Toploader were an English alternative rock band from Eastbourne, formed in 1997. They are best known for their cover of King Harvest's song "Dancing in the Moonlight" (which was featured in the film A Walk to Remember), a remix of which (the "Radio Edit" remixed by StarGate) reached the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart.
Career
In 2000, Toploader was a popular act in British music, but their popularity declined swiftly as bands such as Coldplay and Muse began to lead the changing 21st century music scene. The band split up in 2003, by which time they were very much out of the public eye. Their name refers to the older style of home video recorder that loaded it's tapes through a cage that would rise out of the top of the unit to then be pushed back down to load. hence, top - loader.
The band had decent success with both albums hitting the Top 5 in the UK Albums Chart, but poor single sales, especially those from their second album Magic Hotel, led to the band being dropped by their record label.
The band's debut album, Onka's Big Moka, produced the hits "Dancing in the Moonlight", "Achilles Heel", and "Just Hold On".
Joseph Washbourn recently wrote and performed the track "Goldrush" for the 2005 film, The Skeleton Key (Universal Pictures). He is now concentrating on a solo career with new and original material.
Guitarist Dan Hipgrave became well known in the media for his one-time marriage to Gail Porter, and has since written articles for The Guardian and Loaded.
Lead guitarist Julian Deane has moved into artist management and currently looks after Paul Steel, The Xcerts and Stars and Sons.
Drummer Rob Green became a music supervisor for a tv company.
Bassist Matt Knight is studying international relations at university.
Band members
- Joe Washbourn (born Joseph Washbourn, 24 December 1975, Sidcup, Kent) – vocalist, keyboardist
- Dan Hipgrave (born Daniel Hipgrave, 5 August 1975, Brighton) – guitarist
- Julian Deane (born 31 March 1971, Bristol) – guitarist
- Matt Knight (born Matthew Knight, 18 November 1972, Portsmouth) – bassist
- Rob Green (born 24 October 1969, London) – drummer
Discography
Albums
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