ASK TOBY

 

This is the place to ask those burning questions that you have been longing to ask!

Submit your question and get a personal response from Toby on this very page!


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QUESTION NOW!



27th April 2011:

Q:
Hey Toby, Whilst I can appreciate your decision to throw your lot in with representing Dio, does this mean the end to the original songs we can expect from you? Dio was an exceptional vocalist of course, but you have always been a fantastic songwriter, something that Dio never was. The song "The Unfortunate Man" that you dismissed as not good enough for the albums you were trying for is simply one of my favourite songs you have ever written, so if there are any more unreleased from that period I'd love to hear them and I guess I speak for a great deal of others. That said, again I can understand the direction you're taking I just feel you're better than those you are collaborating with and I enjoy your solo stuff as much as I do you're Angels stuff (ok, EP 2 wasn't the best but EP 3 redeemed it). It's all about opinions of course, and that was just mine. I wish you all the best in the future, and with any luck I look forward to hearing some more original music from you. Thanks for reading, Stu
A: Hi Stuart, thanks for the message. The short answer is no I'm not going to quit with my solo efforts, just taking a break. My decision to accept the invitation to sing with Dio's Disciples was taken for a variety of reasons. Specifically and perhaps most crucially I felt enormously honoured to be even considered given Ronnie's stature and monumental talent. I have been a life long fan of Ronnie's voice and the records that he made have helped shape me as a vocalist and an aspiring writer, so to have the opportunity to be part of the continued appreciation of what he gave to the world was too important for me to ignore. I will never be able to get close to his unique talent, but I will be singing songs that quite simply inspired me as a kid to pursue a career in music. That said, I'm still passionate about writing songs for myself and others so will be doing just that in the near future. It is so great when someone like yourself is moved enough by the music to reach out like you have. I really appreciate the words and want you to know that it means so much. Being a writer can be a very lonely task, it is 'the unknown' but the hope is to connect and communicate and very often we are our own worst critics! Thanks for getting in touch, hope to see you at a Dio show! Kindest regards, Tobe



27th March 2011:

Q:
Toby, the reason I am emailing is that congratulations re the Dio offer..... but please don't let me and your many other fans down by further delaying your solo gigs.
Lets face it money is tight in the present economic state and shelling out money that is giving your promoter or you interest isn't good for the fan. Please decide to play the gigs or refund.
We all waited an eternity for the 3rd ep but it did feel like an eternity. The dvd has always been promised and has never happened and the Fastway collaboration was always on the cards but never happened.
Please don't just become a tribute act/vocalist your fans are fans because of you and your own style/material.
R J Dio was a one off and his and your style are completely different .
I struggle to understand how the new venture will work......I hope it does for everyone's sakes.
I know you have to put food on the table but you have always stood up for your principles, so now is your chance to stand up for those principles.
No I am not desperate for the £17 for two tickets but that's not the point I and my partner want to see you play acoustically and locally.
Its quite something that my partner is willing to see you play when she point blank refuses to see the likes of Dream Theater at Doncaster in July.
However we are looking forward to the Journey/Foreigner/Styx gig at Manchester and J Waite at Pontefract....yes!!! Pontefract 'Rogerthorpe Manor ' in April.
I have even pushed your name to the 'Manors' owner re an acoustic evening.
Again please consider your fans.
Please reply asap.
Cheers Steve
ps always a Little Angels and Toby Jepson fan past/present and future.
A: Hi Steve
Wow! That took some typing!
Thanks for the questions and criticism, it really is welcome.
With regard to the solo acoustic shows and the lack of re-scheduling, as I'm sure you'll understand, since I was approached for the Dio band I have had to wait until things were finalised etc before I could look at it. Now I have a rough idea of the plan I can look at putting some shows in to cover the cancellations. I have worked with the promoters of the shows cancelled (2) for most of my career and can assure you they are as concerned about the gigs/tickets as you, remember, it was a severe weather problem that caused the cancellation and nothing else. I do understand what you are saying so will now be able to sort the problem whether it is a refund or reschedule.
With regard to Dio, I couldn't agree more, the man is a legend and his name will outlast mine no doubt, but to be asked by his organisation to essay the music and to help keep the flame alive is a massive privilege and one I don't take likely or consider to be a 'tribute band' and can assure you that non of the key people see it like that either. I actually take exception to that as a suggestion. The hope is that the fans can see that the intention is to honour his memory with dignity.
The life of a professional musician especially in this day and age is incredibly difficult and we have to have a number of things in play to even approach making a living, so any opportunity that promises help with that has to be considered and taken with the seriousness it deserves. This has been my life for as long as I remember because as much as I love my Job, I love my family more and have to provide in exactly the same way everybody else does. Period.
The DVD was worked on for over 2 years, I talked to Universal and all concerned and at the end of the day, even though I wanted it to happen, it was massively cost prohibitive to do it due to the license agreements and other such stuff. I hope one day it will happen and perhaps the only mistake I have made with it was announcing that it was coming. Me and my big mouth.
The Fastway record is finished, mixed and ready to be released, in fact I am having meetings next week to determine which mechanism we are going to use. The thing is non of this is easy and takes huge amounts of time to organise and put in place, couple that with a music biz that is on its knees then you get the picture.
The 3rd EP took a long time due to similar problems/commitments explained above, bit I did get it out and really truly appreciate how much people have supported it and waited patiently.
Point about all this Steve, I take my chances and try to make informed decisions and hope they are the right ones! Sometimes I get it wrong; I don't have a huge organisation behind me, I mainly do my own business and that's the way I like it. Problems that arise are often not clear until much later. This is my life and my love and I do NOTHING without careful consideration, but I do ultimately do it for myself out of a gut reaction to stuff and hope you the fans can forgive my transgression and support when they feel they can. You can't please everyone.
Right now I am enjoying massive positivity around me and also enjoying the diversity of the projects I am involved in. Like I have said, maybe the problem is that I talk to much and make promises I have not been able to keep, for that I apologise and hope can avoid similar in the future.
Thanks for the continued support and the belief in me as an artist, I will continue to pursue a solo path but I am also ambitious and am looking forward enormously to playing with the Dio band, after all, despite my obvious vocal difference to Ronnie, we come from the same place, namely a need to sing and any opportunity presented to do that is always welcome.
Thanks for reading
Toby



18th March 2011:

Q:
Hi there, will keep it brief.....been a fan since way back. Anyhoo once had a copy of 'Wind blows hard' (think I got it free with a copy of Metal Hammer Magazine), was having a trip down memory lane and the track popped in my head, cant find the CD now as it was a few years back but found out that it was on your 'ignorance is bliss' album, problem is......where can I get this from? Id love to hear 'Wind blows' again so any help will be greatly appreciated. Rock on, M
A: Hi there. Thanks for memory, I too really liked the track and its great that it stuck in your head for so long! The 'ignorance' album was re-released through Townsend Records in 2002 and may still be available from there; the address is: www.townsend-records.co.uk Other than that, try ebay etc. Hope this helps and thanks again, T



2nd March 2011:

Q:
Hi Toby, remember seeing Little Angels, at Wolverhampton, good band. Could tell me what style the new Saxon sounds like, is it like lionheart, and how many songs will be on Call To Arms? Best wishes, Simon
A: Hey Simon. I'd say this Saxon album is a return to their solid classic rock records, less heavy metal, more hard rock. There are all the elements one expects from the band, only this time I feel it communicates a stronger sense of where they came from and who they are as players. They have really pulled the stops out I feel. There are 10 tracks and I think an extra... T



13th February 2011:

Q:
Are you coming down to the Waterfront or Uea Norwich, I'm sure it will be a sell out, and after seeing you performing at Norwich supporting skin you are still 100%, Come back Toby I miss yer, Beans
A: Thanks Beans, I appreciate the request and sentiment. The Skin tour was great fun and once again reminded me how great the support is and that the fans don't forget the songs. Amazing actually.
I'd love to come back to Norwich without a doubt, and time will tell. I hope to be out playing in one capacity or another very soon. Thanks again, Tobe



11th February 2011:

Q:
Hi Toby, everyone seems to asking you about the Sheffield and York dates, but what are the chances of adding another date in the South? Hope you dont mind me asking! Regards, Johnny
A: Funny you should say that! I'm trying to sort a couple more to accompany the York and Sheffield shows...watch this space. Thanks, T



10th February 2011:

Q:
Hi Toby, I'm just wondering - given that we people who bought the tickets for the Sheffield and York gigs bought them for the particular date they were on, once they are 'rearranged', if people are unable to make those dates, will they be offered refunds? Cheers, Mark
A: I am trying to sort the new dates out at the moment. I will talk to the promoters and see what they are able to do. As far as I'm concerned, it would be fair to refund if necessary as it wasn't your fault the snow caused havoc!!! I will post new dates asap and I hope you can make it! Thanks, Tobe



28th January 2011:

Q:
Could you be kind enough to inform me if you are any closer to rescheduling the cancelled gig in York?
A: I am looking at it at the moment but probably going to do a couple more at the same time so just talking to the promoters. Let you know ASAP. Thanks, T



12th December 2010:

Q:
Hi Toby, I've been a massive fan of the Angels and your solo work. My question was there ever a CD or DVD of the Little angels last ever gig at Royal Albert Hall. That gig will live long in my memory. I have the poster from that gig framed in my living room.
A: Unfortunately nothing of any note or quality that would be worth seeing. Polydor refused to film it and we couldn't afford to do it independently! Sorry I can't help, Tobe



6th December 2010:

Q:
Both gutted and glad that you decided to cancel the York gig as it would have been a tricky drive over the Pennines from Bolton. At least it will give us time to listen to disk 3! Can you please try to reschedule for a weekend? Hope that you and all close to you have a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
A: Thanks for the email, I know how difficult it is for folk when its not a weekend, but I'm at the mercy of available dates for the promoters. I am just trying to re schedule both Sheffield and York so hopefully I can get both over a weekend. Hope you like the new EP! Tobe



Q: Hi Toby. Do you know whatever happened to the acts you mentored in that E4 School of Performing Arts program?
A: Unfortunately I have no idea. That show was the thin edge of the wedge really. It presented its self as the 'real x-factor' but it was yet another TV program dedicated to showing the slapping and the shouting. Very disappointing really as me and Dave (the guy I was doing it with) spent massive amounts of time trying to actually help the artists, and the show couldn't give a toss! lessons learnt...



21st November 2010:

Q:
Hey Toby, I was wondering if you could update me further on the Fastway Album. When should I expect to see it? Same line-up as 07? Also, I was wondering if Fast Eddie and you ever went through with his plans to make a new solo album at your studio? Did that project evolve into the new Fastway record? Thank you very much Toby, your a class act man, Roman
A: Hi Roman. The FASTWAY record is nearly finished; we are just looking at a couple of mixes and still deciding on a running order. It will come out next year through an as yet undetermined label. The line up isn't the same as 07 currently, the recording was completed with Matt E on drums and myself playing bass and vocals along with Eddie. IF we tour, I imagine the line up will stay as that. You are correct in saying that Ed's solo record evolved into FASTWAY. After consideration we arrived at the conclusion that it made most sense to adopt the title to give us the best chance. hope that answers your questions! Tobe


Q: Hi Toby. Do you know whatever happened to the acts you mentored in that E4 School of Performing Arts program?
A: Unfortunately I have no idea. That show was the thin edge of the wedge really. It presented its self as the 'real x-factor' but it was yet another TV program dedicated to showing the slapping and the shouting. Very disappointing really as me and Dave (the guy I was doing it with) spent massive amounts of time trying to actually help the artists, and the show couldn't give a toss! lessons learnt...



16th November 2010:

Q:
Hi Toby. Do you know whatever happened to the acts you mentored in that E4 School of Performing Arts program?
A: Nice to have you back Dave and thanks for taking the time to email. Mike was the single most talented musician that I have ever worked with. I never held it against him that he left the band; ok at the time we were a tad annoyed, but it soon passed and I think we all really enjoyed seeing him play with some of the worlds greats. He deserved it as his talent was huge. I didn't really keep in touch is the sad truth; he was a soul uncluttered by convention and so communication wasn't his strongest area. I had a couple of emails from him of which I returned but that was it. Sadly missed.
It's a lesson in living your life to the full with no regrets with as much love a possible and keeping those you care about most closest to you. Thanks, T

Q: Could you be kind enough to let me know why Guitar bass and drums disk 3 is still unavaliable as I have the first two. I am looking forward to the gig in York and I will be deafing everyone between there and Bolton with your tracks along with the angels albums, just wish I could add disk 3 to the sounds! Hayley
A: Hi Hayley. Thanks for the question. It's been a long time I know but you'll be pleased to know that the 3rd EP will be ready for the SKIN tour and should be available for pre-order very soon. A long time in the making!!! Thanks and see you in York. Tobe



4th November 2010:

Q:
Hi Toby. You were kind enough to let myself and my friend Jon to come and see you practice in your "barn" in Scarborough in the early days of the Little Angels. Is there any chance of a reunion tour? Maybe some new tracks?!Richard
A: i Richard. Thanks for the memory! I'm afraid its highly unlikely that the Angels will ever do anything together again. Sorry to disappoint!



Q: Could you be kind enough to let me know why Guitar bass and drums disk 3 is still unavaliable as I have the first two. I am looking forward to the gig in York and I will be deafing everyone between there and Bolton with your tracks along with the angels albums, just wish I could add disk 3 to the sounds! Hayley
A: Hi Hayley. Thanks for the question. It's been a long time I know but you'll be pleased to know that the 3rd EP will be ready for the SKIN tour and should be available for pre-order very soon. A long time in the making!!! Thanks and see you in York. Tobe



25th October 2010:

Q:
Can I send you a demo of some recent solo work of mine ?? Nathan
A: Hey Nathan, best thing is to convert to mp3 and send to me through the site and ill give you feedback once I've had a chance to listen. Thanks.



21st October 2010:

Q:
I saw the Virginmarys a couple of weeks ago in Sheff, fantastic I think you've done a great job of the album, cant wait for the next 1, massive fan of all yr work over the years, followed everything you've done, love it all. Spoke to you a few times after your shows, just wanted to say thanx and don't stop, cheers Tobe. Wayne
A: Thanks Wayne for the words. The Virginmarys are, in my opinion, the best band of their kind in the UK at the moment. They possess all that is needed to be an honest, serious group that actually do contribute to the artform. So many bands 'play' at it, those boys LIVE it and genuinely have something to say. I'm privileged to work with them.
Great to know you like my work! Its always great to hear that it has connected in the way as intended. Look out for the last EP of the GBaD collection coming soon and also the FASTWAY record which will be in the new year! Cheers T



20th September 2010:

Q:
I'm an 18 year old fan who's grown up listening to the Angels since I was about 6 or 7 so it's great to see that you are alongside SKIN in December and I'll be catching you in Birmingham!! Could you please let me know where the bloody hell I can pick up any Little Angels shirts! They're like gold dust! Thanks a bunch, and see you in December!! Ben
A: Hey Ben, so great that you like our stuff! Well all I can suggest is look on eBay etc. Once the band split up the need for shirts diminished obviously and because the band didn't really enter the rock mainstream, we didn't manage to get into selling shirts through retail. I imagine there will be someone out there who can help! Good hunting! See you in Birmingham. Regards, Tobe



30th August 2010:

Q:
Are the shows in December going to be acoustic or electric? I've always enjoyed your electric shows but never been to one of your acoustic gigs yet.
A: Hi there. This time it will be just acoustic; me and a guitar on my lonesome...I love it actually; its quite stark and can be very daunting!!!! But a great way of stripping the songs to there essence. Thanks, T



18th August 2010:

Q:
I've been a fan since "Young Gods", and 'Don't Pray For Me' is up there with my all time faves. What I'd like to know is how you think your voice has changed over the years and how (if at all) it's affected your style of singing? I Love the recent downloads, and noticed that your voice still has a powerful undertow - fantastic!
A: Thanks for that! I think age and experience play a massive part in the evolution of singers and I'm no exception. The biggest lesson to learn is to know your weaknesses and play to your strengths. In my case, I have a loud, big range. I can use 'full voice' most of the time and so have aimed my delivery straight at power and passion. What I lack in finesse, I make up with a knowledge of my grasp of delivery that is honest and direct. I have learnt to follow my instincts and believe in my ability to communicate an emotion and an idea through songs, words and singing. That's where experience play a huge role... T



31st July 2010:

Q:
I was having a look through my vinyl a few weeks back and found one by 6 Yard Box, with you on it singing 'Pictures of Matchstick Men', I think it was a collaboration with Lawnmower Deth members, I just wondered how did that collaboration happen? And what do you think now of the music that came out of it?
A: I know Pete Lee from Lawnmower Deth really well and we have a similar sense of humour, so when he asked me to do the vocal I was dead chuffed! I love Status Quo! There I said it! Unbridled love especially the early stuff so for me it was a no brainer...I thought the track was fun, and enjoyed singing it!!! Thanks.



19th July 2010:

Q:
Hey Toby, How are you? Always admired your voice and though it was really powerful and with such a large range! I am a guitarist / composer and wanted to know if you would like to listen to some of my stuff...would be awesome to have your input!! Can I send you a track? Good luck with all your new stuff. Andrew
A: Hey Andrew.  It would be a pleasure to listen to them. Attach any mp3's to an email and I'll let you know what I think. Thanks for the kind words and speak to you soon. Tobe

Q: Hey Tobe/Toby (Not sure which you prefer) I was wondering whether you could do me a favour? My mum has been a fan of Little Angels since your Young Gods release and has we've been to see you more recently - amazing i must say. Not only has she passed on soo many good bands including 'Angels to me she's taken me to tonnes of gigs. So as a thank you I was wondering whether you could sign her CDs? There are 5 in total (Young Gods, Jam, The Acoustic Sessions 1&2 and Young Gods single) if so where do I send them? Cheers Tobe,  Sail Away is a truly remarkable song! Benn
A: Hey Benn thanks for the great message. I'd be happy to sign anything you wish. I don't have a PO BOX anymore, so I suggest you try to get to a show on the SKIN tour and come along with your mum, that way I can thank you all for being great supporters and can sign it all...Hope that can happen. Kind regards, Tobe



14th July 2010:

Q:
Hi Tobe. Years ago, I sent my copy of Too Posh To Mosh to your mum for you to sign next time you were there. Not only did you do this, but you also sent me a signed copy of the 87 EP too - you star! Anyway, your mum was really really nice and friendly and I just wondered how she was?
A: Thanks for that and you're welcome. My mum always enjoyed that period and loved meeting fans and helping out where ever possible so it would have been her pleasure to make sure you got what you asked for.
She is still really interested in what I'm doing, although not quite as hands on Thanks for the memory! Tobe



12th July 2010:

Q:
Hi Toby, I know you live in Scarborough, & I often head up there myself - just wondering, do you still 'hang out' in Scarborough? and if so, what are the best rockin' places around there?
A: Hey there, I do still go out in Scarborough, not very often but when I do I won't eat anywhere else for lunch other than 'Mojo's' cafe, for pubs try 'the Merchant' on Newborough, Tap and Spiel on Falsgrave...'Vivaz' nightclub is the only place that puts on decent gigs and plays rock and alternative...Hope that helps. Cheers!

Q:
Hi Toby... Just wanted to say thanks for the vast collection of music over the last 20 years... My question is have you though of release a Storytellers/unplugged album and DVD? Also what is the latest on the DVD that was made? I've also been in touch with your agent about booking a gig in South Wales... so keep an eye out for that! Thanks again
A: Its always great to hear the music connected! Hopefully plenty more to come...
I will do something on DVD, but I don't feel the time is right at the moment. The release that was planned didn't come to fruition due to finance. Thanks x



8th July 2010:

Q:
I hear you have Matt drumming with you at the moment which is great news. Is this a permanent arrangement again???? Fingers crossed xx
A: yes and yes!

Q:
Hi Toby, we came to see you in Kendal when you were with Gun and The Virgin Marys, if you remember we had the guitarist from the Preston band Stormcorporation with us. They are a very good live band, and I would be really grateful if you could check them out, and let me know what you think of them!! Thanks, Paul
A: Hey Paul, I love hearing new bands and will take a listen...look forward to it Thanks, Tobe



6th July 2010:

Q:
Are you from Filey or Scarborough originally? I'm from Hull and would love to see you live again after last seeing you going on 17 years ago at the city hall, are you planning on doing anything up this end of the country in the near future?
A: I'm actually originally from Lincoln, but grew up in and around the Scarborough area, most specifically in Hunmanby. Lots planned for later in the year and next year so hopefully see you soon...

Q:
Hearing you back in the studio working on new material is great cant wait to hear it. What's the news on the touring front will you be out doing shows later in the year? Be great to hear it live and hopefully some where in the south of the country.
A: Thanks mate, yes plans to tour the final EP but not certain when. Likely to be early next year I'd say at a guess but may be out touring acoustically later in the year.


5th July 2010:

Q:
Toby, do you prefer playing music or acting? Are you going to do more acting in the future?
A: Hi there. I much prefer playing music, its what I have always done and will probably die on a stage somewhere! I was never really an actor; it was a stop gap that was fun and I met some cool people and had some great times working on some killer movies but I was a very small cog in a huge machine...Thanks T

Q:
This is kinda 2 questions in one.
1. Are there any Little Angels bootlegs (that you've kept over the years) that would ever go on sale to the fans? either online here or at shows. I'd love a copy of some from your times at Rock City.
2. If you were to do another solo tour, supporting or headlining, would you consider getting requests from fans for your setlist? (compromising of  either 'Angels songs or covers that you've never before played) Cheers, Benn
A: Hi Benn. I don't have any at all. I'm aware that there are a lot of bootlegs out there, many from the past and some from my Toby solo shows from a few years back. I suggest you put a shout out through my facebook site and here and I'm sure those that have them will get in touch. There is a massive amount of bootleg collectors out there...happy hunting.

Q:
What do you think is the best song you have ever written and do you miss writing songs with the other "angels"?
A: It's a hard thing to answer, but in terms of me being satisfied with a song enough to not want to change anything, I'd say:
Don't prey for me
Womankind
Happy ever after...
Take your pick.
I do miss working with the other angels, but its a bit rose tinted, it was not easy for sure and there was a fair bit of rivalry, but that's a good thing when you are trying to write tunes....Of course I miss it...

Q: Hey Toby, you mentioned at the acoustic gig at the Victoria in Scarborough that there was a possibility of you and Dan Reed doing  something regarding a tour. Any updates on this??? Also as Fastway are playing Sonisphere does that mean you will be there as their singer? If so look forward to seeing you there.
A: With regard to the Dan Reed acoustic shows, its looking likely for next year, just no firm dates. The Fastway gigs will feature me as singer...Ill keep you posted on both! Thanks.


4th July 2010:

Q:
After seeing you in Gun ( brilliant ), and seeing support Skin, I was wondering if you were maybe thinking of trying to get The Little Angels together again, seeing as you played all their stuff on the Skin tour? Sorry if your sick of being asked this, just was wondering. Whatever you get up to, the best of luck with it.
A: As this gets asked such a lot (not surprisingly) I'm gonna say this once and for all; I'd love to do it. I have made my feelings known to all concerned. I think it would be great to thank the fans for such long time commitment. It would be good karma for the band and as long as it was entered into with the spirit of fun and with respect to the past, I think it would be great. The ball is in others court...That, for now is all I will say. Thanks.

Q:
Hi Tobe, Loving the new site.......Did you enjoy the gig tonight?? Did Ketyn managed to get there in the end? Love Di xx
A: Very much so, the band performed with such passion and a unique blend of rock all of their own...just a matter of time before they explode! We both got there fine thanx.

Q:
Hey Toby, is there any chance of a Little Angels reunion anytime soon?
A: Mmmmm...never say never....

Q: Hey Toby, Having recently left Gun I'm just wondering what you have planned for the future? If it involves putting together a band I'd love to have an opportunity to audition/try out/get involved. I've played drums for 19 years, have been an endorsee of Roland V Drums for the last 4 years and have recorded for some minor recording artists. I have years of gigging and teaching experience and have been a huge fan of your material for years. I'm sure you get lots of Kranks writing to you but I can assure you I'm genuine. Please, if there is an opportunity keep me in mind I can point you in the direction of some of my stuff online if you wish to check me out any further. Best Wishes Craig
A: Thanks for reaching out and having the guts to ask! I'm not certain what I will do at the moment, but please point me in the direction of material by all means...you never know...All the best, T

Q:
Hi Toby, I've had the good fortune of taking live photos of you twice in the past - I was wondering if I sent you a couple of photos in a SAE you'd sign them for me? Mart
A: Hi Mart, Best bet is to mail to Townsend Records (address on their web site) And ill do just that! Cheers, Tobe x