Irene Lesley and Hot Toddy were formed in East Anglia in 1988 and comprised Irene Lesley (vocals), Barry Mears (drums), Robbie Bird (bass), Paul Little (lead guitar and keyboards) and Tony Bushe (rhythm guitar). Irene had a very gentle voice and the band was well received wherever they went.
Irene and Tony were married on 1 August 1994 in Chelmsford. Hot Toddy disbanded in 1997 after which Irene and Tony moved to Limoges in France. They occasionally performed as Hot Toddy duo in France.
Irene Lesley passed away in France on 9 December 2025.
Video of Irene Lesley and Hot Toddy at the Mustang CMC, Canvey Island on 13 December 1993.
Research by Nick Catford.