Britpop rockers Toploader 'Dancing' about Wirral Guitar Festival (From Wirral Globe)

Britpop rockers Toploader 'Dancing' about Wirral Guitar Festival

10:00am Saturday 27th October 2012 in News Exclusive By Craig Manning

BRITPOP rockers Toploader come to Wirral next month for the International Guitar Festival.

The band - who enjoyed massive chart success with their cover of ‘Dancing In The Moonlight’ - will be at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Friday, November 16.

The band has sold over two million albums with a string of top 20 chart hits home and abroad.

Their debut album, Onka's Big Moka, produced the global hit Dancing In The Moonlight.

They are working on a new album which is due for release next year and are also planning to tour.

Lead singer Joe Washbourn told the Globe: "We've played in Liverpool a few times, but this will be our first gig over the Mersey. We’re looking forward to it.

"On the night we’ll be playing a mix of old and new stuff. For us it’s all about getting on stage and performing so we hope to see as many of our fans there."

The band formed in Eastbourne in 1997 and have had a string of top 20 hits both home and abroad.

Their debut album, Onka's Big Moka, sold over one million units and remained in the Top 5 of the UK Albums Chart for over six months.

But it was their cover of King Harvest's song "Dancing in the Moonlight" which became a global hit for the band.

Their second album, Magic Hotel, reached number three in the UK Albums Chart. The band called it a day in 2003 but, after an extended hiatus, got back together in 2010.

Their third album, Only Human, was released in June the following year. The album spawned the singles "Never Stop Wondering" and "A Balance to All Things".

Joe said: “The Only Human album was a departure from our early stuff. The new single is really a return to what people know us for. It’s really upbeat and positive and bridges the gap between old and new.”

The band’s live career began playing with Coldplay and Muse in small venues across the UK.

They later went on to back Paul Weller, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi, becoming the last British band to play the original Wembley Stadium.

Asked to pick out the highlights from the last 15 years, Joe said: "Having a first album that was so well known and being the last British band to perform at the old Wembley Stadium were massive highlights.

"The fact that Dancing In The Moonlight is still as popular and sounds as fresh as it did when we first released all those years ago is a wonderful thing.

"When we got back together in 2010 it was real parting of the waves for us, leading to a real burst of creativity.

"At the end of the day, you want to write good songs and it’s all about playing the music live.

"At the moment we’re really enjoying being in the band. We love making new records getting on stage. We didn’t want to end up being a tribute band to ourselves."

The present line-up contains four of the five original members Dan Hipgrave, Rob Green and Matt Knight.

Asked if there was a plan B if music had not worked out, Joe said: “I never had a plan B, music is all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Supporting them on the night will be Liverpool band The Mono LPs.

Tickets for their November 16 show are from the Floral Pavilion box office on 666 0000 or www.bestguitarfest.com