Composed entirely of seasoned studio musicians, Toto seemed to come out of nowhere. They did not get known first on the club circuit as nearly all bands do prior to being signed by a label. Their reputations in the studio were enough. For example, Paich, Hungate and Jeff Porcaro wrote songs for and performed on Boz Scaggs' album Silk Degrees.
Toto released their debut album Toto in October 1978, selling two million copies based on their top ten hit Hold the Line. The next two albums Hydra and Turn Back had little success, but Toto IV (released in 1982) featured the number one hit Africa as well as the top ten single Rosanna. Toto IV went multi-platinum and earned several Grammy Awards including 1983 Album of the Year and Record of the Year (for "Rosanna").
Their only film work to date was for the 1984 David Lynch science fiction film Dune. In addition to their own score, they also recorded the Prophecy Theme, composed by Brian Eno.
After the release of Toto IV, Mike Porcaro (brother to Jeff and Steve), joined the group on bass, replacing Hungate. In 1984, Bobby Kimball left the group after being arrested for selling cocaine and was replaced by Dennis Frederiksen aka Fergie Frederiksen, who was replaced not long after by Joseph Williams.
Steve Porcaro left the band in 1988, however, he still contributes as a sideman.
In 1990, Jean-Michel Byron replaced Williams for the new recordings on Past to Present 1977-1990, then left with Lukather becoming the group's lead singer.
On August 5, 1992, Jeff Porcaro died of a heart attack, days after completing work on Kingdom of Desire. The group considered disbanding, before adding British drummer Simon Phillips for the subsequent tour. In the years since Porcaro's death, Lukather has seemingly succeeded Paich as the band's de facto leader.
In 1999, Bobby Kimball returned to the lineup after a 15-year absence.
Greg Phillinganes joined the lineup in 2004 to fill in for David Paich during a tour, then officially joined Toto in 2005.
After a period of rumours and some allusions, on June 5th, 2008 Steve Lukather made an official announcement on his website stevelukather.net, stating: "The fact is yes I have left Toto. There is no more Toto." Lukather further stated that after 31 years of recording, producing and playing with Toto without even missing one single gig, he couldn't do it anymore: "I just can't do it anymore and at 50 years old I wanted to start over and give it one last try on my own." With Lukather being the only original member left in the band (Bobby Kimball was also an original member, but was out of the band from 1984-1998) there was no other option than to call it quits. As the main motivation for his decision, Lukather said: "When Dave retired that was REAL hard for me 'cause we started the band together. Hell, it's 35 years if you count High School where the core all met. When Mike fell ill and had to leave that was it for me. If there isn't Paich or at least one Porcaro how can we even call it Toto?" Luke also stated: "Honestly, I have just had enough. This is NOT a break. It is over. I really can't go out and play Hold The Line with a straight face anymore." The break-up of Toto after 31 years received mixed reactions from the fans, but in general the decision was understood and many agreed with Lukather's reasons to quit the band.
On April 5th, 2008, Toto played what would be their last show ever, in Seoul, Korea, as a part of their Falling In Between Live tour. This left lots of fans without a real farewell tour.
On February 26th, 2010, Steve Lukather announced on his Twitter-account that Toto are reforming for a brief tour in Europe in the summer of 2010 to honor bass player Mike Porcaro, who's suffering from ALS syndrome. Line-up will include David Paich, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Joseph Williams and Nathan East.
Toto released their fourteenth studio album and their first in nine years titled Toto XIV on March 20 (Europe), March 23 (UK and Oceania), and March 24, 2015 (North America). To promote the newly finished project, the band started a world tour running with an extensive European headline arena tour including appearances at key festivals, along with a North American tour to follow in the summer of 2015 and Asia later that year.[43][44]
On March 15, 2015, former bassist Mike Porcaro died, due to complications from his battle with ALS, in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles.[45]
On 6 April 2015, Toto announced that they would embark on 7 August 2015 in Mashantucket, Connecticut with veteran progressive band Yes on a joint summer tour of North America due to end on 12 September 2015 in Coquitlam, British Columbia.[46][47][48] Shannon Forrest has continued to perform as the band's drummer.
On 29 September 2015, Toto announced the first leg of their 2016 Tour in support of Toto XIV consisting of European and Japanese dates. Leland Sklar, who joined them on their 2007 and 2008 tours, replaced founding member Hungate.[49] Sklar left Toto in early 2017 and was replaced by Shem von Schroeck.
Toto will release their anniversary album "40 Trips Around The Sun" on February 9, 2018. Then, they'll embark on their world tour promoting their album and celebrating 40 years of music.
The original lineup (1978)
* David Paich - vocals and keyboards
* Steve Lukather - guitar and vocals
* Bobby Kimball - vocals
* Steve Porcaro - keyboards
* David Hungate - bass
* Jeff Porcaro - drums
The last lineup (2017)
* David Paich - vocals and keyboards
* Steve Lukather - guitar and vocals
* Joseph Williams - vocals
* Steve Porcaro - vocals and keyboards
Pamela
Toto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rain or shine, any kind of weather
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
Let's take what's getting old and make it new
Oh, eye to eye, it's a blinding confrontation
You and I, we're a deadly combination
So don't start mixing truth with jealousy
Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind, yeah yeah
Black and white always go together
Day and night you're the precious jewel I treasure
Wanting every part of you is not a crime
Or could it be that you're the one who's wrong this time
Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind
All that I love (all that I love)
Thousands of miles away, but always in my heart
Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind
Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
Just remember, it may not heal this time
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind, leave all behind
The lyrics to Toto's song Pamela speak about a strong, committed relationship. The singer pledges his devotion to his partner, promising to stand by them through thick and thin. He acknowledges that every relationship has its difficulties, but he asserts that they can overcome any obstacle as long as they stick together. The lyrics emphasize the importance of trust and truthfulness in a relationship, warning against mixing truth with jealousy. The song's title, Pamela, is likely the name of the singer's partner, but it could also be interpreted as a symbol of a cherished loved one.
The singer's desire for his partner is expressed vividly throughout the song. He describes them as a "deadly combination," and says that he wants every part of them. However, he also recognizes that relationships can be complicated, and he pleads for his partner not to break his heart. He reminds them that there is no second chance for the one who leaves everything behind. The song's final line echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the finality of leaving everything behind.
Overall, Toto's Pamela is a heartfelt plea for love and commitment. The lyrics express the joy and the pain of a deep connection between two people, highlighting the importance of trust and devotion in maintaining that connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Side by side, I'll be yours forever
I promise to always stand by your side and be there for you no matter what.
Rain or shine, any kind of weather
I'll be with you through all the good times and the bad times, regardless of the circumstances.
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
I'm willing to do everything in my power to make you happy and ensure your well-being.
Let's take what's getting old and make it new
Let's find ways to bring excitement and freshness into our relationship, rather than letting it become dull and stagnant.
Oh, eye to eye, it's a blinding confrontation
When we confront each other, it's intense and overwhelming, with neither of us backing down.
You and I, we're a deadly combination
Our strong personalities and chemistry make us a powerful duo that can conquer anything together.
So don't start mixing truth with jealousy
Don't confuse your own feelings of jealousy with actual facts or occurrences that would justify such jealousy.
The road we're on is clear as far as I can see
Our path forward is laid out and there are no major obstructions or uncertainties in our way.
Pamela, don't break this heart of mine
I'm vulnerable and deeply emotionally invested in this relationship, and I need you to handle my heart with care and respect.
Just remember, it may not heal this time
If you break my heart, it may be irreparably damaged, and I may not be able to recover from the pain and hurt.
Pamela, there is no second chance, for the one who leaves it all behind, yeah yeah
If you choose to walk away from this relationship, you won't have another opportunity to come back and try again.
Black and white always go together
Our differences and contrasting qualities actually complement each other and work together harmoniously.
Day and night you're the precious jewel I treasure
You are a valuable and cherished part of my life, no matter the time of day or the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Wanting every part of you is not a crime
I have a deep desire to know every aspect of who you are and to share in your life and experiences, and that's a natural and healthy impulse.
Or could it be that you're the one who's wrong this time
Perhaps you're misjudging the situation or your own emotions, and you should examine your own actions before assuming I'm in the wrong.
All that I love (all that I love)
Everything that's important and valuable to me,
Thousands of miles away, but always in my heart
Even if we're separated geographically, you will always have a special place in my heart and I'll carry our relationship with me wherever I go.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, KIMA'S WORLD PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID F. PAICH, JOSEPH STANLEY WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@handsomeX
80s music video chicks were GORGEOUS ❤️🔥
@ReggaeSunshine1
80's toto lead singer is GORGEOUS
@michiganman4398
This song is just perfection. No digital compression, wide range of instruments, talented vocal, and my god that bass line. Pure talent here. This is one of those songs that has that big driving sound that gives you goose bumps. Why can’t we get music like this anymore.
@maikonjegueson2559
Totally agree...
@heinholwerda6818
This was the best combination of the members of Toto, that is what you hear and also the reason that we can't get more because of the lost of the two brothers.
@3asltn
Unique
@cugnaoozen9956
That unique vibe from TOTO
@YiXingmusickpop
There's music like this today. You just have to look for it
@marceliuuschicho3143
Escuchando esta canción en 2024. Toto es una banda para siempre!
@bappysiddiquee1602
Toto deserves a much higher place in Rock.