Steve Lukather recently responded to criticism about Toto’s current lineup, defending the band’s ongoing performances in a statement shared on Rockonteurs.
Lukather acknowledged the major transitions Toto has faced over the decades, especially after the passing of key members. He emphasized that while today’s version differs from the original, continuing the band was an act of both necessity and respect for their history. “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.
Reflecting on the group’s evolution, Lukather noted that pivotal changes happened long before the current era. He described how losing drummer Jeff Porcaro was one of the band’s toughest challenges, yet they moved forward due to commitments and Porcaro’s enduring influence. “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 that he remains Toto’s last original member not by choice, but by circumstance. He distinguished between preserving the band’s legacy and working on newer projects, underscoring that his focus is keeping the classic material alive. “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 the creative aspect, Lukather mentioned that touring continues to generate income for the families of former members. He also highlighted Toto’s streaming success and steady album sales as signs of their lasting relevance.
Despite ongoing lineup changes, Toto maintains a strong presence on the road with a group of accomplished musicians. Rock and Blues Muse reported that the current touring ensemble includes Steve Lukather on guitar and vocals, Joseph Williams on lead vocals, Greg Phillinganes on keyboards, Shannon Forrest on drums, John Pierce on bass, Warren Ham on horns and percussion, and Dennis Atlas on keyboards. This lineup combines longtime collaborators and seasoned players who have worked closely with Lukather over the years.
The band’s dedication to live performance remains consistent. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Toto will tour North America in summer 2025 with Men at Work and Christopher Cross, performing in major cities such as Boston, Nashville, and Las Vegas. They also plan an “An Evening With Toto” U.S. tour for February and March 2026, featuring a refreshed setlist with over two hours of music, showcasing Lukather and Williams’ enduring energy on stage.
Lukather’s remarks about the band’s streaming success align with their impressive digital footprint. According to Wikipedia, Toto has amassed more than 3.4 billion Spotify streams, with their timeless hit “Africa” surpassing 1 billion streams and earning an 8× Platinum RIAA certification. This ongoing popularity underscores how Toto’s music continues to connect with audiences old and new.
While no new studio albums are currently announced for 2025 or 2026, the band’s focus on touring and streaming ensures their legacy remains vibrant. As the last original member performing full-time, Lukather stands as the guardian of Toto’s musical heritage, keeping its sound alive for generations to come.
