Toto

Tue
12
Jul

TOTO 'Live In Montreux 1991' DVD/CD Out Sept. 16

Artist: 
Friday, September 16, 2016
Categories: 
News Feed
 
At the personal invitation of Quincy Jones and legendary Montreux Jazz Festival founder Claude Nobs to perform at the famed Swiss festival, Toto couldn’t resist the opportunity, resulting in Toto: Live At Montreux 1991. “From the perspective of the members of Toto,” states guitarist Steve Lukather, “the Montreux Jazz Festival is amongst the most revered events staged in the world. Our association, as a band, and individuals, is something we are deeply proud of. So much fun, and so much history has graced the ground in and around the lake.”
 
On September 16, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will present this very special concert film from Toto’s storied history. Toto: Live At Montreux 1991 — the last tour with Jeff and Mike Porcaro, alongside original members Steve Lukather and David Paich — will be available on DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD, and Digital Video in North America [MSRP TBA].
 
In 1991, Toto was in the midst of a run of headline dates and European summer festivals, while finishing their new album Kingdom Of Desire. It was a time of rebirth for the band, and the Montreux stage proved the perfect opportunity to test drive the new songs. Fans could feel the electricity in the air as Lukather, Paich, and the late brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro took the stage.
 
“Yes! Time to take a trip in the ol’ Toto Hot Tub Time Machine! Back to 1991, yes ‘91! Where pure live music was performed on hallowed ground under the paternal wings of Quincy Jones and Claude Nobs,” states keyboardist David Paich. “When I first listened back, the thought omnipresent in my mind was simply, ‘That’s that raw, sizzling energy we had in high school!’  Here we are – four valley dudes from Los Angeles with some assorted musical friends, bringing it once again.”
 
Sadly, this was Jeff Porcaro’s final tour with the band, before his passing in 1992. Lukather, who personally mixed Live At Montreux 1991 with legendary engineer Niko Bolas, expresses the real emotions that this concert channels, and how poignant it was to the band’s history:
 
“The most important thing is you can see and hear the love we have for each other and watching this in 2016 with Niko…well bittersweet is a term that has been so overused but in this case…there were tears and a lot of laughter as the memories of this night and this final tour with Jeff were captured.  You guys get to see a version of the band that will never and COULD never be again!”
 
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of Toto. With over 38 years together and thousands of credits and accolades to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world.
 
As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums.  Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations. Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television.  They ARE pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles and enjoy a multi-generational fan base.
 
Last summer, they released their first new studio album in ten years –TOTO XIV – that debuted Top 10 in nine countries around the world and became their most successful album since 1988 in the U.S. and UK.  This August / September, the band will stage a headline tour of North America. Details are available via totoofficial.com.
 
Track Listing:
 
On The Run
Kingdom of Desire
I’ll Be Over You
Africa
Jake To The Bone
Red House
Rosanna
I Want To Take You Higher
 
Tags: 
 
Thu
21
Apr

STEVE PORCARO To Release First Ever Solo Album

Artist: 
Friday, June 10, 2016
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Founding Member Of Toto Steps Out On His Own For The First Time
With Someday / Somehow Due Out On June 10
 
 
April 7, 2016 – A founding member of the Grammy award winning rock band Toto, Steve Porcaro will release his first ever solo album, Someday / Somehow, on June 10.
 
Porcaro’s first album has actually been in the making since 1983.  With “Back To You” first being worked on by Toto in 83’ and “More Than I Can Take” being the most recent track he finished.
                      
“I’ve always been writing and recording over the years, hoping to find homes for these songs with other artists,” Porcaro remarked.  “Lately, I've been reminded repeatedly how short life is, and I think it’s finally sinking in and with the encouragement of my band, family and fans, I decided it was time to remove my excuses, throw down, let go and finish these songs the way I hear them.”
 
The album features Porcaro on lead vocals for seven tracks and Michael McDonald on “Swing Street,” and “Night Of Our Own.”  Jamie Kimmett on “She’s So Shy,” and “Face Of A Girl,” Michael Sherwood on “Make Up” and Mabvuto Carpenter on “Painting By Numbers.”  Longtime collaborator Marc Bonilla along with fellow current Toto colleagues Steve Lukather, Lenny Castro and Shannon Forrest make appearances on the album as well.
 
The thirteen track album, features material Porcaro has been tinkering with for quite some time.  “Back To You” was originally recorded with Toto back in 1983, however Porcaro never got around to finishing it himself until last year.  It’s the song he wrote for his then girlfriend Rosanna Arquette. The track features both of Steve’s departed brothers: Jeff and Mike.
 
The first single from the album, “Ready Or Not” is quite personal to Porcaro.
 
“Ready Or Not was written for my kids,” Porcaro adds.  “The first verse describes the day my oldest, Heather was born, but the song's a love letter to all my kids, and to anyone who travels with kids at home.”
 
An American keyboardist, songwriter and composer Porcaro written or co-authored music on each of Toto's first six albums, with the exception of Isolation and most recently, performed on the band's highly acclaimed 2015 album Toto XIV, also co-writing and singing lead on “The Little Things” and “Bend” which is featured on the Japan edition of that release. Porcaro continues to perform in Toto continues to play to sold-out audiences in Europe, US and Japan.
 
Also known for his prolific session work, Steve co-wrote “Human Nature” on Michael Jackson’s Grammy-winning album Thriller, solidifying his individual mark on the music industry.  A sought-after session musician, Steve has worked extensively with music producer icons Quincy Jones and David Foster and many of music’s most successful artists including Don Henley, YES, Elton John, Boz Scaggs and many others.  Highly respected for his film and television scores, Steve composed the music for the award-winning FX show Justified, starring Timothy Olyphant.
 
Steve Porcaro’s touring career began at the age of 17 with Gary Wright, in support of Wright’s hit album, The Dream Weaver and then with Boz Scaggs along with the other original members of Toto, prior to that band’s 1977 inception.   Steve’s older brothers, Mike Porcaro (bassist) and Jeff Porcaro (drummer), also members of Toto were highly respected session musicians and their father Joe Porcaro is regarded was one of the world’s most influential session percussionists and educators.  In 2010, Steve toured with Toto when the decision was made to reform the band in support of his brother Mike, during Mike’s lengthy battle with ALS.
 
Along with his work on “Human Nature”, Steve Porcaro performed other Thriller tracks including “Beat It” and “The Girl Is Mine” and composed the song “For All Time”, which was included on the Thriller “25th Anniversary” EditionA testament to his compositional influence, “Human Nature” has been covered and/or sampled by many artists including Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, SWV, Nas, and Chris Brown.
 
You can pre-order the album and other Steve Porcaro items here: http://smarturl.it/SomedaySomehow
 
 
Someday / Somehow Track Listing
1.       Ready Or Not
2.       Loved By A Fool
3.       Someday / Somehow
4.       Swing Street
5.       She’s So Shy
6.       Back To You
7.       Face Of A Girl
8.       To No One
9.       Makeup
10.    She’s The One
11.    Night Of Our Own
12.    Painting By Numbers
13.    More Than I Can Take
 
For more information visit:
 
Wed
17
Feb

New STEVE LUKATHER & TOTO Archive Releases in Japan

Categories: 
News Feed
 
STEVE LUKATHER and TOTO are both recipients of Japanese exclusive compilations due out March 2.
 
For Steve Lukather, the album is Session Works - "This compilation includes tracks carefully selected from ones featuring Steve Lukather. Supervised by Steve Lukather himself. Includes his comments on tracks. Cover artwork uses photo(s) shot at rehearsal in their first tour in Japan in 1980."
 
Track Listing: 1 Back On The Road / Earth Wind & Fire
2 Breakdown Dead Ahead / Boz Scaggs
3 You Need Some Lovin' / Eric Carmen
4 Ai No Corrida / Quincy Jones
5 I Want You / The Brothers Johnson
6 Hero With A 1.000 Eyes / Steve Lukather
7 Hold Me 'Til The Mornin' Comes / Paul Anka
8 Forever (Album Version) / Kenny Loggins
9 Paradise / Sarah Dash
10 A Clue / Boz Scaggs
11 Lady In The Dark (Album Version) / Valerie Carter
12 Lovin' And Losin' You
13 Alone / I-Ten
14 Twist The Knife / Steve Lukather
15 Take Me To Your Heaven / Wilson Brothers
16 Whatever Happened / Dane Donohue
17 Please Stay Tuned (Album Version) / Chet Atkins
 
For Toto, the compilation In The Blink Of An Eye is out February 24 and features a familiar track list. It basically supersedes previous compilations.
 
Disc 1
1 Child's Anthem
2 Goobye Elenore
3 Rosanna
4 Gift Of Faith
5 Miss Sun
6 I'll Be Over You
7 It's A Feeling
8 Stranger In Town
9 Till The End
10 The Other End Of Time
11 Jake To The Bone
12 I'll Supply The Love
13 Carmen
14 99
15 Wings Of Time
16 Don't Stop Me Now
 
Disc 2
1 Pamela
2 Mad About You
3 Georgy Porgy
4 I Won't Hold You Back
5 Melanie
6 Good For You
7 Endless
8 Tale Of A Man
9 Dune(Desert Theme)
10 I Will Remember
11 Lea
12 Africa
13 Home Of The Brave
14 Moodido (The Match) (European Re-Mix)
15 Stop Loving You
16 Hold The Line
 
 
 
Mon
02
Nov

Rock Candy Records Latest - TOTO

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed

The following four new Rock Candy titles are available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price including postage to anywhere in the world for the next two weeks ending on November 15.

TOTO 'IV' CANDY274

THERE COMES A tipping point in every artist's career; a moment where decisions have to be made and a course of action needs to be taken. By the time Toto had reached this, their fourth, album matters were building to a head. Their previous two albums had commercially under-achieved and the label was getting itchy feet about their future prospects. So, it was with the greatest deliberation that the band embarked on the road to 'Toto IV', vowing to throw everything and the kitchen sink into its creation.
 
History shows that this album was a triumphant success, but the road to redemption was not without sacrifice, hard work and dedication. It is clear that a huge amount of creativity and talent formed the backbone of this album, songs crafted to utter perfection and all wrapped up in pin-point production. The musicianship was also impeccable, showcasing talent beyond belief, of an apparently altogether otherworldly nature.
 
Achieving sales in excess of triple platinum and notching up a eye-popping six Grammy awards, it also spawned three huge global hit singles, namely 'Africa', 'Rosanna' and 'I Won't Hold You Back', songs that epitomise the band's precise and concise style. It was a triumph of incredible proportions for a group that had been written off by so many and, with bitchy cruelty, labelled a faceless bunch of session musicians. It is without doubt the most important AOR album of all time.
 
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.
 
TRACK LISTING: 1. ROSANNA 2. MAKE BELIEVE 3. I WON'T HOLD YOU BACK 4. GOOD FOR YOU 5. IT'S A FEELING 6. AFRAID OF LOVE 7. LOVERS IN THE NIGHT 8. WE MADE IT 9. WAITING FOR YOUR LOVE10. AFRICA
 

TOTO 'ISOLATION' CANDY275

WHEN TOTO RELEASED their game changing fourth album 'Toto IV' nobody, least of all the band, expected it to resonate so loudly with the public. Sure, they were known as a fine group, a little on the highbrow tip perhaps, yet the impact of hits such as 'Africa' and 'Rosanna' placed the band on a new 'popular' plateau' one that, it has to be said, was always going to be a millstone around their necks. When you've climbed Everest is there really anything else left to ascend?
 
It was a situation compounded by a huge upheaval, one that was, on the face of it, perhaps a bridge too far. Reconvening to write and record this, their follow-up album, the band made the drastic decision to fire vocalist Bobby Kimball, a move that seriously endangered their momentum. Recruiting new member Fergie Frederikson (previously of pomp purists Trillion and Le Roux) 'Isolation' was recorded with cool purpose, yet harboured a certain degree of apprehension. Despite the fact that the songs and performances were very much simpatico with the Toto ethos, the end result that the record fell short of commercial expectations was no surprise.
 
Released in late 1984, the album is actually a fine slice of adult contemporary rock, with all the moves and grooves that you would expect from such a stellar unit, a band that was musically at the top of their game and firing on all six. Stunning tracks such as 'Stranger In Town', 'Carmen' and 'Angel Don't Cry' delivered the goods in timely fashion, very much keeping the flame alive.
 
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.

TRACK LISTING:  1. CARMEN 2. ANGEL DON'T CRY 3. ISOLATION 4. STRANGER IN TOWN 5. HOLYANNA 6. LION 7. HOW DOES IT FEEL 8. MR. FRIENDLY 9. ENDLESS 10. CHANGE OF HEART
 


TOTO 'FAHRENHEIT' CANDY276

FOR TOTO THERE
has never been a dull moment. Having experienced huge success with their debut album, followed immediately by two great but lesser performing records, the band hit the motherload with 'Toto IV', a work that propelled them into the upper echelons of superstardom, selling over three million copies and winning an unprecedented six Grammy awards. Life looked sweet, but it all came crashing down with the departure of original lead vocalist Bobby Kimball.

The band's attempt to piece things back together resulted in a commercially underperforming follow up album, 'Isolation', featuring new singer Fergie Frederiksen. So, it was back to the drawing board for album #6, a record that saw the appointment of yet another replacement vocalist, Joseph Williams. One thing however did not change; Toto's sound was very much cut from the same fine cloth, the members keen to protect their signature sound at all costs.

'Fahrenheit', originally released in 1986, is a strong, some might say jubilant, return to form, harnessing much of the style and sophistication that won them such a committed following in the first instance. Tracks such as 'We Can Make It Tonight', 'Can't Stand It Any Longer' and the hit single 'I'll Be Over You' demonstrate that the band had no intention of letting standards slip. Look out too for some remarkable guest performances from Miles Davis, Michael McDonald and Glen Frey.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.

TRACK LISTING:  1. TILL THE END 2 .WE CAN MAKE IT TONIGHT 3. WITHOUT YOUR LOVE 4. CAN'T STAND IT ANY LONGER 5. I'LL BE OVER YOU  6. FAHRENHEIT 7. SOMEWHERE TONIGHT 8. COULD THIS BE LOVE 9. LEA     10. DON'T STOP ME NOW
 

TOTO 'THE SEVENTH ONE' CANDY277

UP TO THIS
point Toto's career trajectory had been subjected to a number of highs and lows. Their debut album, and 'Toto IV', contained a number of smash hit singles, helping to propel the band into the media spotlight. Yet the band would hit dry spells with commercially underperforming records that, whilst maintaining a high standard creatively, failed to connect with the public. And it didn't help that they had hired and fired two lead vocalists.

By the time the band recorded this, their seventh album, it was time to pull another rabbit out of the hat. With new vocalist Joseph Williams firmly settled into the line up they did exactly that. For the first time they also looked outside for production guidance, recruiting two members of Little Feat (George Massenburg and Billy Payne) to oversee the recording sessions, resulting in one of the strongest albums of their long and productive career.

'The Seventh One', originally issued in 1988, set a new standard for the band, with critics and fans heaping praise on its contents. Forceful and dynamic, the tracks benefitted from a sharper and more defined sound, aided and abetted by a brace of stellar songs. Tracks such as 'Pamela' (the natural successor to 'Rosanna'), 'Only The Children' and 'Home Of The Brave' hit the spot dead centre. And look out for 'Stay Away', an incredible duet featuring Linda Ronstadt, containing Steve Lukather's heaviest ever guitar riff.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.

TRACK LISTING:  1. PAMELA 2. YOU GOT ME 3. ANNA 4. STOP LOVING YOU 5. MUSHANGA 6. STAY AWAY 7. STRAIGHT FOR THE HEART 8. ONLY THE CHILDREN 9. A THOUSAND YEARS 10. THESE CHAINS 11. HOME OF THE BRAVE
 
Fri
14
Aug

One on One With Mitch Lafon - GEOFF DOWNES (Yes)

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio

http://www.spreaker.com/user/talkingmetal/1on1-mitch-lafon-139-yes-geoff-downes

In episode 139 of One On One With Mitch Lafon, Geoff Downes of YES (and Asia) joins Mitch to discuss the band's current tour with TOTO, their upcoming Cruise To The Edge rock cruise with Marillion, what motivates them to make new music, ASIA vs. YES, and more. Plus, he pays tribute to the late Chris Squire.

Producer Adam Hamilton (former L.A. Guns & The C.C. DeVille Experiment) co-hosts this episode.

Quotes from the interview:

1) "We feel responsible to pay due respect to Chris' legacy."

2) "Chris had said in many interviews that he felt that YES should continue."

3) "We are going to carry on for the foreseeable future."

For more about YES visit: http://www.yesworld.com
TWITTER: @yesofficial
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yestheband
Cruise To The Edge: http://cruisetotheedge.com

For more Adam Hamilton visit:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adam.hamilton.528
Twitter:@AdamHamilton1

Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One On One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
 
Fri
07
Aug

TOTO Tribute 'Fanfields 2' Underway & Available To Fund

Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
The crowd funding for Michael Riesenbeck & Friends: Fanfields 2 – A Fans’ Tribute to Toto has started!
 
Over 65 musicians will pay tribute to Toto and the heroes that have left us, Jeff Porcaro, Mike Porcaro and Fergie Frederiksen. This will be done by recording breathtaking versions of our and their most favorite Toto songs.
 
The list of musicians is too long to mention, but here are a few names: Joe Vana (Mecca), Guus Willemse (Solution), Herman Furin (Work of Art), Peter Friestedt (Williams/Friestedt), Janne Stark (Grand Design), Michael Casswell (sessions), Nalle Pahlsson (Treat), Thomas Vikstrom (Therion), Tristan, Christian Fridh (solo), Christian Tolle (solo), Jan van Olffen (Kayak), Phil Vincent (solo) and Michael Riesenbeck (solo).
 
The album will be available in a 3 and 4 CD edition, and will be released in 2016.
 
Profits will be donated to three - Toto related - good causes: the Michael Porcaro Fund (Sweet Relief Musicians Fund), ALS foundation and Fergie Frederiksen Foundation (Liver Foundation).
 
"It’s the least we can do to give back something to the band that gave us so much pleasure and inspiration through their albums and live concerts."
 
For all information check out the Indiegogo page: www.indiegogo.com/projects/fanfields-2-a-fans-tribute-to-toto
 
Fanfields Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fanfields
 
 
Thu
04
Jun

TOTO Producer CJ VANSTON Interviewed

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Steve Lukather's website contributor Reggie Boyle recently interviwed Toto's co-producer for XIV - CJ Vanston. The result is intro'd below and can be read via the link:
 
Recently Reggie Boyle talked again with CJ Vanston. Vanston produced, engineered, mixed, played keyboards on, sang, and co-wrote (2 songs) on the new Toto release “Toto XIV.” Reggie talked to CJ before the release of XIV and he wanted to talk to him after the release to get his reaction to it's success. Reggie also wanted to dig a little deeper into this stellar release. CJ was again was kind enough to squeeze him into his vey busy schedule. They met at his Los Angeles area studio where Jeff "Skunk" Baxter was coming in, just after the interview, to work on a new CD with CJ.
 
 
Thu
04
Jun

TOTO 'Live In Poland' Broadcast Debut On Palladia Friday, June 5, 9PM EST

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
TOTO's most recent DVD/Blu-Ray release - 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland will receive its broadcast debut on Palladia, Viacom's high-def music channel, this Friday June 5 at 9PM EST. An hour-long version of the show will begin airing on VH1 Classic on Saturday, June 6 at 9PM EST.

Filmed on June 25, 2013 in Lodz, Poland, the offering captures the band in the midst of a standing-room-only European tour. The two-hour plus performance features Toto's hit-stocked repertoire alongside other favorites.  The complete show includes: Intro, Medley: "On The Run" / "Child's Anthem" / "Goodbye Eleanor," "Goin' Home," "Hydra," "St. George And The Dragon," "I'll Be Over You," "It's A Feeling," "Rosanna," "Wings Of Time," "Falling In Between," "I Won't Hold You Back," "Pamela," "99," "The Muse," "White Sister," "Better World," "Africa," "How Many Times," "Stop Loving You," "Hold The Line," and "Home Of The Brave." Upon its release the DVD/Blu-Ray debuted #1 around the globe.

The 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR - LIVE IN POLAND release captures Toto's European tour that hit 29 cities staging successful concerts in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.  Toto World Tour 2013 featured Luke, David Paich, Steve Porcaro on keyboards, and singer Joseph Williams, who sang the hits "Pamela" and "Stop Loving You" on the worldwide platinum release The Seventh One (1988).   Williams is also featured on the platinum certified Fahrenheit (1986), Toto XX (1998), the track "Bottom of Your Soul" on Falling In Between (2006), the multi-platinum release Past to Present 1977-1990 issued in 1990 along with the band's most recent album: TOTO XIV which debuted Top 10 on the charts in nine countries (Germany #4, Netherlands #2, Japan #2, Denmark #7, Czech Republic #10, Finland #5, Norway #6, Sweden #4 and Switzerland #3).  TOTO XIV also became the first new studio album to chart in the US & UK since 1988's The Seventh One.

Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of Toto.  As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a HALF A BILLION albums.  Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.

With over 35 years together and thousands of credits and accolades to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling tour and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility.

The band are currently in the middle of another extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. Taking Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium. Toto will return to the US this August for a co-headline tour with YES.  Full details and ticket  information can be found on the band's website: www.totoofficial.com
  
 
Tue
26
May

Rock Solid Podcast - STEVE LUKATHER

Release Year: 
2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio
 
Toto's Steve Lukather talks to Rock Solid Podcast.
 
 
Rock Solid celebrates it's 200th episode as Pat interviews legendary Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. 
 
Tue
07
Apr

YES & TOTO Join Together For Late Summer North American Tour

Artist: 
Friday, August 7, 2015
Categories: 
Tour News
 
Before you read this - Toto's STEVE LUKATHER wants fans to know that even though TOTO will open for YES, both bands will be playing full 90 minute sets.
 
And Luke adds this: "Yep a 90 min 'full show' well close.. we will change up set lists night by night as well I think. NOT that same set as last year. NO ballads or any pop stuff...and just the big 3 hits...the rest is new and or deep cuts."
Furthermore, Lenny Castro is set to join the fun and in Luke's words "will kick butt..."
 
 
26 Date Tour Gets Underway On August 7th
 
World-renowned recording artists, YES and Toto, today announced they will join forces this summer for a co-headlining North American tour. Among the world’s most influential, ground-breaking, and respected progressive rock bands, Grammy Award winning YES has sold nearly 40 million albums in a career that has so far spanned more than four decades. YES continues with its tradition of symphonic progressive rock that remains timelessly fresh and innovative.
 
Since its founding in 1968, YES has created much of rock history’s most important music, including iconic pieces like ‘Roundabout,’ 'Close to the Edge,’ ‘I’ve Seen All Good People,’ “Owner of a Lonely Heart,’ ‘Starship Trooper,’ and countless others. Its albums, including ‘Fragile,’ ‘Close to the Edge,’ ‘Tales from Topographic Oceans,’ and ‘90125,’ have been certified multi-platinum, double-platinum, platinum, and more by the RIAA. YES continues to inspire millions of musicians, fans, and music lovers around the world.
“We’re thrilled to be hitting the road with Toto. Yes have always been big fans of Toto’s music, and we think the fans are going to really enjoy seeing both of us together,” says YES co-founder and bassist, Chris Squire.
 
YES will be releasing a new live CD/DVD (recorded at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona) entitled Like It Is on July 7th.
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of Toto. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.
 
With over 35 years together and thousands of credits and accolades to their names, Toto remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They recently released their first new studio album in ten years – TOTO XIV which debuted last week Top 10 in nine countries around the world. Prior to the tour with YES, Toto are embarking on a European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals.
 
"We are so honored to be touring with our musical hero's YES,” remarked founder/guitarist Steve Lukather. “Life changing music for me and the guys and we even have a song on our new record totally inspired by them so it is a lifelong love of their music that has kept us fans to this day. We all stood and waited in line for tix to see Close to the Edge and Topographic.. many many shows as young upcoming musicians/fans in the 70's and were blown away and inspired to be better musicians and composers by Yes' amazing music, musicianship and insanely cool live shows. This is a crazy dream come true for us and we can’t wait to do this tour and to make new friends and solidify old friendships.”
 
Tickets for most shows go on sale this week. VIP ticketing information to come this afternoon.
 
TOTO & YES 2015 SUMMER TOUR
 
8/7 Mashantucket CT Grand Theater at Foxwoods
8/8 Newark NJ New Jersey PAC
8/9 Atlantic City NJ Borgata Hotel Casino
8/11 Brooklyn NY Barclays Center
8/12 Baltimore MD Pier Six Pavilion
8/14 Huber Heights OH Music Center at The Heights
8/15 Sterling Heights MI Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
8/16 Chicago IL FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly
8/18 Des Moines IA Iowa State Fair - Grandstand
8/19 Saint Charles MO Family Arena
8/21 Biloxi MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino - Beau Rivage Theater
8/22 Alpharetta GA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/23 Clearwater FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
8/25 Houston TX Cynthia Woods Pavilion
8/26 San Antonio TX Majestic Theatre
8/27 Grand Prairie TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
8/30 Littleton CO Denver Botanic Gardens - Chatfield
8/31 Salt Lake City UT Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre
9/2 Tucson, AZ AVA Amphitheater
9/4 Scottsdale AZ Talking Stick Resort & Casino
9/5 Pala CA Pala Casino - Starlight Theater
9/6 Los Angeles CA The Greek Theatre
9/8 Saratoga CA Mountain Winery
9/10 Shelton WA Little Creek Casino Resort - Event Center
9/11 Airway Heights WA Northern Quest Resort & Casino
9/12 Coquitlam BC Hard Rock Casino - Vancouver
 
 
 
Fri
03
Apr

TOTO XIV Album Debuts Top Ten In Nine Countries

Artist: 
Friday, April 3, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Most Successful Toto Studio Album In Over 25 Years
 
World Tour Commences In Glasgow on May 21, 2015
 
Los Angeles, CA --- After a ten year recording hiatus, Toto has returned with one of their most successful albums ever.  Released last week, TOTO XIV charted all around the world showing the true dedication of their worldwide fans.  The album landed in the Top 10 on the charts in nine countries (Germany #4, Netherlands #2, Japan #2, Denmark #7, Czech Republic #10, Finland #5, Norway #6, Sweden #4 and Switzerland #3).  TOTO XIV also became the first new studio album to chart in the US & UK since 1988’s The Seventh One.
 
“We’re pleasantly stunned at the response,” exclaimed David Paich. “We couldn’t be more pleased with this initial success! And we’re always blown away when a new TOTO album bursts onto the Charts.  We owe it all to our friends and Fans!"
 
“I am happily shocked, thankful and surprised,” echoed Steve Lukather.  “ I can’t begin to thank you all for the support of buying real music and the love and kindness you have all showed this band for 38 years. So much thanks to our team and Frontiers records and all the people that work with us and most of all to the fans and our friends.  It means so much to us.  This one is for Mike and Jeff and all the Porcaro's!”
 
TOTO XIV is a realized vision three plus decades in the making exhibiting world-class musicianship, masterful arrangements, topical lyrical commentary, and melodies that the collective of Lukather, Paich, Porcaro, Williams and their assembled band-mates bring to life. TOTO XIV is the band’s first album of new material since 2006’s Falling In Between.  However, the band personally considers the new album to be the true follow-up to TOTO IV, which made the band global superstars.
 
Keyboardist Steve Porcaro reveals, "This is opposite of going through the motions.  We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV.  We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.  Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for."  Keyboardist David Paich reflects, "I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness.   There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, 'beams of light that blast through the darkness'." 
 
As they began the process of a return the studio, all of the principle long-term members brought their A-game to the table.  Guitarist Steve "Luke" Lukather offers, "When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody's performances are top notch.  We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what's best for the music.  I'm really excited to hear what people think."  Singer Joseph Williams adds, "We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player.  All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own." 
 
The band will hit the ground running with an extensive European headline arena tour with appearances at key festivals. The itinerary begins in Glasgow on May 21, and takes Toto through the UK, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, and Belgium.  Ticket sales came out of the box with strength, with some appearances selling out within days of on-sale.
 
The last few years have been quite active; with a seven show sold-out tour of Asia that took them through Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo in April 2014.  Also that month, the 35th Anniversary Tour - Live In Poland title was released, debuting at #1 in territories across the globe.  Last summer, the band hit the road across North America as co-headliners with Michael McDonald, which when it was all said and done was their most comprehensive tour on the continent in years. 
 
Details on a Aug/Sept North American tour in support of TOTO XIV will be announced next week.
 
TOTO XIV TRACK LISTING
  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Burn
  3. Holy War
  4. 21st Century Blues
  5. Orphan
  6. Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)
  7. The Little Things
  8. Chinatown
  9. All The Tears That Shine
  10. Fortune
  11. Great Expectations
 
TOTO TOUR DATES
5/21      Glasgow, UK                                                    Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
5/23      Dublin, Ireland                                                   Vicar Street (SOLD OUT)
5/25      Manchester, UK                                               02 Apollo Manchester
5/26      London, UK                                                      Apollo Hammersmith
5/28      Paris, France                                                     Zenith
5/29      Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg                           Rockhal
5/30      Amsterdam, Netherlands                                   Ziggo Dome
6/02      Sonderborg, Denmark                                        Molleparkens Friluftscene
6/03      Copenhagen, Denmark                                      Falkoner Theatre (SOLD OUT)
6/04      Solvesborg, Sweden                                           Sweden Rock Festival
6/06      Bergen, Norway                                                Bergen Calling
6/07      Oslo, Norway                                                    Sentrum Scene (SOLD OUT)
6/10      Bremerhaven, Germany                                     Stadthalle
6/11      Berlin, Germany                                                Tempodrome
6/12      Leipzig, Germany                                              Parkbuhne
6/13      Dresden, Germany                                            Junge Garde
6/15      Cologne, Germany                                             Tanzbrunnen
6/16      Offenbach, Germany                                         Stadthalle
6/17      Stuttgart, Germany                                            Freilichtbuhne Killesberg
6/18      Abenberg, Germany                                          Burg Abenberg
6/20      Hinwil, Switzerland                                            Rock The Ring Festival
6/21      Klam, Austria                                                    Castle Clam
6/23      Wroclaw, Poland                                               Orbita Hol
6/24      Warsaw, Poland                                                Torwar
6/26      Budapest, Hungary                                            Petofi Hall
6/27      Bucharest, Romania                                          Sala Palatului
6/28      Sofia, Bulgaria                                                   Arena Armeec
6/30      Belgrade, Serbia                                                Kalemegdan Fortress
7/02      Ljubljana, Slovenia                                             Hala Tivoli
7/03      Milan, Italy                                                        City Sound Milan
7/05      Rome, Italy                                                       Cavea Auditorium
7/07      Kufstein, Austria                                               Festungsarena
7/08      Munich, Germany                                              Olympiahalle
7/10      Zottegem, Belgium                                            Rock Zottegem Festival
7/13      Morzine, France                                                Morzine Harley Days
7/15      Nimes, France                                                   Festival de Nimes
7/16      Vienne, France                                                  Theatre Antique
7/19      Taormina, Italy                                                  Anfiteatro Romano
 
Tags: 
 
Mon
16
Mar

MIKE PORCARO RIP - A MelodicRock Tribute

Artist: 
Monday, March 16, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Mike Porcaro has left us. May he rest in peace.
 
As the music world collectively sighs a deep sigh for the loss of another legend, there is only one thing to do.
 
I’m currently cranking Kingdom Of Desire – one of my favourite Toto albums ever, but fittingly the last album to feature the rhythm section of Mike and Jeff Porcaro. They are united finally once again.
Every person hopes to leave this world with some kind of footprint that says we were here. The print Mike left was nothing short of astounding.
 
It is with great amazement I reflect that every single person reading this will own an album with Mike Porcaro on it. Most likely several. Dozens even for some! Just check his credits! (http://www.mikeporcaro.com/sessionworks.html)
 
I met Mike just the once – Sydney 2006 as Toto embarked on their long anticipated Australian tour. Mike was such a humble, laid back, likeable guy. All the Toto guys are first class, humble people, but Mike was far more reserved.  He just let his instrument do the talking. And talk it did…
 
Mike was forced to retire from playing the following year. ALS forged its way through his body, but never his spirit.
 
It took everything from him and took him from his band and his family. But not before Mike Porcaro left us with a musical legacy that will live on for decades to come.
 
To Mike’s family and friends, to Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate and the whole Toto family, I send my condolences and my love. I know this was expected, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
 
So long Mike.
 
 
 
Fri
06
Mar

DAVID HUNGATE Talks TOTO

Artist: 
Friday, March 6, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
David Hungate is the original bass player in Toto. He has a legendary amount of studio session credits that include Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, Shania Twain, Boz Scaggs, Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand, Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Joe Cocker among countless others.
 
David made a triumphant return to Toto last year after an over 3 decade hiatus. He also contributed to the long awaited Toto studio release Toto XIV. Hungate was kind enough to lend Reggie Boyle some of his time to talk about his return to Toto and many other subjects.
 
 
Wed
04
Mar

Billboard Debuts New TOTO Album Preview 'Burn'

Artist: 
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
TOTO's David Paich acknowledges that he thought 2006's Falling in Between "was going to be our last album, ever." But a combination of resurgence, legalities and genuine creative desire led to the making of Toto IV, a new album featuring co-founders Paich, fellow keyboardist Steve Porcaro and guitarist Steve Lukather, along with longtime singer Joseph Williams.
"We're pretty excited about this," Lukather tells Billboard. "The band is tight. We're having fun. Everybody's revitalized, rejuvenated. We've got this buzz going right now that just came out of nowhere, so it's great." Paich adds: "I'm really proud of this album. It feels really good. It's kinda scary when you haven't made one in a while, and I really did think we were over. But we had a lot of fun doing it. I think our writing level is elevated, and we had a great time. It reminded me of making the first album, 'Toto IV' and 'The Seventh One.' The creative juices were flowing, as they say."
Toto reactivated in 2010, after bassist Mike Porcaro was diagnosed with ALS. A short tour of Europe went so well that the group decided to continue alongside the members' other activities -- including Lukather's current stint in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band. And with one album left on its deal with Italy's Frontiers Records, Paich, Lukather and company decided that Falling in Between might not have been its final word after all.
"We decided that instead of getting into a big, elongated dispute [with Frontiers Records], we should go in and make some new music, which is what we do," Paich says. "And it worked out really good. I've never seen the guys this excited again, like I said, since the early days, and I think it's because we're writing music with our original members here, and everybody was more together and more mature in their lives, so the band was really clicking. We worked on it every day, on and off, for a year, and I think you can definitely hear that effort."
There was material ready at the start of the project. "All of us are always writing and have stuff, and because it's us writing it, it just naturally sounds like Toto," Lukather says. Paich recalls that among the initial "little odds and ends" were "All the Stars That Shine," which the keyboardist said he started at the end of theFalling in Between sessions, and "Chinatown," which actually dates back to sessions for Toto's 1978 debut album. Initial studio sessions for Toto XIV, meanwhile, yielded "Burn," which Paich wrote with Williams. It's premiering exclusively on Billboard below:
"That came from a song Joseph had written, a whole song," Paich recalls, "and I said, 'I really love that.' And he said, 'Oh, you like the song?' I said, 'No, [just] the very little ending.' There's a piano riff, and that ended up being the riff that is the engine or the heartbeat behind 'Burn' that keeps playing over and over again in that song. That's probably the first song we started writing [specifically] for the new album."
Toto will spend the late spring and summer in Europe, starting May 21 in Glasgow, Scotland, and currently running until July 19. The rest of a planned world tour will take the band into 2016. Lukather and Paich, who refers to Toto XIV as the group's Abbey Road -- aka final -- project, won't rule out the possibility of more new music, but neither is voicing great optimism either.
"I doubt very much we'll make another album as Toto," he says. "I think this is our last record because of how much emotion we spend on it. It comes from our hearts and everything. It just wrings you out when you're making a record because everybody's so passionate about it. I want to say 'never say never,' but until we actually make another album, we can consider this to be the last Toto album. Everybody's still writing all the time and making music and doing stuff on their own, because we each have studios and stuff, but whether we'll get in the studio and make another album as Toto, that's something no one knows yet. It hasn't been revealed to me in my crystal ball yet."
 
Wed
25
Feb

FIREWORKS Issue 68 Out Now

Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed

FIREWORKS #68 OUT NOW
 
Out this week ... awesome KILLER issue with interviews with Scorpions, UFO, Thunder, Toto, Revolution Saints (all 3 members), Jeff Scott Soto, ISSA, Blind Guardian, H.e.a.t, China Sky, Eclipse, Ammunition, Care of Night, Angra, Reach, Furyon, Orden Ogan, Leah, The Answer, Gun, Wolfpakk, Sweet & Lynch, Impera, Blackberry Smoke, Last Autumn's Dream and many more!! Wonderful AOR packed 100 page issue.  Also includes competition to win one of 3 pairs of tickets to the fantastic Vasby festival where you can check out bands like WASP, Danger Danger, Magnum, X-Rated, MSG, Heaven & Earth, Work of Art, H.e.a.t, Eclipse and many more this July 17th/18th in Sweden.
Throw in 36 pages of the best melodic and hard rock reviews, and you have another issue packed to over-flowing.
 
Available NOW in WH Smith stores across the UK, this issue will reach USA and Canada late March.  You can also pick up hard copies directly from the Fireworks mini-shop at www.rocktopia.co.uk, and download pdf version also available for only 3GBP in the download store.


 

 

Pages

Subscribe to Toto