Berlin, October 24th, 2026 (The Berlin Spectator) – It’s hard to believe, but in the era of what they called Adult-Oriented Rock (AOR) in the late 1970s and early 80s, quality actually counted. “Real music” enthusiasts did not care much about pretty faces. They wanted the killer sound, the compositions and the arrangements.
In 1978, Toto’s self-titled debut album was released. “What in the hell is Toto?” people might have asked themselves. But the minute they played that piece of art on their record players, they knew this American band equaled perfection. Toto delivered AOR at its very best, even though the AOR era had only just begun. They co-invented the genre.
Those who listened more closely would discover that hardly any band before Toto ever sounded as clean and crisp as they did. There was also a Funk tendency. While most Rock bands at the time rejected that kind of approach and sounded dry as a result, Toto were open-minded, innovative, progressive. In short: They nailed it.
“Takin’ It Back“
The “Toto” album includes their smash hit “Hold the Line”, a dance floor filler. “You are the Flower” is a very sophisticated AOR piece. By recording “Georgy Porgy”, they covered the funky side of things with vocalist Cheryl Lynn. This tune became an AOR and Funk anthem.
Another extraordinary track is part of that first album: “Takin’ It Back”. Those synths, the surprises the tune contains in its arrangement and the entire composition are nothing less than sensational. Steve Porcaro, an original member who is still their keyboardist today, composed this one when he was only 20 years old.
Level of Genius
There were some things many other bands did not have, but Toto did, including this level of genius. Nobody else featured vocalists like Bobby Kimball either. On top of it all, there was Jeff Porcaro, who revolutionized Pop and Rock drumming.
Toto’s second album “Hydra” was more than excellent too, but somehow different. They took a more mystical approach, like Genesis or Yes. But this aspect did not stop them from delivering brilliant AOR tunes as well, in 1979. The ballad “99” is a good example. It is too good to be real.
“Rosanna” and “Africa”
In 1982, something big happened: Toto’s fourth studio album “IV” made landfall. This one made them global superstars. On “IV”, the most brilliant AOR tune is “Waiting for Your Love”, but it was “Africa” that radio stations all over the Western world could not get enough of. That one was played every five minutes. “Rosanna” was another huge hit.
Over time, Toto had more successes. From a 1970-s AOR point of view, many of their newer compositions were different, again. Some of them sounded as if they were made to please formatted radio stations. But their huge fan base all over the world, especially in North America, Europe and Japan, always was, and still is, with them.
Tragedy Strikes in 1992
Toto members also played with — and produced albums for — other artists, most notably Boz Scaggs. Toto’s unique blend can be identified in quite a few stunning songs of his.
On August 5th, 1992, tragedy struck. After spraying his garden with insecticides, Jeff Porcaro, the genius drummer and Steve’s brother, collapsed. He died at a hospital that day. The band and the world were shocked. He was only 38.
Return to Germany
Three original members are still with Toto: David Paich, Steve Lukather and Steve Porcaro. The band of bands is very active, and they are returning to Germany. On July 6th, 2027, they will be in Bremen. This gig is supposed to be followed by performances in Mainz (July 9th), Balingen (July 10th) and Bonn (July 12th). Regensburg (July 13th), Konstanz (July 24th) and Northeim (July 25th, 2027) are on the list too.
On July 23rd, 2027, Toto will be hitting the stage at Burg Clam in Austria. Will they be performing all over Britain, France, Italy and other European countries as well? Yes.
Tickets for those Toto gigs in the German-speaking world are available here.