Synopsis
Toyah appears as a warrior-like figure in a stark, barren landscape, emerging from a gathering around a fire before launching into a forceful performance. As the song builds, she takes control of an unusual horse-drawn chariot and charges across the terrain, while stylized images of the band and dramatic outdoor settings reinforce the song's rebellious, apocalyptic energy. The result is a theatrical 1981 promo that feels part fantasy adventure, part futuristic road movie.
Factoids & Trivia
- Toyah later recalled that she asked for a chariot after first suggesting something as extravagant as a Sherman tank. The production team created one by adapting the front of a car and attaching it to a pony.
- She had not previously driven a horse-drawn vehicle and said the experience was extremely difficult. The chariot's mirror reportedly struck her repeatedly during filming, cutting through her costume and leaving her bleeding.
- The single was released in October 1981 and became one of Toyah's biggest UK hits, reaching No. 4 and spending nine weeks on the chart.
- Toyah wrote the lyrics under severe time pressure during the summer of 1981. She later explained that the song reflected the unrest and riots taking place in Britain at the time.
- The song was issued as a standalone single rather than being tied to a new studio album. Its B-sides were "Street Addict" and "Voodoo Doll."
- The promo was used for Toyah's appearance on "Top of the Pops," rather than a separate studio performance. It was later included among the classic Toyah videos released on home video.