Steve Lukather Responds To Criticism Of Toto's Current Formation

JAKARTA - Steve Lukather finally spoke up in response to all criticisms and ridicule that highlight Toto's current formation.

As for Toto's 50th birthday celebration, Lukather is the only original member left in the group.

David Paich, co-founder, chose not to participate in the tour series anymore. While vocalist Joseph Williams only joined in 1986. The rest, the formation is currently filled by musicians supporting the tour.

To answer criticism, Lukather firmly defended Toto's current formation from haters who doubted his authenticity or authenticity.

"I really want to clarify this, because I received a lot of (hard criticism) nonsense from certain people about this," Lukather said in a recent interview on the Rockonteurs podcast.

"I know what we're doing now isn't an original band. God knows I hope it can happen. This band can be intact and everyone is healthy, and we can still do it," he added. But as the years went on, we went through some tragic loss. And after that, we survived."

Lukather emphasized that Toto had undergone many changes to big members along his journey. The biggest and most traumatic shock occurred after the sudden death of drummer and co-founder Jeff Porcaro in 1992.

"When Jeff died, we all thought, 'Well, how would we continue?' If we didn't make the album, King Desire (1992), and had sold out tickets across Europe, and (have signed) the crew and everyone, we probably would have stopped right away," recalls Lukather.

"I mean, the idea of going on without Jeff is something that doesn't happen. But we did. We continued it, because even if we didn't, it wouldn't bring it back," he added.

Lukather emphasized that his current struggle is to keep Toto's musical legacy alive and enjoyed by future generations.

"Listen, I'm the last left of the original formation, but this is not an option," said the guitarist. I know the difference between the old and the new. All I'm trying to do is keep our old music alive.

For information, Toto is scheduled to end the 2025 tour series with performances in Mexico and South America. The band has also announced a series of shows in the United States in 2026.