Line-up

Venue

Guiseley Theatre

LS20 9BT, Leeds, UK

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Toploader biography

Toploader (formed in 1997) is an English alternative rock band who have amassed album sales of over two million, aided by the infectious single “Dancing in the Moonlight”, hailing from Eastbourne, England, UK.

Comprised of keyboard player and vocalist Joseph Washbourne, guitarist Dan Hipgrave, bassist Matt Knight, and drummer Rob Green, Toploader was formed after a night in the local pub. A second guitarist Julian Deane was invited to complete the lineup in 1997, following which the group began performing live, playing small venues across the UK with the likes of Coldplay and Muse. In 1998 Toploader signed with Sony Records’ UK division, who secured the band a supporting slot on Paul Weller’s European tour. The successful shows raised Toploader’s international profile considerably and also drew comparisons to the likes of Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones.

Toploader subsequently issued their debut single, “Achilles Heal”, in May 1999. Rising to No. 64 on the UK Singles Chart, the single was well-received and resulted in Toploader playing the year’s Glastonbury and Reading Festivals. Towards the tail-end of the year the band released the single “Let the People Know”, before issuing their most successful and fun-loving single to date, “Dancing in the Moonlight”, in early 2000. Produced by George Drakoulias, the single rose to No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart, the chart where it remained until 2001. The band’s debut full-length album, “Onka’s Big Moka”, aided by the single, peaked at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Earning positive reviews, the record drew comparisons with funk singer Jamiroquai, and later achieved three-times platinum certification.

The band’s sophomore album, “Magic Hotel”, was released in August 2002, which despite peaking at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, was scorned by critics. The album’s lead single “Time of My Life” was the record’s only charting single, following which Toploader were dropped by S2 Records and embarked on a lengthy hiatus. The band subsequently signed with Underdog Records and released their third full-length “Only Human” in June 2011. Spawning the non-charting singles “Never Stope Wondering”, “A Balance to All Thing”, and “She Said”, the record was supported by performing at small venues around the UK including various university student’s unions and at Lakefest Festival.

Live reviews

Toploader’s cover of ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ - and it is a cover, as is frequently misconstrued, with the original by King Harvest dating back to 1972 - will probably, depending on how old you are, conjure up images of Sainsbury’s, a rather yuppy-ish house party and, most heinously of all, Jamie Oliver; the song rose to prominence when it was featured in an ad for the supermarket chain back in 2000, ending up in the top ten - the highest chart position that that particular song has ever enjoyed - and helping Toploader’s debut album, Onka’s Big Moka, to a number four placing on the albums chart. Despite the fact that the era in question was already fizzling out by that point, Toploader pushed ahead with a Britpop sound, and despite the fact that they enjoyed some chart success and high-profile support slots - they were the last British band to play the old Wembley when they opened for Bon Jovi - they soon ran into difficulty keeping the public interested in a tired sound, and disappeared after album number two, Magic Hotel, met with a scathing critical reception. Their 2011 comeback album failed to chart, but with four original members still present, they continue to tour across the UK, taking in provincial towns and leaning heavily on Only Human, where the temptation to fall back in Onka’s Big Moka must be considerable. They’ve a slew of festival dates lined up across the country this summer, should the mood take you.

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Joeg_67

A night out to see Dodgy always proves to be an enjoyable one. Not only do you get to hear some cracking tunes but the relaxed atmosphere, cosy venues and great banter always make it a favourite. One interesting twist on the night was that rather than having the same support for the whole tour Dodgy had adopted an “open mic” night type of affair with in our case four acts playing before the main event. The venue we were at was part of the Mary Hare school for the profoundly deaf and so it was appropriate that the first act were from there. The belted out six numbers and were pretty good. Got to give them credit for getting up there in the first place. Next up were a couple of weak solo artists before the final support, Darling Boy, who I had thought were a band but turned out to be an individual supported by others a la Duke Special. He (they?) had a real good energy about them that reminded me of The Zutons. And then it was time for the main event. The tour had been advertised as being acoustic but actually it was semi-acoustic and, somewhat weirdly, no drums, though we were treated to tambourine and “egg”. The music was great but the inter song chats were even better, giving a good insight into the band, particularly when there was a dispute over whether a song was to be played or not (as it was crossed off on the set list)! I also respect Dodgy’s honesty in saying that it gets a bit “tedious” playing the same things over and over which is why we got to hear three songs by other artists that I wasn’t familiar with. If this is what it takes to get them to come out on a Wednesday night to Newbury then I am all for it!

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