New Toto lineup & livestream announced

Band will host livestream with new lineup

Life-long friends Steve Lukather (aka Luke) and Joseph Williams have announced a new Toto lineup with world class players. The band is in motion to bring their Dogz of Oz Tour worldwide with planned concerts across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and other geographical destinations. These shows will be staged where the ensemble will perform all the hits, deep cuts, and solo music from Lukather and Williams individual catalogs.

Joining Lukather and Williams for this next chapter in their indelible history are bassist John Pierce from Huey Lewis and The New, drummer Robert “Sput” Searight from Ghost-Note and Snarky Puppy, and keyboardist/background vocalist Steve Maggiora who’s played with Elvis and Moms Mabely. Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin from Prince and Ghost-Note, and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Warren Ham from Ringo Starr have segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble alongside Lukather and Williams. This marks the 15th incarnation of the Toto lineup in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.

“We could not be more at peace with this move. There is a refreshing, optimistic enthusiasm to step in to the future. At this moment, Joe and I are the only long-tenured members of the band that want to be on the road continuing to bring music to our multi-generational fan base. I’ve spent almost four and a half decades of my life as the only original member who never missed a show or an album nurturing this legacy while enabling the music to continually exist in the live concert setting,” Lukather shares. “That is something I’ll never stop doing, and the Dogz of Oz global tour offers a rare opportunity to reimagine our personal futures while simultaneously preserving the deep connection that exists with the audience while likewise yielding continual discovery. The hope is to move forward with the planned itinerary for Summer, 2021 that will bring us back to our fans across The World.”

“Luke and I have been through a lot with one another. He’s like a brother to me. Our creative partnership has always enriched our lives. As we look towards what’s to come in unison, there is nothing but anticipation to bring everything in our minds to life. I can’t think of anyone else on Earth I’d rather launch the next chapter with this lifelong, loyal and gifted friend and band mate. We’re the last men standing…The Dogz of Oz!” Williams says.

Luke adds, “Joe and I have been friends since I was 17, and Joe was 14. During the course of this pandemic we’ve been reevaluating our career and how to move forward. People are either not with us anymore or have retired. We still feel like kids who want to be back on the road as soon as possible. It’s where we live. Joe’s growth as a producer, songwriter, engineer, singer and performer is inspiring. The timing of this move is perfect as Joe is at the top of his game, and he amazes me every day. We are enjoying this collaboration, and could not be more enthusiastic about the future.”

On Saturday, November 21st the new lineup will make their global debut with a one-night only concert event that will broadcast prime time in three geographical regions to super-serve the fans: Asia, Australia/New Zealand; UK/Europe; and North America.

In 2021, both Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams will release solo albums that feature one another performing on some of the songs featured. The forthcoming titles will be issued globally in partnership with Mascot Label Group. Last month, Luke released “Run To Me” from the upcoming album featuring Williams alongside Ringo Starr and future band mate John Pierce.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com