Steve Lukather: Final Date of Anniversary Tour Will Be Last “Of This Incarnation” of Toto
Toto’s 40th anniversary tour might be last time fans will get to see the band for a long time, maybe ever, according to founding guitarist Steve Lukather.
Lukather said in an interview with WMGK’s Debbi Calton, “This is the final show [in Philadelphia on October 20] of this incarnation [of Toto], whatever that happens to be right now. We’ve been on the road for three years, so our 40th anniversary is actually 43 now.”
Lukather continued, “…There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes…We’ve also had some unfortunate litigation that really messed us up. The band is playing great. That’s not the issue. It’s not us against each other; it’s outside forces, but that’s about all I can really say without getting into trouble. The person suing us sues every time she stubs her toe, so it’s gotten really expensive and crazy.”
Despite those lawsuits, which have involved original singer Bobby Kimball and other record label figures, Lukather didn’t rule out playing Toto music altogether.
“It’s not like I’m never gonna play music that I’ve been making for the last 43 years again,” said Lukather. “It’s just this incarnation…has run its course. So, I don’t know what’s going to happen in years to come, but I do know I have a lot to do next year that is not Toto related. I think everybody’s got things to do and we need to deal with the repercussions of the lawsuit that was handed and shoved up our asses by a hateful person. And once we get through that, I don’t know what will happen.”
Lukather did say that he’s signed on to write a new book, the follow-up to his 2017 book The Gospel According to Luke, where he will address the lawsuits and “…everybody will find out my truth, which is the real truth.” He’s also working on a documentary with Nigel Cole, who directed the 2016 TV documentary Bruce Springsteen: In His. Own Words.
