Toto (band)

Toto
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	January 1, 1977; 49 years ago in Los Angeles, California, United States
Founder	David Paich, Jeff Porcaro
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Products	Studio albums, live albums, soundtracks, compilations
Number of employees	6 (original members)
Website	www.totoofficial.com

Toto is a rock ensemble from the United States, established in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. Their sound merges influences from pop, rock, soul, funk, hard rock, R&B, blues, and jazz. Over the years, they have produced 14 studio albums and achieved global sales exceeding 50 million copies. The group has received multiple Grammy Award honors and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.

The band was founded by seasoned session artists David Paich (keyboards, vocals) and Jeff Porcaro (drums), who then brought on board David Hungate (bass), Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards, vocals), and Bobby Kimball (vocals). Their self-titled debut record appeared in 1978, anchored by the Top 5 hit "Hold the Line", which helped establish their mainstream appeal. The release of their fourth album, Toto IV (1982), marked a breakthrough with chart-toppers such as "Africa", which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Rosanna" peaking at number two. This success cemented their position as one of the era’s best-selling bands.

Following the success of Toto IV, original members Hungate and Kimball departed; Hungate’s role was filled by Mike Porcaro, while Kimball was replaced by several vocalists over time, most notably Joseph Williams. After Jeff Porcaro passed away in 1992, drummer Simon Phillips joined the lineup. Although Toto did not replicate their late-1970s and early-1980s radio dominance in the U.S., they continued to release albums regularly and tour extensively, gaining substantial followings particularly in Japan and Scandinavian countries. Currently, Steve Lukather is the only founding member actively involved in recording and touring; David Paich remains officially part of the band but has largely stepped back from live performances. Since the 2010s, the band has increasingly incorporated hired musicians for touring purposes.

As of 2023, Toto’s discography encompasses fourteen studio albums, eight live records, one film soundtrack (1984’s Dune), along with numerous compilations. Their latest studio effort was 2018’s Old Is New, after which they ceased producing new studio recordings. In 2024, Toto embarked on the "Dogz of Oz" Tour beginning in Red Bank, New Jersey.

1977–1979: Formation and debut album

Before forming Toto, its members were well-known session musicians contributing to projects by artists such as Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, Boz Scaggs, and Sonny and Cher, among others—participating on many hit records throughout the 1970s. Keyboardist David Paich, son of arranger Marty Paich, gained prominence co-writing much of Scaggs’s acclaimed Silk Degrees album. He met drummer Jeff Porcaro, son of percussionist Joe Porcaro, while attending Grant High School, where they played together in a band called Rural Still Life. After collaborating on numerous recording sessions, they decided to form their own group.

They enlisted bassist David Hungate, another experienced session player from Scaggs’s backing band. Paich and Jeff Porcaro also invited guitarist Steve Lukather—also from Scaggs’s ensemble—and Jeff’s brother Steve Porcaro (keyboards), both alumni of Grant High School. Lukather and Steve Porcaro had continued performing under Rural Still Life’s later incarnation Still Life following the graduation of Paich and Jeff Porcaro. The group completed its lineup by adding former S.S. Fools vocalist Bobby Kimball. They secured a contract with Columbia Records and began recording their debut album in 1977.

David Paich penned much of their self-titled first album, Toto. The band's name originated when Jeff Porcaro labeled demo tapes "Toto" for identification purposes; this nickname was eventually adopted as the official name. Band members have referenced various inspirations for the name—including the dog from The Wizard of Oz or Bobby Kimball’s surname Toteaux. The choice also reflected their versatility as session musicians working across many musical styles.

Their debut album Toto quickly gained traction with singles like "Hold the Line", "I'll Supply the Love", and "Georgy Porgy", featuring guest vocalist Cheryl Lynn. Although critical opinions were mixed, it earned a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammys. In early 1979, Toto embarked on their inaugural U.S. tour promoting this release, expanding their live lineup to include guitarist and backing vocalist Tom Kelly as well as percussionist Lenny Castro. Castro had contributed as a session musician on their debut album and continued collaborating on nearly every subsequent Toto record for four decades—except for Turn Back. Throughout their touring history, Toto consistently engaged additional musicians to support live performances.

1979–1981: Hydra and Turn Back

After completing their initial tour, Toto unveiled Hydra in 1979, which included the track "99", inspired by George Lucas' film THX 1138. Although the song gained popularity, Steve Lukather later admitted to disliking "99," leading to its infrequent inclusion in live shows following the tour. The album was promoted with four music videos directed by Bruce Gowers and produced by Paul Flattery. While Hydra did not achieve the commercial heights of their debut record, it still earned a gold certification. The band supported this release through the "Hydra Tour," which ran from February to June 1980.

In early 1981, Toto introduced their third studio album, Turn Back, which adopted a heavier arena rock sound characterized by stronger guitar presence and reduced keyboard usage. This album failed to perform well internationally apart from notable success in Japan and Norway, threatening the band’s forward momentum due to a scarcity of recent hits in North America. Nevertheless, the lead single "Goodbye Elenore" unexpectedly resonated in Japan, securing a lasting foothold in that market.

1982–1985: Toto IV and Isolation

The year 1982 marked a commercial high point for Toto with the release of Toto IV, which achieved triple platinum status. This album yielded three singles that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100: "Rosanna", "Africa", and "I Won't Hold You Back". Early in 1983, "Africa" topped charts worldwide, while "Rosanna" earned several Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year. This success expanded Toto’s international fanbase and reinforced their position in the music industry. Additionally, Steve Porcaro co-wrote Michael Jackson's hit "Human Nature" on the iconic Thriller album, with Jeff Porcaro and Steve Lukather also contributing to Jackson’s project.

Following the triumph of Toto IV, bassist David Hungate left to concentrate on family commitments and session work; he was succeeded by Mike Porcaro. Lead vocalist Bobby Kimball encountered drug-related legal troubles but was acquitted; nevertheless, he was dismissed in 1984 due to difficulties with vocal recordings. During this period, Toto composed most of the soundtrack for the film Dune (1984).

When offered the lead singer role, Richard Page declined, leading to the recruitment of Fergie Frederiksen for the album Isolation, released in November 1984. Though it did not replicate previous sales figures, it secured Gold certification propelled by the single "Stranger in Town". The band supported this release with a tour from February through May 1985.

1985–1988: Fahrenheit and The Seventh One with Joseph Williams

Following the tour supporting Isolation, Frederiksen was replaced due to challenges encountered during studio sessions by Joseph Williams, son of famed composer John Williams. With Joseph Williams as lead vocalist, Toto issued Fahrenheit in August 1986, marking a return to their pop/rock foundation. The singles "I'll Be Over You" and "Without Your Love" achieved notable chart success. This album also featured collaborations with jazz icon Miles Davis, as well as Michael McDonald and Don Henley.

After completing a world tour, keyboardist Steve Porcaro departed to focus on scoring projects but continued contributing to studio recordings. By 1994, Fahrenheit had earned Gold certification. In 1988, Toto released The Seventh One, which included backing vocals from Yes’s Jon Anderson on the track "Stop Loving You". The single "Pamela" became their final Top 40 hit in the United States. This record represented their most commercially successful effort since Toto IV. The band engaged in extensive touring through mid-1988.

1988–1990: Past to Present Era and Jean-Michel Byron's Tenure

Although "The Seventh One Tour" achieved considerable success, Joseph Williams was replaced as lead singer following record label insistence on introducing a new frontman instead of reuniting with Bobby Kimball. In 1989, South African vocalist Jean-Michel Byron was brought in, contributing vocals to four newly recorded tracks for the greatest hits album Past to Present 1977–1990. The ensuing "Planet Earth" tour was overshadowed by Byron's troublesome conduct, resulting in his demotion and eventual departure after the tour concluded in late 1990.

During this timeframe, Bobby Kimball controversially organized shows under the Toto name without authorization. Similarly, Joseph Williams encountered legal difficulties related to substance abuse, paralleling Kimball’s earlier issues.

Guitarist Steve Lukather launched his solo career with the 1989 album Lukather, which featured guest appearances by Eddie Van Halen and Richard Marx.

1991–1992: Kingdom of Desire Release and the Passing of Jeff Porcaro

Without a designated lead vocalist, Steve Lukather assumed frontman responsibilities for the 1991 release of Kingdom of Desire, which came out internationally via Columbia Records and through Relativity Records in the United States.

Tragically, on August 5, 1992, founding drummer Jeff Porcaro passed away suddenly at age 38 due to a heart attack linked to cocaine use. Faced with the prospect of disbanding, encouragement from Porcaro’s family motivated Toto to bring in English drummer Simon Phillips, who had previously collaborated with Lukather.

The band dedicated their following tour to Porcaro’s legacy and issued the live album Absolutely Live in 1993. Lukather handled most vocal parts until Bobby Kimball rejoined in 1998; during performances of earlier material, backing vocals were provided by Fred White (later replaced by John James), Jackie McGee (succeeded by Donna McDaniel), and Jenny Douglas-McRae.

A tribute concert honoring Jeff Porcaro took place on December 14, 1992, featuring renowned artists such as Don Henley, Eddie Van Halen, Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, David Crosby, and George Harrison alongside members of Toto.

Following these events, individual members pursued side projects; notably, Lukather and Phillips collaborated on Los Lobotomys’ 1993 album Candyman.

1995–1997: Simon Phillips Joins Officially and the Release of Tambu

In 1995, Toto unveiled Tambu, their first studio effort featuring Simon Phillips as the official drummer under Sony's CBS label. This album represented a shift toward a more naturalistic sound. Singles released included "I Will Remember", "Drag Him To The Roof", and "The Turning Point". Backup vocal contributions came from John James and Jenny Douglas-McRae; Douglas-McRae took lead vocals on the bonus track "Blackeye" and performed a duet with Lukather on "Baby He's Your Man". Globally, sales approached 600,000 units.

The "Tambu Tour" enjoyed success but did not include North American dates; drummer Gregg Bissonette filled in for Phillips during initial shows due to Phillips’ back problems. During this period, Donna McDaniel left the group; backup vocal roles were adjusted accordingly until both James and Douglas-McRae departed following the 1997 tour.

Within this interval, Lukather also released his reflective second solo album titled Luke.

1997–2001: Toto XX, Bobby Kimball's comeback, and Mindfields

In 1997, to celebrate two decades of their career, David Paich and Steve Lukather assembled previously unreleased tracks that culminated in the compilation album Toto XX (1998), which included the single "Goin' Home". The promotional activities featured former members such as Bobby Kimball, Steve Porcaro, and Joseph Williams joining the lineup.

After a 14-year absence, Bobby Kimball officially returned as the band's lead vocalist. Early in 1999, the group unveiled Mindfields, followed by a global reunion tour that marked their re-entry into the US market after a six-year break. Notable singles from this era included "Melanie", "Cruel", and "Mad About You", all co-written by Paich and Joseph Williams. Later that year, they released a live album entitled Livefields. Keyboardist David Paich temporarily stepped back from touring in 2000 but resumed his role by 2001, with Jeff Babko covering for him during his hiatus.

2002–2003: Through the Looking Glass and Toto's quarter-century celebration

To honor their 25th anniversary in 2002, Toto put out Through the Looking Glass, an album comprised entirely of covers paying tribute to artists like Bob Marley, Steely Dan, The Beatles, and Elton John. The singles featured renditions of Marley's "Could You Be Loved" and The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". Despite modest commercial success and some fan dissatisfaction due to the absence of original compositions, the release supported an extensive anniversary tour throughout 2003.

That same year saw the issue of a live album/DVD titled Live in Amsterdam, capturing performances from their anniversary tour.

2003–2005: Greg Phillinganes joins amid David Paich’s reduced touring

In mid-2003, keyboardist David Paich stepped away from touring to focus on family commitments. Seasoned musician Greg Phillinganes took over keyboard duties for subsequent tours, including Night of the Proms events where Paich occasionally appeared before retiring from live performances completely by 2005. Nevertheless, Paich continued contributing to studio recordings.

During late 2003 and early 2004 Night of the Proms shows, drummers Jon Fariss and Ricky Lawson filled in for Simon Phillips due to his illness-related absences.

In October 2003, Steve Lukather released his solo Christmas album Santamental, featuring collaborations with prominent artists such as Eddie Van Halen and Slash.

2006–2008: Falling in Between, touring activity, and live recordings

Early in 2006 marked the release of Falling in Between through Italian label Frontiers Records, representing Toto’s first studio album since 1999. The record showcased significant keyboard work by Steve Porcaro and included a duet between Porcaro and Joseph Williams on the lead single "Bottom of Your Soul".

The band embarked on a global tour extending into 2007. Due to illness affecting Mike Porcaro starting late that year, bassist Leland Sklar stepped in as his replacement; Porcaro’s final show took place on November 16, 2006. Former lead singer Fergie Frederiksen made guest appearances during US tour dates alongside Joseph Williams.

Touring continued into early 2008 with concerts beginning in Mexico City followed by performances in Japan co-headlined with Boz Scaggs. Both Joseph Williams and Bobby Kimball shared vocal responsibilities during these shows, which also featured David Paich’s return to the stage.

To commemorate this period, Toto issued a two-disc live album titled Falling in Between Live via Eagle Records, accompanied by a concert DVD filmed at Paris’ Le Zenith on March 26, 2007.

2008–2010: Initial hiatus and reunion

On June 5, 2008, Steve Lukather declared his exit from Toto, effectively concluding the band's then-current formation. He pointed to the absence of crucial members—specifically David Paich stepping back from touring and Mike Porcaro’s health struggles—as significant reasons for shifting his focus toward solo projects.

Following his departure, Lukather promptly released his solo album Ever Changing Times.

In February 2010, Toto briefly reunited for a European summer tour aimed at supporting Mike Porcaro, who was diagnosed with ALS. This lineup included original members David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, alongside Joseph Williams and guest bassist Nathan East.

Lukather affirmed that the band would continue to exist but highlighted that future appearances would be occasional and driven by fan interest rather than producing new studio material, due to the members’ individual pursuits and schedules.

Steve Lukather’s next solo album, 'All's Well That Ends Well', was released in October 2010.

Further European tours took place through the summer of 2011, featuring former backing vocalist Jenny Douglas. A concert recorded in Verona was intended for DVD release but was postponed due to contractual complications. Another European tour followed in 2012.

2013–2014: Anniversary tours and lineup shifts

Marking their 35th anniversary during 2013-14, Toto embarked on tours across Europe and North America, with plans for performances in Japan as well. They issued a live album from Łódź titled 35th Anniversary – Live in Poland. Additionally, work on a new studio album was announced for early 2014.

In January, Steve Lukather unveiled his solo record Transition, which featured longtime collaborators including bassist Leland Sklar.

Former lead singer Fergie Frederiksen passed away in January 2014 after a battle with liver cancer.

Simon Phillips left the band in January 2014 to focus on solo endeavors; he was temporarily replaced by Steely Dan’s Keith Carlock during the Japanese shows, while Shannon Forrest took over drum duties for North American dates later that year.

After completing the Japan tour, bassist Nathan East departed and was replaced by original member David Hungate. Hungate returned for an extensive U.S. tour co-headlining with Michael McDonald, representing one of Toto’s most extensive North American schedules in recent years.

2015–2017: Release of Toto XIV and Mike Porcaro’s passing

Following a nine-year gap without new releases, Toto launched their fourteenth studio album 'Toto XIV' between March 20 and 24 across Europe, North America, and Oceania respectively. This was followed by a worldwide headline arena tour featuring appearances at major festivals as well as North American summer dates and later performances in Asia.

On March 15, former bassist Mike Porcaro died after a prolonged struggle with ALS-related complications.

In April, Toto announced a joint North American summer tour with Yes running from August through September. Dave Santos replaced Hungate on bass for the final shows while Shannon Forrest continued on drums.

A subsequent European and Japanese leg was revealed in September, with Leland Sklar returning on bass before being succeeded by Shem von Schroeck early the following year.

Keyboardist Steve Porcaro debuted his first solo album 'Someday/Somehow' in mid-2016, featuring contributions from Michael McDonald among others.

2018–2019: Commemorative releases; lineup adjustments; second hiatus

On February 9, the band issued the anniversary collection 40 Trips Around the Sun, accompanied by a worldwide tour celebrating forty years. The core ensemble consisted of Joseph Williams, Steve Lukather, David Paich (who was occasionally absent), and Steve Porcaro, supported by touring musicians such as Lenny Castro and others.

David Paich withdrew from the scheduled North American shows to prioritize his health, with Dominique 'Xavier' Taplin stepping in temporarily starting from the July tours and continuing into the following years.

During their European tour dates, they incorporated Weezer’s rendition of "Hash Pipe" as an encore, playfully responding after Weezer had covered Toto’s classic "Africa".

In September, Steve Lukather released his memoir The Gospel According to Luke, offering insights into his career; an audiobook version followed shortly thereafter.

November brought out the box set All In, which included new studio recordings alongside previously unreleased tracks featuring the late Jeff Porcaro on drums, with bass contributions from Mike Porcaro or David Hungate, complemented by more recent sessions.

Tours commenced in early January at the Byron Bay Falls Festival and continued through North America until October. This period was marked by growing internal strains, intensified by legal disputes concerning Jeff Porcaro’s estate management that impacted band dynamics. David Paich made special guest appearances at select concerts, performing signature songs such as “Africa”.

In October, Lukather announced the dissolution of the existing band lineup, hinting at forthcoming projects including a film about Toto’s history and a potential follow-up book titled The New Testament According to Luke. Paich participated in the final Philadelphia show, marking a temporary conclusion to this chapter.

2020–present: Second reunion and Dogz of Oz Tour

On October 19, it was confirmed that Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams would revive Toto under its original name, launching the Dogz of Oz Tour globally. Initially planned for fall and winter, the tour was postponed to spring and summer due to pandemic-related restrictions. The revamped lineup features bassist John Pierce (from Huey Lewis & Pablo Cruise), drummer Robert "Sput" Searight (of Ghost-Note), keyboardists Dominique 'Xavier' Taplin and Steve Maggiora, along with multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham supporting the founding duo.

A streamed preview performance took place on November 21, highlighted by a guest appearance from David Paich during the final songs.

On April 12, it was announced that the Dogz of Oz World Tour would be rescheduled for 2022.

June 25 marked the release of the live album With a Little Help from My Friends, documenting the November 2020 streamed concert. This release was preceded by singles “Til The End” and “You Are The Flower”. Lukather clarified that no plans exist for future Toto studio albums but expressed openness toward solo collaborations.

The year 2022 opened with an extensive series of US arena dates supporting Journey. David Paich made occasional live appearances during these shows domestically and also during the European leg, including a performance in Amsterdam on July 15. Keyboardist Greg Phillinganes briefly rejoined mid-European leg to cover for Xavier Taplin due to family matters before Taplin resumed his role in late August.

In early 2023, Toto continued supporting Journey on tour dates, followed by independent concerts in Japan during summer and appearances at the Night of the Proms festivals in Belgium and Germany later in the year.

On September 25, it was announced that Toto would embark on a third consecutive joint North American tour with Journey for winter/spring 2024, featuring Christopher Cross as opening act.

An update in January 2024 revealed Greg Phillinganes and Shannon Forrest rejoining the touring ensemble, replacing Taplin and Searight for the upcoming Dogz Of Oz Tour. On June 15, Dennis Atlas was confirmed as an additional keyboardist and vocalist, succeeding Steve Maggiora.

Activities planned for mid to late 2024 include a headlining European tour during June and July, a hometown performance at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl on September 1, followed by concerts across Latin America including Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia.

Further UK and European tour dates have been scheduled for February to March 2025 with Christopher Cross returning as opening act. This will be complemented by shows in Australia and New Zealand as part of ongoing collaborations.

Tours

Tour of Toto (1979)
Hydra Concert Series (1980)
Toto IV Live Tour (1982)
Isolation Live Performances (1985)
Fahrenheit Concert Tour (1986–87)
The Seventh One Live Tour (1988)
Past to Present Concert Series (1990–91)
Kingdom of Desire Live Tour (1992–93)
Tambu Concert Tour (1995–96)
Reunion Tour for Toto XX (1998)
Mindfields Touring Cycle (1999–2001)
Through the Looking Glass Live Shows (2002)
25th Anniversary Celebration Tour (2003–04)
Falling in Between Performance Tour (2006–08)
Mike Porcaro Tribute Tour (2010)
In the Blink of an Eye Concert Series (2011–12)
35th Anniversary Commemorative Tour (2013–14)
Toto XIV Live Tour (2015–16)
An Evening with Toto Concerts (2017)
40 Tours Around the Sun Live Events (2018–19)
Dogz of Oz Touring Period (2022–25)

External links

Toto profile at WorldMusicDatabase