Features
Toto In North America
Launching its first full North American tour in 10 years in Ontario later this month, Toto will bring its incredible catalog to such places as Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis and Las Vegas as the band celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Back in the day when MTV played music videos and people would pack record stores on Saturday nights, Toto was a dominant force on the airwaves as well as music charts. Released in October 1978, Toto’s first album also gave the band its first hit single – “Hold The Line” – which quickly climbed the charts while enjoying heavy rotation on radio stations.
Other hits followed, including “Rosanna” with the accompanying video getting massive play during MTV’s early days. Other hits included “Africa,” “I’ll Supply The Love,” and “99.”
Although it’s been a decade since Toto did a proper tour of North America, that doesn’t mean the band has been inactive. A regular on the world touring circuit, Toto recently completed a European tour and rocked 29 cities in such countries as Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and others.
Toto has also been fighting the good fight against ALS, otherwise known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” which forced bassist Mike Porcaro to stop performing in the band in 2007. Toto has also worked toward raising funds for police and fire departments of California as well as the Fallen Heroes initiative. Through its music, the band has also helped United Nations’ humanitarian efforts.
Today’s Toto lineup features guitarist Steve Lukather, keyboardists David Paich and Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips on drums, bassist Nathan East and Joseph Williams on vocals. Here are the dates:
July 26 – Belleville, Ontario, Empire Theatre
July 27 – London, Ontario, Harris Park (Rock The Park Festival)
Aug. 14 – Atlanta, Ga., Chastain Park Amphitheatre
Aug. 16 – Wilmington, Del., Grand Old Opera House
Aug. 17 – Westbury, N.Y., NYCB Theatre At Westbury
Aug. 20 – St. Louis, Mo., River City Casino
Aug. 21 – Kettering, Ohio, Fraze Pavilion For The Perf. Arts
Aug. 23 – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Aug. 24 – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
Aug. 25 – Detroit, Mich., Chene Park
Aug. 30 – Curacao, Island Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival
Sept. 6 – West Wendover, Nev., Peppermill Concert Hall
Sept. 7 – Jackson, Calif., Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel
Sept. 8 – Visalia, Calif., Visalia Fox Theatre
Sept. 13 – Las Vegas, Nev., Sand Bar At Red Rock Casino
Sept. 14 – Chandler, Ariz., Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
Appearing with Styx July 27, Kansas Aug. 14 and Michael McDonald Aug. 17 & 23-25.
Some shows are already on sale. Visit Toto99.com for more information.