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
Taint Your World
Toto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Didn't have to run, but there was no one left behind accept for the dead
I didn't see it coming, but that rummy-stilted crackpot knew my game
Left my head a humming, like a ball peen hammer drives a nail to shame
I suggest you listen up to what I have to say
Witnessed many crooked things, I smell your DNA
Taint your world
You're so far away from where you think you need to be
Taint your world
Cause you don't want to fuck with me
Didn't anybody get the cipher from the flying rat machine
Gnarly, little, scrunched up, tiny fingers, and its disposition mean
Anybody out of line will soon be on the list
My back's against the wall and yet I know I must resist
Time to tell the truth, I think somebody's getting pissed
Taint your world
You're not even close to where you think you need to be
Taint your world
You got another guess coming if you think you're fooling me
Taint your world
So far away from where you think you need to be
Taint your world
Where I belong just like an oyster and a pearl
Taint your world
You're not even close to where you think you need to be
Taint your world
Taint your world
The first verse of Toto's song "Taint Your World" portrays the singer as someone who is unafraid to take risks and challenge authority, as seen in their rebellious act of screaming at the sun and drinking moonshine. However, the verse also implies that the singer is in a post-apocalyptic world, as they note that there is no one left behind except for the dead. The second half of the verse introduces a new character, a "rummy-stilted crackpot," who appears to have the upper hand in the singer's "game," leaving their head "humming" in a way that is both bewildering and shaming.
The chorus of the song, "Taint Your World," serves as a declaration of defiance from the singer towards their oppressors, whoever they may be. The repetition of the phrase "you're so far away from where you think you need to be" suggests that the singer perceives themselves as being more self-aware and in touch with reality than their adversaries. The line "cause you don't want to fuck with me" is particularly noteworthy for its blunt, straightforward language that conveys a sense of confidence and intimidation.
The second verse of the song provides some additional context to the setting and characters of the song. The reference to a "flying rat machine" and gnarled, mean fingers implies that the singer is dealing with some sort of dystopian technological or biological threat. The line "anybody out of line will soon be on the list" further underscores the oppressive nature of the world in which the singer finds themselves. The verse concludes with the singer expressing their conviction to resist whatever forces are pitted against them, even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.
Line by Line Meaning
Screaming at the sun I t have spilled a little moonshine on my head
Expressing frustration and anger, I've become intoxicated with liquor of which I've spilled some in the process. It was an unnecessary action, but as there's nobody accompanying me, I had no worry about leaving someone behind.
Didn't have to run, but there was no one left behind except for the dead
Although I had no need to hurry, nobody is accompanying me anymore due to death.
I didn't see it coming, but that rummy-stilted crackpot knew my game
The person I least expected to have knowledge of my plan revealed that they did behind my back.
Left my head a-hummin', like a ball-peen hammer drives a nail to shame
Their knowledge left me in shock, with my mind whirling and spinning just as if it was hit with a hammer, forcefully.
I suggest you listen up to what I have to say
It's imperative that you pay attention to my words.
Witnessed many crooked things, I smell your DNA
Having seen numerous corrupt things, I can detect your guilt and involvement in such actions just like the presentation of a biological sample like DNA evidence.
Stab me, take me down, you know you'll never get your way
Even if you manage to physically harm me, you'll never be successful in getting your desired outcome.
Taint your world
Your world will become corrupted and ruined due to your actions.
You're so far away from where you think you need to be
You're significantly detached from the place or mindset you believe you need to reach.
Cause you don't want to fuck with me
It would be unwise for you to provoke or irritate me.
Didn't anybody get the cipher from the flying rat machine
Has nobody been able to understand the code or message relayed from the unconventional source?
Gnarly, little, scrunched up, tiny fingers, and its disposition mean
The odd device has twisted, small fingers and an unpleasant nature or purpose.
Anybody out of line will soon be on the list
Someone who steps out of bounds or disobeys the rules will soon be singled out and given negative consequences.
My back's against the wall and yet I know I must resist
Even though I am in a tough situation and feel vulnerability, I must find a way to resist and fight back against the opposition.
Time to tell the truth, I think somebody's getting pissed
It's time for honesty, and that candor may have offended someone who is now angry.
Where I belong, just like an oyster and a pearl
I feel comfortable and secure in my current place or position, much like how an oyster creates a pearl in its shell.
You got another guess coming if you think you're fooling me
Be prepared for a surprise if you believe that I am unable to discern your deceitful actions.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID F FRANK PAICH, MICHAEL J PORCARO, ROBERT T KIMBALL, SIMON PETER PHILLIPS, STEVEN LEE LUKATHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Denis S. Pratt
on Take My Hand
Beautiful rendition of a reconciling moment that my mother and I will lay to rest.