We caught up with Toby prior to Download Festival this weekend.
So why Download?
I’ve been friends with Andy Copping for years, he was one of the first promoters to take a serious interest in the Angels back when we were starting out. He was the in house booker at Rock City in Nottingham and showed such loyalty to us. He is a stand up dude and a massive rock fan, who believes completely in what he is doing, he loves it, a real music fan, so my loyalty is to him when it comes to the festivals. I’m currently only playing live as an acoustic artist, and enjoying it so he kindly gave me the slot. Download is really ‘ Monsters of Rock’ to me having been the first festival I ever went to as a teenager. I saw Dio that year, and then eventually played the festival with Dio’s disciples which was a huge moment. To be part of the celebration of Ronnie’s life after being a life long fan was something really special. I’ve played the festival with Fastway and the little Angels as well as a solo acoustic set the year the Angels played, I’ve had Toseland at the festival the the Virginmarys played it and The Answer this year, so lots of acts I have associations with have made their mark there. It’s the best, simple. It feels like real community. Long may it continue and I hope to be playing it when I’m old and grey.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at Download?
I’m a huge Aerosmith fan, so that’s always a treat…Orange Goblin, Bowling for Soup, Monster Magnet, Seether, Chevelle, American Head Charge, the Pretty Reckless, Feed the Rhino…lots…
Is there anybody you’d like to call up on stage to perform with you?
Well, Joe Perry would be nice! Ha! Dave Kemp, the Angels sax player is coming along and he’s ace so that’s all I need!
Do you have any surprises in store for Download?
Well, I’m only doing 25 mins so not tons of time for surprises! It will be mainly my solo stuff with a touch of the past…I will have just hit my stride and it will be over! Haha! Great fun is all I’m after and hope the audience are good enough to hang around to listen.
What’s next for Toby Jepson?
Lots of production going on at the moment and beginning writing new material with James for the next a Toseland album. I’m planning some more solo material at some point soon…might be a band thing…just toying with some ideas at the moment…watch this space!
