough hair on their bollocks to save in a high wind...I have read biogs; Freddie Mercury (not very well written but just had to read) Lennon (Goldmans book was disgusting) Clint Eastwood (still plowing through it) all dramatically interesting and very important characters and written when they were either dead, or at the end of a very long influential career. You would not get me looking at a Robbie Williams, Chantelle, Ginger spice etc In my opinion they have simply not had enough 'life' to warrant interest as far as I am concerned. I was approached by a film maker once to write a script about the real rock and roll biz, now that I would be keen on because it would be as it should be; the story of how ordinary people react in an extraordinary environment...if I survive long enough to have a new career in this god forsaken biz I would happily 'expose' myself to the world in a book, because by then (hopefully) I will be able to reflect realistically on the achievements, mess ups, triumphs, disasters etc...but until then just keep asking the right questions on this forum and I will be honest...


Q: Was there ever a Little Angels song that one of the other band members wrote that you hated singing? – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: wrote all the lyrics and all of the melodies for the Angels songs apart from 'Smoke in your eyes' Bruce came up with the melody for the chorus...I can honestly say that I always loved singing the tracks live, the only song that was 'difficult' was Splendid Isolation, but that was due to the stretch vocally I had to perform, but that is my own fault as I wrote it...


Q: I was wondering what you and the guys used to do after the meet and greet sessions had ended?  And were there many groupies?! – Daisy, East Anglia

Toby: the biggest myth in Rock and Roll is that backstage is the place to be. We usually gather our stuff and head back to the hotel to shower etc unless there is the invitation to a club etc, which on this tour was not often.  Groupies? No not really although I think Nick had fun along the way...  sounds boring eh?


Q: Did you find it limiting in songwriting in having to always accommodate keyboards with your Angels songs? Or conversely would you like to have more keyboards in your new stuff? – MNE2, Cardiff

Toby: good question. Keys can have a detrimental effect on Rock sometimes. Hammond can be difficult to control in the mix, piano can sometimes soften the edges a little to much, but like any other instrument it is down to the guy or girl playing the thing that dictates how it contributes. Jimmy was an amazingly inventive player who attacked the keys like a guitar player and I think that his natural inclination towards dynamism NEVER compromised the Rock edge of the band. I wrote 'Feels like the world has come undone' on the piano (first try) and also have often used the piano as an escape from the guitar when I was lacking inspiration , so I think it can be great and very helpful.

Q: I was listening to Some Kind Of Alien earlier today and I think Jimmy's playing on this is a perfect example of what Toby said, it's a great example of how it fits in with the overall rock sound.  I've always kept an ear out for a keyboard sound similar to Jimmy's but never found it... - Radicalyourwebsite, Cardiff

Toby: he was one in a million

Q: "I could have taken your ice-cream baby but I'm not made of stone."   Surely one of the weirder opening lines to a song - Toby, explain please! – Daisy, East Anglia

Toby: think 'Lolita' and you will have your answer.


Q: One that's always made me think - I feel guilty when I go away overnight - how do you cope with being a dad on tour? – Linda, Wakefield

Toby: it is very difficult, I miss home tremendously, but it is part of what makes me tick and my family are supportive. I in turn spend the rest of the time at home doing the normal stuff. Funny really, but if I was say, a traveling sales executive, spending months away from home selling stuff, or maybe a long distance lorry driver who is away all week etc, then this question would probably not come up in the same context. When I worked on the band of brother TV series, I spent six days a week away from home for almost a year flat! that ironically was the longest I ever spent away for such a period, even when we were touring in the Angels !


Q: are you still in contact with Andy Paul, and would you work with him again? How involved was he in the songs you co-wrote? – Andy31

Toby: I could get medieval about this person, but won't, Karma and all that. Rest assured though it will be a cold day in hell etc...


Q: Two questions about This Is Not America.  The first is how did it come about and the second is I noticed it's one of the few songs you curse in, unless I'm not hearing it right. Did you make a conscious effort to not curse on your songs?- Craig – Phoenix

Toby: song was a track that gathered dust for ages. I wrote it with the guy who wrote 'don't you want me baby' for the human league, but it eventually turned up on a set of demo's we made for the jam album I believe. I didn't make a conscious decision not to cuss, I just didn't ! I have recently in lyrics but I regard the use of profane language to be unnecessary for the sake of it; there has to be a good enough reason artistically to use it, not just to get a sticker on the record...


Q: I think you'd be a fantastic choice to sing the title track to Casino Royale. Would it ever be something you'd consider submitting a demo for? – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: would love to, but believe me, getting involved in film music/songs/themes is tough...


Q: Your talents as a songwriter are second to none - what lyric are you most proud of that you wrote yourself? And what lyric do you wish you'd written? Daisy, East Anglia

Toby: very kind. I am very happy with 'Womankind' it was the most honest lyric I had written at the time and marked a distinct change in my writing, I became more aware of my need to be seriously honest about my song writing. I was very pleased with 'Haven't got the strength to carry on' and recently the lyrics for 'Crush' in fact I think they are some of my most interesting words. Not really for me to say, always feels very conceited when I self praise. I much prefer it when someone tells me they got something out of a lyric and it surprises me by the connection... I wish I had written 'You ought to know', 'working class hero', wont get fooled again', the list would go on and on...


Q: Seeing as how you have had a taste for the movies, any chance of seeing a new music video with the new album? Think of the options, you could pick a movie you like and adapt it for a song. Think "Last Cup of Sorrow" by Faith No More. That's set to Vertigo by Hitchcock. – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: yeah, I love making videos and if there was the brass there to do it, I would in a heart beat!


Q: I was listening to a CD of your show at Amersham Arms and right before you played I Ain't Gonna Cry you mentioned it may be the last time you play it. Throughout the show you mention blowing off cobwebs and this all got me thinking. Is your eventual goal to have a set list compiled completely of solo work? Or will you still throw the odd Angels song in? I have mixed feelings about this as nostalgia is always good, but it can also be a bit restraining too. You would have a solid set either route.

Also If you were to tour the US at some stage, would it be correct to assume that your set would be exclusively solo work? It would make sense as Angels work is not available here anymore so you would be singing songs no one could buy. However, on the flip side, I would cry if you didn't play Radical Your Lover. One way to resolve that would be a bonus live disk for a US release. That would at least provide familiarity. – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: I am committed to creating a solo show. That said I still consider certain Angels songs 'must plays' but as yet I have not made final decisions about that, it will probably be something I do each tour. I make no bones about what the future holds; I see myself emerging as a stand alone solo artist with a solo back catalogue. When it comes to the next time I go out, which maybe September now (unless a couple of the fest shows I am in talks about come off) I will hope to include some new material and a good dose of the Angels stuff as we will probably be just completing the record. As far as the US goes, well, it would probably be something similar. In unfamiliar places it is always best to play the best you have to ensure that the show is exciting and easy to understand, and so a combination will be best.


Q: given that mainstream UK radio airplay for rock artists is hard to come by, have you thought trying to get material played on Radio 2 etc to increase your exposure.
I know that as an artist to write for a specific market is often seen as 'selling out' but some of the mellower tracks from Ignorance and Twisted Rhapsodies would sit alongside the Daniel Powter's and James Blunt's of the world and this could be a fruitful exercise in terms of mass exposure.
It may also be worth trying to get people to lobby Radio 2 once new material is available as they are now seen as the 30-something radio station and this could be where a section of the new or returning audience comes from. – Mooncat, Stourbridge

Toby: radio 2 is indeed the most powerful station in this country at the moment, and very difficult to get play listed with. It is the usual stuff of 'who has the most brass to hire the most significant plugger' I’m afraid. That said, it is always worth emailing them, and sometimes just simply requesting a track for someone is a good stealth way of getting tracks on the radio.


Q: just wondered if you've ever played in a Church before?!?!?! – MNE2, Cardiff

Toby: apart from being part of the local quoir as a kid I don’t think I have!


Q: Regarding the 3 songs Forbidden Fruit, I want Love, and All Roads lead to you! 3 great songs on a slightly uneven re-release. So I totally agree with the fact your playing them live again in a refreshed rockin' manner, But were these songs without Mark Richardson as it sounds like a drum machine (apart from the end of forbidden fruit!?) Who took part in the sessions and when? Bruce definitely has some trademark licks in those songs, maybe slightly bluesier than before, in fact I would say his playing is similar to what came up next in b.l.o.w.   Was another factor in the split perhaps the difference in musical styles between members over time. I say this because in terms of the 3 Angels albums the style (perhaps down to the way the songs were recorded) completely changed (and projects after the split by band members were totally different.) By the end of the Angels most of the music seemed to come from you.
In terms of sound - The first album was raw and really rockin' almost with a "metal" vibe to it. Young Gods however was very very polished, and Jam (probably my favourite) was a great progression, with some excellent songs, catchy as hell and with the addition of the bigbadhorns but it seemed "poppier" and more mellow with the guitars being not as essential as before! So which were your favourite sessions?
It brings me onto the final batch of stuff. Were Ten Miles High, I wanna be loved by you, Just one Night, overrated all recorded in one session and intended (along with the 3 you play in your set now) to be on the fourth album? Potentially the fourth album was looking very hot!!
Sorry for so many questions on one email, I understand if you can't answer them all but fascinated to know. – Maz, Surrey

Toby: Mark Richardson DID play live on the three tracks 'Roads', 'Fruit' and 'I want Love' but because they were demo's and the studio we were using was tiny, he played D-Drums and so the sounds were samples. The whole band was on the session include Big Dave Kemp and a guest blues singer called 'Doris'
We didn't split specifically because of different approaches to the music we made, on the whole even though we individually had various personal taste, we did all understand what we were and what records we needed to make and as we grew, our music naturally changed. I had minor conflict with Bruce about direction, as I think he felt the band wasn't 'cool' enough whatever that meant, but I always said to him that we were great because of the sum of the parts, not because the band was indeed cool or anything else for that matter. I just believed in the magic we weaved when we were together. Ok, so I did write the lions share of the songs, I am at heart a songwriter so I saw that as my role as well as the front man. I made my solo album as a reaction to the Angels years. I wanted to explore darker avenues and was always interested in stretching my lyrical direction and talking about more 'serious' stuff. I loved making all the albums for different reasons, but I think hand o heart, 'Jam' was the most fun because we had begun to hit our stride in the studio and were a lot more in tune with ourselves, plus I think 'Womankind' was the best song I had written and was delighted with the outcome.
The songs you mention were not all recorded in the same session. 'Ten Miles' and 'Wanna be loved' were recorded together with mike Frazer and the other two were tracks left over from the 'Jam' demo sessions.
Hope this fills in the blanks


Q: I was wondering how long you stayed on at the flat in Brislington in the early 1990s. I only went there twice, once when my bro James moved in with you (he only stayed a few months, hence my question) and once for a Saturday night party.

The female friend I brought to the party had never heard of the Little Angels or whose party she was currently at. Whilst watching the video of Bone Yard on the TV in the lounge, she proclaimed the guitarist to be a "fit bit of kit", only to be hugely embarrassed when told that he (Bruce) was sat next to her on the sofa....  – Dominic

Toby: Hi Dominic, that’s a blast from the past!
We stayed at the flat for six months then moved to London when the band needed to be closer to each other. I remember that party well.


Q: Where did you get your Superman T shirt......very cool.....??? – Paul, Durham

Toby: got it via an American classic clothes site thru EBay!


Q: I remember that he left Little Angels somewhat under a cloud. Since you seem like a really cool kind of guy, did you ever meet up later on and make up any differences you had? – Graybb

Toby: I'll come clean: I despised Mike for leaving the band! But at the time I was young and dumb and...well...overcome! seriously it effected us all for the simple reason that we trusted him and we thought we had a bond, brotherhood, call it what you will. However, now I can see that it was an opportunity that he couldn't turn down and I have keenly watched his progress and actually count myself lucky that I had the time playing with a world class player like him. HE NEVER MISSED A CUE< A BEAT< GOT ANYTHING WRONG PERIOD! very very gifted and will always be so. I did actually get an email from him last year and replied so there you go...

p.s I would not have left the Angels for Van Halen or the like. You can believe me or not, but that band was my life and I believed we could change the world...it was deep...I was wrong but I did believe!


Q: I'd love to know about your experiences shooting Band of Brothers . – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: How long you got? Ha Ha...it was fun but very hard work. I spent a month working next to Tom Hanks on the one hand (great fella and a very good director I thought) to standing soaked to the skin for 12 hours a day !!!!  I could go on and on, but not enough time here. Very proud to be part of it. Shot for nine months and watching the back lot of the Aerodome in hatfield slowly transform from one country to another was nothing short of astounding...


Q: So where should we keep an eye out for you in Band of Brothers? - Craig, Phoenix

Toby: well, I am in most episodes as 'shoulder in corner of shot, next to captain winters' or 'man who throws hand grenade' etc... I was a stand in mainly for Damian Lewis, so my duties were more about blocking out the shots and lining up the camera for the camera team, walking the scene through and basically dressing like an American paratrooper. I did get to meet Steven Spielberg though in the fuselage of a mocked up DC one after noon...didn't know what to say...wanted to kiss him...


Q: It's funny hearing you talk about your idols and not knowing how to address them. Being in the same position as a huge fan of yours, each time I respond to a post I am thinking, don't say something stupid and scare the poor guy... – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: don’t worry, I am perfectly happy with natural reaction over 'try not to say anything stupid' consideration...although clearly I am a rampant ego...


Q: What is your inspiration for writing your songs? – Colleen, London

Toby: simply put, Life! Being a song writer is all consuming, and I have always allowed the intensity of that feeling to dictate the terms, so I have never 'invented' a song, they have always been born of personal experience and as a direct result of what was/is happening in my life.


Q: Toby, who treated the angels the best on tour and who was most fun to play with? – Andyh

Toby: Bon Jovi, no question. Jon was a gentleman and he was as pleased to have us as the support as we were to be there. Great tour. Van Halen were cool also, especially Eddie who spent more time with us than his own band.


Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island what would you take with you apart from your wife? – Colleen, London

Toby: bit obvious this but...my guitar

Q: I know Aretha Franklin probably has scores of people wanting to sing a Duet with her but who would you sing a Duet with? – Colleen, London

Toby: To be honest, it is not something I’m that interested in...my voice is not schooled enough to work well with other singers...if pushed...freddy mercury, but that obviously wouldn't happen now...that’s my ideal just because I admire his range and delivery so much and would love to watch him sing in the studio...


Q: If you weren't the great musician, singer/songwriter that you are what would you have done instead of music? – Colleen, London

Toby: I would have gone into film making and strove to become a director. I still hope to direct some day...


Q: Are you a fan of Mike Patton. The ex-singer of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, current singer of Fantomas, Tomahawk, Peeping Tom, etc... ? – Craig, Phoenix

Toby: very much, in fact I have recently added the first two Faith albums to my ipod.


Q: If you could be anyone who would you want to be and why? (The million dollar question – Colleen, London

Toby: Honestly I am happy being in this skin! I have a life I love and lots to look forward to so its hard getting past that. However, for fun, I would love to look through Clint Eastwoods eyes for a while, and sample what it feels like to be as gifted as Steven Spielberg or as cool as Dave Grohl...


Q: Toby, what do you feel about these TV singing talent contests, in light of your experiences building LA up from nothing and then having to do the same again as a solo artist do you think that these shows over promote people with insufficient talent and know how to survive in the music biz long term or do you think the buying public are the ultimate judge and that all artists end up naturally at the level that their ability deserves?

I suppose as far as the multicorps are concerned if they can make a few quick and easy £££ by filling some poor sappy kid full of dreams signing them to a deal that borders on theft and then dumping them into obscurity when their 15 minutes has elapsed that’s what they'll do. Blame the system man!! - To-bee or not To-bee

Toby: I have admiration for anyone who has a go in this industry, no matter whether it is x-factor or just simply playing in a local band. I don’t think X-factor is about music though, it is about flogging a telly programme and premium phone lines. Sad but true. Have always thought the 'plucked from obscurity' thing is ladened with problems, and it certainly isn’t a real representation of what it is really like to 'make it'. However, there are many ways to achieve success, and maybe this is one of them, but I would suggest it lasts as long as it arrives in 9 out of 10 examples of this kind of thing.