Steve Lukather recently addressed criticism surrounding Toto’s current lineup. He defended the band’s continuation in a statement shared on Rockonteurs.
Lukather acknowledged the significant changes the band has undergone over the decades, particularly following the deaths of key members. He emphasized that while the current iteration differs from the original lineup, the band’s decision to continue was born out of necessity and respect for their legacy.
“I really want to make a big point of this cuz I take a lot of sh*t for it from certain people. I know what we were doing now is not the original band. Lord knows I wish it could be it could be intact and everybody healthy and we could still have been doing it, you know, but as the years went, we went through some tragic losses and after that we persevered,” Lukather said.
He reflected on the band’s pivotal moments, noting that transformations occurred long before the current era. Lukather explained that continuing after the loss of drummer Jeff Porcaro was particularly challenging. The band pressed forward due to existing commitments and Porcaro’s contributions to their work.
“Arguably, you could say after David Hungate threw his bass across the room in 1981, that was the end of Toto. Certainly, when Jeff (Porcaro) passed, we all thought, well, how are we going to carry on? Had we not made that album Kingdom of Desire and had tickets on sale that were sold out all over Europe and a crew and everybody, we would have probably packed it in,” he continued.
Lukather clarified his role in the band’s evolution, noting that he is the last surviving original member, though not by choice. He stressed that he differentiates between Toto’s legacy work and new projects. His primary goal is preserving the band’s classic music.
“I know, someone I knew well would argue that it’s Steve Lukather’s Toto, which makes me laugh. I’m the last man standing from the original, but not by choice. And I’m not I always differentiate with Dogs of Oz or something like, you know, that there I know the difference between the old and the new. I’m all I’m trying to do is keep our old music alive,” Lukather stated.
Beyond artistic considerations, Lukather highlighted the financial impact of the band’s touring. It provides income for the families of former members. He also mentioned the band’s streaming success and recent album sales, underscoring their continued relevance in the music industry.
Despite the lineup changes Lukather referenced, Toto continues to maintain a strong touring presence with a dedicated ensemble of musicians. Rock and Blues Muse reported that the current touring lineup includes Steve Lukather on guitar and vocals, Joseph Williams as lead vocalist, Greg Phillinganes on keyboards, Shannon Forrest on drums, John Pierce on bass, Warren Ham on horns and percussion, and Dennis Atlas on keyboards. This configuration represents a blend of longtime collaborators and seasoned musicians who have worked alongside Lukather over the years.
The band’s commitment to live performance remains unwavering. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Toto is touring North America in summer 2025 alongside Men at Work and Christopher Cross. The tour will hit major cities including Boston, Nashville, and Las Vegas. Additionally, the band has announced plans for an “An Evening With Toto” U.S. tour in February and March 2026. This tour will feature a freshly curated setlist with more than two hours of music, reflecting the continued performance vitality of Lukather and Williams.
Lukather’s assertion about the band’s streaming success aligns with their documented popularity on digital platforms. Wikipedia’s Toto band page revealed that the group has achieved over 3.4 billion streams on Spotify alone. Their iconic hit “Africa” remains a streaming powerhouse with over 1 billion Spotify streams and is certified 8X Platinum by the RIAA. This sustained digital presence demonstrates that despite the lineup changes, Toto’s music continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences.
The band’s focus on touring and live performance rather than new studio releases reflects a strategic approach to maintaining their legacy. No new studio albums are currently announced for 2025 or 2026. Toto’s extensive touring schedule and streaming success underscore their ability to remain relevant in the modern music landscape. Lukather’s role as the last original member performing full-time with the band positions him as the custodian of Toto’s musical heritage. He ensures that the classic catalog continues to reach audiences worldwide.
