TOTO and The Players Club / Mascot Label Group present a video for the title track of new album ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’, which is released today, June 25th.
Watch Performance of “With A Little Help From My Friends” Here:
Steve Lukather shares, “We are keeping the music of Toto alive with a little help from our friends.” Joseph Williams offers, “In the midst of a global pandemic and an unprecedented lockdown we realized a few things. Musicians must play and people need to get together to watch them. It was then Luke, Dave and I decided to call upon our friends to create this performance. We welcomed new friends on to the stage and found an instant connection with them. Welcomed back old friends to do a little work! The fact is we couldn’t have pulled it off without the love and support of our friends and family. Never was a title or a song been more appropriate. I hope you enjoy ‘With a Little Help From My Friends!’”
The performance captures one special night on November 21, 2020 when Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams and David Paich appeared with the new line-up of Toto for a global event originating from Los Angeles, CA. Joining Lukather, Williams and Paich for this next chapter in their indelible history are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note / Snarky Puppy), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the Toto line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited. Prior, the band and label presented “Till The End” (https://youtu.be/vB7qFkhwaY8) and “You Are The Flower” which can be screened here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvE5NBX9HGo).
TOTO and The Players Club / Mascot Label Group have announced the global release of ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ on June 25. The performance captures one special night on November 21, 2020 when Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams and David Paich appeared with the new line-up of TOTO for a global event originating from Los Angeles, CA. Joining Lukather, Williams and Paich for this next chapter in their indelible history are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note / Snarky Puppy), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the TOTO line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.
Joseph Williams: “Among some of the deeper cuts is one of my all-time favorite songs, ‘You Are The Flower’ by the original – Bobby Kimball. Being a massive fan (and a good friend), I dedicate the performance to him.“
With A Little Help From My Friends’ was Produced by Joseph Williams, who also edited the accompanying long-form video. The band’s long-time front of house engineer Ken Freeman mixed and captured the sound that evening.
On February 26th, Luke and Joe presented solo albums via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group which charted in multiple territories across the globe. Both artists made significant contributions to the other’s recordings. Additionally, David Paich performed on select tracks on Luke’s I Found The Sun Again and Williams’ Denizen Tenant. The titles were released on LP, CD and a limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Available here: https://smarturl.it/Steve-Lukather and https://smarturl.it/JosephWilliams.
TOTO and The Players Club / Mascot Label Group have announced the global release of With A Little Help From My Friends on June 25th. The performance captures one special night on November 21, 2020 when Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams and David Paich appeared with the new line-up of TOTO for a global event originating from Los Angeles, CA. Joining Lukather, Williams and Paich for this next chapter in their indelible history are new band members bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note / Snarky Puppy), and keyboardist / background vocalist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck). Keyboardist Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (Prince, Ghost-Note) and multi-instrumentalist / vocalist Warren Ham (Ringo Starr) segued over continuing their tenure in the ensemble. This marks the fifteenth incarnation of the TOTO line-up in consideration of band members or sidemen who joined or exited.
Watch Performance of “Till The End” Here:
Alongside LP pressings of the audio only, both a CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray package are available. The track listing features “Till The End,” “Hold The Line,” “Pamela,” “Kingdom of Desire,” “White Sister,” “You Are The Flower,” “I Won’t Hold You Back,” “Stop Loving You,” “Home Of The Brave,” “Rosanna,” and “With A Little Help From My Friends.” In the DVD and Blu-ray releases, a documentary is featured alongside the performance, featuring thoughts from all members of the band that appeared that evening.
Steve Lukather a.k.a. Luke shares, “When the music is performed by great musicians it honors TOTO. The documentary featured on the DVD offers great insights into our thoughts looking forward. David, who stands with us, alongside Joe and myself, desire to keep this music alive. And Paich could pop in any time for a show as a special surprise. When it came to plan this specific set list, we picked an eclectic group of songs for this one night only show. Looking forward, we’ll be selecting a broader mix from the TOTO catalogue that includes deep cuts, the hits, and tunes from Joe and my recently released solo albums. Both of us could not be more thrilled with the global response to these records. They charted all over the world, and integrating some of the music in to the new TOTO set brings a fresh spice to the TOTO The Dogz of Oz World Tour when we head back out to begin staging shows. Simply, both of us aim to bring the past TOTO to the present and beyond, and this first look at the new line-up sets the stage for a chapter in our history we can’t wait to write.”
Joe Williams offers, “It’s always a complete joy to perform a TOTO show, but this one was special. Joining me, Luke and David last November were three new top level, virtuoso musicians as well as a few returning geniuses. The show itself was born out of the need to play after being on Covid lockdown, but also served as the reason to build this new band. Right out of the gate this group gelled and dug deep into the new and old TOTO material. Among some of the deeper cuts is one of my all-time favorite songs, ‘You Are The Flower’ by the original – Bobby Kimball. Being a massive fan (and a good friend), I dedicate the performance to him.
Also back are a few of my favorite things, ‘Till The End’ and ‘Pamela.’ Played to perfection by the new cats. I have the best job in the band because when I’m not singing, I get to watch the most incredible players work! The TOTO model holds strong and true. A band of the very best musicians and singers writing and performing all manner of cool songs. That’s how it began, and that’s how it continues.” He continues, “This documentary explores that concept by talking with David, Luke, Warren, Dominic X, John Pierce, Robert ‘Sput’ Searight, and Steve Maggiora about their experiences as players, and also about being a part of the TOTO legacy. And, of course discussion about the show as well. I think I’m in there too, saying how much I love these guys! Soon we’ll to get back out to you, on stage, in the flesh expanding our set with some even deeper ‘legacy’ cuts as well as some new stuff from Luke’s and my new records. We can’t wait! In the meantime, enjoy a little TOTO history and current events. Xo Joe.”
Tracklist
Till The End
Hold The Line
Pamela
Kingdom Of Desire
White Sister
You Are The Flower
I Won’t Hold You Back
Stop Loving You
Band Introductions
Home Of The Brave
Rosanna
With A Little Help From My Friends
Luke and Joseph Williams are life-long friends since they were kids, and bandmates sharing a deep colorful history that has thrived professionally on a global basis over the past decades. In front of staging this one night only appearance during the global pandemic, Luke offered, “We could not be more at peace with this move. There is a refreshing, optimistic enthusiasm to step in to the future. At this moment, Joe and I are the only long-tenured members of the band that want to be on the road continuing to bring music to our multi-generational fan base. I’ve spent almost four and a half decades of my life as the only original member who never missed a show or an album nurturing this legacy while enabling the music to continually exist in the live concert setting. That is something I’ll never stop doing, and when we inevitably return to the road it presents a rare opportunity to reimagine our personal futures while simultaneously preserving the deep connection that exists with the audience while likewise yielding continual discovery.” Williams shared, “Luke and I have been through a lot with one another. He’s like a brother to me. Our creative partnership has always enriched our lives. As we look towards what’s to come in unison, there is nothing but anticipation to bring everything in our minds to life. I can’t think of anyone else on Earth I’d rather launch the next chapter with than with this lifelong, loyal and gifted friend and band mate. We’re the last men standing…The Dogz of Oz!” Luke adds, “Joe and I have been friends since I was 17, and Joe was 14. During the course of this pandemic, we’ve been re-evaluating our career and how to move forward. People are either not with us anymore or have retired. We still feel like kids who want to be back on the road as soon as possible. It’s where we live. Joe’s growth as a producer, songwriter, engineer, singer and performer is inspiring. The timing of this move is perfect as Joe is at the top of his game, and he amazes me every day. We are enjoying this collaboration and could not be more enthusiastic about the future.”
With A Little Help From My Friends was Produced by Joseph Williams, who also edited the accompanying long-form video. The band’s long-time front of house engineer Ken Freeman mixed and captured the sound that evening.
On February 26th, Luke and Joe presented solo albums via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group which charted in multiple territories across the globe. Both artists made significant contributions to the other’s recordings. Additionally, David Paich performed on select tracks on Luke’s I Found The Sun Again and Williams’ Denizen Tenant. The titles were released on LP, CD and a limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together. Available here: https://smarturl.it/Steve-Lukather and https://smarturl.it/JosephWilliams.
TOTO wil play four shows in Scandinavia in August 2021: 10 Sofiero Castle, Helsingborg, Sweden 11 Paradepladsen, Viborg, Denmark 13 Royal Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark 14 Partille Arena, Gothenburg, Sweden
Former TOTO bassist Michael Porcaro died earlier today, in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles, due to his illness, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He lost his years battled today at 12:04, he was 59 years.
R.I.P. Mike!
Source: Wikipedia Porcaro stopped performing with Toto in 2007 after a growing numbness in his fingers that made it increasingly difficult for him to play. He was replaced by Leland Sklar for the remainder of the tour and Toto disbanded in 2008. On February 26, 2010, it was announced via official press release that Mike Porcaro was suffering from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and that former band members of Toto, including Steve Porcaro, would reform and do a short tour through Europe in support of him in the summer of 2010. The regrouped Toto continue to tour and perform for Mike’s benefit in 2011. Nathan East was the guest bass player for the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 tours. In September 2012, it was reported in Classic Rock magazine that he was doing as well as could be expected with his disease, but he was in a wheelchair as the disease was progressing.
TOTO have announced a March 20 release date for their new studio album TOTO XIV in Europe, with The UK and Oceania on March 23, and North America on March 24. Fans can now listen to the second single, “Holy War”. The song is available along with the first single, “Orphan”, as an instant grat track on iTunes when you pre-order TOTO XIV from this link: http://geni.us/TotoXIViTunes. Listen to the song below:
The new album will be released on CD, with a Deluxe Edition available featuring a “Making Of” documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in-depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Toto XIV will also be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt, and lithograph.
TOTO XIV – TRACK LISTING
1. Running Out Of Time
2. Burn
3. Holy War
4. 21st Century Blues
5. Orphan
6. Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)
7. The Little Things
8. Chinatown
9. All The Tears That Shine
10. Fortune
11. Great Expectations
TOTO announced a March 20 release date for TOTO XIV in Europe, with The UK and Oceania on March 23, and North America on March 24. “Orphan” is available as an instant grat track on iTunes worldwide when you pre-order TOTO XIV from this link: http://geni.us/TotoXIViTunes.
The album will be released on CD, with a Deluxe Edition available featuring a “Making Of” documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.
TOTO XIV TRACK LISTING
1. Running Out Of Time
2. Burn
3. Holy War
4. 21st Century Blues
5. Orphan
6. Unknown Soldier (For Jeffrey)
7. The Little Things
8. Chinatown
9. All The Tears That Shine
10. Fortune
11. Great Expectations
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