Toploader

History

The band took their name from a joint-rolling technique. Early in their career, they performed alongside Coldplay and Muse in small UK venues, and later supported Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Tom Jones, Robbie Williams, and Simple Minds. On 20 July 2000, Toploader backed Bon Jovi at the original Wembley Stadium, becoming the last British band to play there before its demolition and redevelopment. By 1998, they had signed a six-album deal with S2 Records, a Sony Music subsidiary. Their first live TV appearance came on 7 May 1999, on TFI Friday. The debut album, Onka's Big Moka, produced by Dave Eringa, was released on 22 May 2000, debuting at number five and peaking at number four on the UK Albums Chart. The single 'Dancing in the Moonlight' reached number seven, and 'Achilles Heel' reached number eight. The band received four Brit Award nominations in 2001 but won none. On 24 June 2000, they played at the Glastonbury Festival. The second album, Magic Hotel, released in 2002, was poorly received by critics and failed to match the first album's success. The single 'Time of My Life' peaked at number 18. The band was dropped by S2 and broke up in 2003. Julian Deane retired from music and founded Raygun Music in 2007. Toploader reformed in 2009 with three original members: Joseph Washbourn, Dan Hipgrave, and Rob Green, joined by touring member Patrick Greenberg. They signed a one-record deal with Underdogs Music and released Only Human in June 2011. Singles 'Never Stop Wondering' and 'A Balance to All Things' followed. In 2012, they played at Lakefest and the Tiree Music Festival, and became patrons for the charity Time Is Precious.