In June 1977, the band played their first gig without a name or a bass player. After several line-up changes, they spent a brief period under the name "Ninth Illusion", without recording any music. In the beginning of 1978 they met again and the idea of Toyah the band was born. Joel auditioned several musicians and chose Pete Bush (keyboards), Dave Robin (drums), and Windy Miller (bass), quartet quickly taking their name from their unusual vocalist and figurehead. Toyah debuted in Barnet's, "Duke Of Lancaster" on 27 June, and gave three more concerts in London. On 13 July the band performed at Young Vic Festival. The band began to record early demos in Willcox's converted warehouse called Mayhem – which comprised offices, recording and rehearsal rooms for many young bands on the London scene of the time.