Toto will release ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’, a live concert performance and documentary from the LA show recorded on 21 November 2020. The first live track ‘Til The End’ has been released today, which you can watch below.
Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams, David Paich, Dominique “Xavier” Taplin and Warren Ham were joined on the evening by bassist John Pierce (Huey Lewis and The News), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Ghost-Note / Snarky Puppy), and keyboardist Steve Maggiora (Robert Jon & The Wreck).
Steve Lukather told MetalTalk that this will be the fifteenth Toto lineup and the lineup for their 2022 tour.
The other exciting announcement was that when Toto touring returns the setlist will include a broader mix of Toto songs with some deeper cuts and will also include music from both Steve and Joseph’s recent solo albums.
Steve Lukather
Steve Lukather told MetalTalk: “When the music is performed by great musicians, it honours Toto. The documentary featured on the DVD offers great insights in to 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 will 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 not wait to write.”
Joseph Williams
Joseph Williams told us: “It is 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-19 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 am 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 is how it began and that is how it 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 am in there too, saying how much I love these guys!
“Soon we will 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 not wait!
“In the meantime, enjoy a little Toto history and current events. X Joe.”
‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ will be released on 25 June 2021 via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group.
Alongside LP pressings of the audio only, both a CD/DVD and CD/Blu-ray package are available. 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.
Pre-orders can be made from smarturl.it/TOTO-MLG
Tracklist
1. Till The End
2. Hold The Line
3. Pamela
4. Kingdom of Desire
5. White Sister
6. You Are The Flower
7. I Won’t Hold You Back
8. Stop Loving You
9. Band Introductions
10. Home of the Brave
11. Rosanna
12. With A Little Help From My Friends
2022 Tour
14 July, 2022 – Bonn, Germany – KunstRasen
15 July, 2022 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggodome
16 July, 2022 – Halle, Germany – Peißnitzinsel
19 July, 2022 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z-7 Summer Nights
20 July, 2022 – Tussling, Germany – Schlossplatz
21 July, 2022 – Middelkerke, Belgium – Proximus Pop-Up Arena
23 July, 2022 – Vitrolles, France – Festival Jardin Sonore
28 July, 2022 – Schwetzingen, Germany – Schlossgarten
29 July, 2022 – Graz, Austria – Messe Open Air
31 July, 2022 – Warsaw, Poland – Torwar
10 August, 2022 – Helsingborg, Sweden – Sofiero Castle
11 August, 2022 – Viborg, Denmark – Paradepladsen
13 August, 2022 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
14 August, 2022 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Partille Arena
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