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Archive
2002 - 2008
... In 2002, Mark called Richard. Richard called Nick. Nick called Gordon. And the Toy Factory reunion was on, inspiring Take That, The Police, The Spice Girls and Led Zeppelin to follow suit.
Worthing seafront Autumn 2002, (Left to right) Gordon Tempest-Hay (Drums) Richard Allen-Turner (Vocals) Mark Howard (Bass) & Nick Randall (Guitar)
The first rehearsal in 18 years. Bush Studios, Shepherd's Bush London Autumn 2002. Less hair. More waist.
The band agreed to perform a one off gig in Worthing and The Empress Suite was booked for Saturday 22nd February 2003. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the show had to be abandoned a few days before the performance. The date was hastily rescheduled to Saturday 7th June and moved to The Pavilion Theatre, Brighton.
Flyer for the aborted comeback show, which on reflection, might have caused the venue to get a bit nervous
Worthing Gazette & Herald cover the reunion gig that never was
Band rehearsal, John Henry's, Islington, London 2003
Between rehearsals for the reunion show, the band entered the recording studio to lay down tracks for "Better Late Than Never", a free 10" EP on yellow vinyl to be given away to the audience at the gig. Seven tracks were completed in one session (see DiscographY & Audio for more details and MP3 samples)
Nick recording at Studio Sonic, Saturday 17th May 2003
Poster for the rescheduled reunion gig at The Brighton Pavilion Theatre, Saturday 7th June 2003
Live in action, Brighton Pavilion
For more live shots from the first reunion gig and many more, visit the GALLERY section of the site. Click HERE
Following the success of the sold out reunion show, Toy Factory decided to continue performing and recording on a regularly iinfrequent basis. A Christmas Show was booked in London at The Spitz venue.
Poster for the second gig of 2003
The band was hired by Frank Skinner to perform, "There Must Be Something Better Than This", the title theme of his ITV1 sitcom, Shane. An invitation to support anarcho punk legends, Conflict at The Camden Underworld in London, was accepted. Read a Review of that gig HERE
Recording with Frank Skinner for his ITV1 sitcom, Shane 2004
Poster for the Valentines Day gig with Conflict at the Camden Underworld 2004
Poster for Boom Boom Saloon, The Purple Turtle, Camden, London Friday 2nd April 2004
Toy Factory instrumental three piece for Richard and Samantha's Wedding, 5th June 2004
Poster for the only show of 2005
Backstage The Spitz, London Friday 13th May 2005
In early 2005, the band spent more time in the studio, recording tracks for their CD LP, Music's Relentless Pursuit of Cool and performed one show at the Spitz in May. Due to family and work commitments, band activity was limited in 2006 to occasional rehearsals and studio recordings.
2007 saw Martin Smith join as Rhythm guitarist. The new line up made it's debut at The Luminaire, London at the end of the year.
Invite to The Luminaire show, Friday 7th December 2007
JUNE 2008 SADLY SAW MARK DECIDE TO LEAVE THE BAND. GORDON THEN SWITCHED FROM DRUMS TO BASS GUITAR AND AL MURRAY WAS RECRUITED TO TAKE OVER ON THE TOY FACTORY DRUM STOOL.
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