Toto is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1977, the group's original lineup included lead vocalist Bobby Kimball, guitarist and vocalist Steve Lukather, keyboardist and vocalist David Paich, bassist David Hungate, keyboardist Steve Porcaro, and drummer Jeff Porcaro. The current lineup features constant member Lukather, and lead vocalist Joseph Williams (who originally joined in 1986, and rejoined in 2010). The band also tours with several additional musicians, currently bassist John Pierce (since 2020), keyboardists Dennis Atlas (since 2024) and Rai Thistlethwayte (since 2026), drummer Keith Carlock (who originally joined in 2014, and rejoined in 2026), and multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham (since 2017, and originally from 1986 to 1988). Paich is still in the band as a music director, but medically unfit to tour. He still makes guest appearances at random select concert dates.
History Toto was formed in 1977 by vocalist Bobby Kimball, guitarist and vocalist Steve Lukather, keyboardist and vocalist David Paich, bassist David Hungate, keyboardist Steve Porcaro and drummer Jeff Porcaro. Hungate left after the recording of the band's fourth album Toto IV in 1982, with Mike Porcaro (brother of Steve and Jeff) taking his place. Kimball left two years later, with Lukather crediting his dismissal to increasing vocal problems stemming from his cocaine use. He was replaced by Dennis "Fergie" Frederiksen (who performed on Isolation before), and later Jean-Michel Byron. Byron remained for the promotional tour for the album Past to Present 1977–1990, but did not get on with the rest of the band and left shortly thereafter, with no new frontman brought in to take his place. The band's constant drummer Jeff Porcaro died of a heart attack on August 5, 1992.
After briefly considering disbanding, Toto returned to touring, with Los Angeles-based British drummer Simon Phillips replacing Jeff Porcaro. The group continued as a four-piece throughout much of the 1990s, before reuniting with Kimball, Williams and Steve Porcaro in 1998 for a tour in promotion of the 20th anniversary compilation Toto XX: 1977–1997. After the tour, Kimball remained with the band. The group returned to a lineup with two keyboardists in 2005 with the addition of Greg Phillinganes, who had previously toured with the band in place of Paich. Mike Porcaro was forced to retire in 2007 due to illness, with Leland Sklar filling in. In June 2008, Lukather announced that he had left Toto, signalling the disbandment of the group. Writing on his website, he explained that the band members "had some differences in how business was being done".
Less than two years after the band's breakup, it was announced in February 2010 that Toto would be reforming for a run of shows in benefit of Mike Porcaro, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lukather, Paich and Phillips were joined by former members Joseph Williams and Steve Porcaro, and touring bassist Nathan East. The group continued touring over the next few years, before Phillips left in January 2014 during the recording of Toto XIV and was replaced by Keith Carlock. Original bassist David Hungate also returned for the album's touring cycle, with Shannon Forrest taking over from Carlock. The next lineup of Toto included Joseph Williams, Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Shem von Schroeck, Shannon Forrest, Lenny Castro and Warren Ham.
On October 19, 2020, it was announced that Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams would return to touring under the band name, in a proposed worldwide tour in 2021, known as the Dogz of Oz Tour. The new band lineup would feature bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and the News, Pablo Cruise, and a long-time session player), drummer Robert "Sput" Searight (Ghost-Note, Snarky Puppy), and keyboardists Dominique "Xavier" Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & the Wreck), as well as long-time multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham. The tour began with a soft-opening: a worldwide live-streamed performance on November 21, 2020, during which David Paich appeared with the band for the final two songs. On April 12, 2021, the band announced that the Dogz of Oz World Tour would be pushed to 2022.
Toto has featured a wide range of additional musicians as part of its touring lineup. Notable past members of the band's touring lineup include keyboardist and technician John Jessel (from 1991 to 2004), guitarist and vocalist Tony Spinner (from 1999 to 2008), vocalist Buddy Hyatt (1999), bassist Leland Sklar (from 2007 to 2008, and in 2016), and backing vocalist Jenny Douglas-Foote (from 1990 to 1997, 2011 to 2012, and 2014 to 2016). Many of these additional musicians have also contributed to Toto's studio albums, both during their tenures and as guest contributors.
In January 2024, Toto announced the return of keyboardist Greg Phillinganes and drummer Shannon Forrest ahead of their 2024 tour, replacing Taplin and Searight respectively. In June, Dennis Atlas replaced Maggiora. On January 2, 2026, Phillinganes announced that he would be stepping away from the band to focus on his family. Australian musician Rai Thistlethwayte was recruited from Sammy Hagar's band to fill Phillinganes' place on keyboards, while Phillinganes took Thistlethwayte's place in Hagar's band. On May 5, 2026, drummer Shannon Forrest announced he would be leaving the band. The next day, it was announced that former member Keith Carlock would replace him.
Official members
Current members ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributionsSteve Lukatherall Toto releasesDavid Paichall Toto releases except Falling in Between Live (2007)Joseph Williams
Former members ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributionsSteve PorcaroJeff Porcaro1977–1992 Bobby KimballDavid HungateMike Porcaro1982–2007Fergie Frederiksen1984–1985lead and backing vocalsJean-Michel Byron1989–1990Simon Phillipsall Toto releases from Absolutely Live (1993) to 35th Anniversary: Live in Poland (2014), except Greatest Hits Live... and More (2002)Greg Phillinganes2005–2008
Touring members
Current ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributionsWarren HamJohn Pierce2020–presentWith a Little Help from My Friends (2021)Dennis Atlas2024–present noneRai Thistlethwayte2026–presentKeith CarlockToto XIV (2015)
Former ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributionsTom Kelly1978–1979Lenny CastroKeith Landry1980Live in Tokyo 1980 (2020)Jon Smith1982Toto IV (1982)James Newton HowardTimothy B. SchmitScott Page1985nonePaulette Brown-Castro1985–1987 backing vocalsFahrenheit (1986)Ralf Rickert1986–1987noneJohn Jessel1986–2003Luis Conte1988percussionPast to Present 1977–1990 (1990)Jacci McGhee-Peoples1990–1992backing vocalsChris Trujillo1990–1993percussionJenny Douglas-Footebacking vocalsFred White1991Live at Montreux 1991 (2016)Donna McDaniel1992–1994Absolutely Live (1993)John James1992–1998Sofia Bender (substitute for Jenny Douglas-Foote)1996noneGregg Bissonette (substitute for Simon Phillips)1995drumsnoneBuddy Hyatt1999–2000Livefields (1999)Jeff Babko (substitute for David Paich)2000keyboardsnoneJon Farriss (substitute for Simon Phillips)2003drumsnoneRicky Lawson (substitute for Simon Phillips)2003 (died 2013)noneTony Spinner1999–2008Leland SklarbassJory Steinberg2010backing vocalsnoneNathan East2010–201435th Anniversary: Live in Poland (2014)Dave Santos (substitute for David Hungate)2015bassnoneMabvuto Carpenter2010–2016backing vocalsAmy Keys2013–2014Shannon Forrestdrums40 Tours Around the Sun (2019)Shem von Schroeck2017–2019Dominique "Xavier" TaplinWith a Little Help From My Friends (2021)Steve Maggiora2020–2024Robert "Sput" Searight
Session musicians ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributionsMarty Paichstring arrangements, conductorRoger LinnJim HornChuck FindleyCheryl Lynn1977–1978backing vocalsToto (1978)Sid Sharpstring arrangementsMichael Boddicker 1979synthesizer samplesHydra (1979)Joe Porcaro Tom ScottJerry HeyJimmy Pankow Gary Grant trumpet Ralph Dyck1981–1982synthesizersToto IV (1982)The Martyn Ford OrchestrastringsRichard Pagebacking vocals Mike Cotten1984synthesizersIsolation (1984)The London Symphony Orchestra strings Gene Morfordbass vocalVirginia Madsennarration Dune (1984)Vienna Symphony OrchestrastringsKenneth McMillan1984 dialogue Paul Smith1984 Jim Keltnerpercussion Michael McDonaldbacking vocalsPaulinho da Costapercussion"Sidney"1986Fahrenheit (1986)Steve Jordan Larry Williamssaxophones David Sanborn 1986 Charles Loper1986trombone Bill Reichenbach Jr.Miles Davis1986 trumpet Amin Bhatia1986synthesizerPaulette Brownbacking vocalsTony WalthesDon Henley Michael Sherwood1986 Gary HerbigMichael FisherpercussionPatti Austin1987–1988backing vocalsThe Seventh One (1988)Jon AndersonLinda Ronstadt Bill Payne keyboards Andy Narellsteel drumsDavid Lindley 1987–1988 lap steelPhillip Ingrambacking vocalsStan LynchC. J. VanstonBobby Womack1992 backing vocalsKingdom of Desire (1992)John Elefante1992Alex BrownAngel RogersFred WhiteSteve GeorgeJohn FogertyKevin DorseyArnold McCullerBilly Sherwood Phil PerryDon MenzasaxophoneRicky Nelson 1995backing vocalsTambu (1995)Jim GiddensS.P. chantElliot Scheiner Clint Black 1999Mindfields (1999)Bill Reichenbach Jr.horns Mark Hudsonbacking vocalsPhil Soussan Chris ThompsonMaria Vidal MonetJames Ingram2001–2002 Through the Looking Glass (2002)Brandon Fields2001–2002Walt FowlerTippa IrieDJEllis HallvocalsDavey Johnstonebacking vocalsNigel OlssonTrevor LukatherIan Anderson2005fluteFalling in Between (2006)L. ShankarviolinRay Herrmann tenor saxophoneLee Thornburg trumpetRoy Hargrove2005 trumpet and flugelhornJason Scheff 2005backing vocalsJames TorméMartin TillmancelloTal Wilkenfeld 2013–2014bass guitarToto XIV (2015)Tim LefebvreJamie Savko backing vocalsEmma WilliamsVinnie Colaiuta2016–2017drumsOld Is New (2018)Mark T. Williamsbacking vocalsPat KnoxLorraine PaichWeston WilsonWhat So Not instrumentationJames Rushentadditional instrumentationSurahn Sidhu
Timelines Band member timeline https://ultimateclassicrock.com/steve-lukather-interview/
Touring musician timeline
Recording timeline +Role Lead Vocals Guitar/vocals Bass Keyboards/vocals Synthesizers DrumsToto(1978)Bobby KimballSteve LukatherDavid HungateDavid PaichSteve PorcaroJeff PorcaroHydra(1979)Turn Back(1981)Toto IV(1982)Isolation(1984)Fergie FrederiksenMike PorcaroDune(1984)no-oneFahrenheit(1986)Joseph WilliamsThe Seventh One(1988)Kingdom of Desire(1992)Steve LukatherSteve Porcaro/John JesselTambu(1995)David PaichSimon PhillipsToto XX(1998)various singersMike Porcaro/David HungateSteve PorcaroJeff PorcaroMindfields(1999)Bobby KimballMike Porcarono-oneSimon PhillipsThrough the Looking Glass(2002)Falling in Between(2006)Greg PhillinganesToto XIV(2015)Joseph WilliamsDavid HungateSteve PorcaroKeith CarlockOld Is New(2018)David Hungate/Mike PorcaroJeff Porcaro/Vinnie Colaiuta
Lineups PeriodPersonnelReleasesOfficial membersTouring musicians1977–1982Bobby Kimball – lead and backing vocals Steve Lukather – guitar, backing and lead vocals David Paich – keyboards, backing and lead vocals Steve Porcaro – keyboards, electronics David Hungate – bass, guitar Jeff Porcaro – drums, percussionLenny Castro – percussion, congas Tom Kelly – guitar, backing vocals Keith Landry – guitar, backing vocals Toto (1978) Hydra (1979) Turn Back (1981) Toto IV (1982)1982–1984Bobby Kimball – lead and backing vocals Steve Lukather – guitar, backing and lead vocals David Paich – keyboards, backing and lead vocals Steve Porcaro – keyboards, electronics Mike Porcaro – bass Jeff Porcaro – drums, percussionLenny Castro – percussion, congas Jon Smith – saxophone, backing vocals Timothy B. Schmit – backing vocals James Newton Howard – keyboards none1984–1985Fergie Frederiksen – lead and backing vocals Steve Lukather – guitar, backing and lead vocals David Paich – keyboards, backing and lead vocals Steve Porcaro – keyboards, electronics Mike Porcaro – bass