Toyah was formed in March 1978 after initially starting out in June 1977, going through a number of line-up changes and a short lived period as Ninth Illusion, before settling on the name of their lead singer Toyah Willcox.

Through 1978 to 1983 the main musicians were:

● Toyah Willcox – vocals (1977–1983)
● Joel Bogen – guitars (1977–1983)
● Pete Bush – keyboards (1977–1980)
● Adrian Lee – keyboards (1981)
● Keith Hale – keyboards (1982)
● Simon Darlow – keyboards (1982, studio only – 1983)
● Mark Henry – bass (1979)
● Charlie Francis – bass (1979–1980)
● Phil Spalding – bass (1980–1983)
● Steve Bray – drums (1979–1980)
● Nigel Glockler – drums (1981)
● Simon Phillips – drums (1982)