As Toto gears up for its 2026 tour, Joseph Williams sat down with Slang of Ages to talk long-form shows, deep cuts, studio archaeology, and what it really takes to sing at this level night after night. Here’s the conversation — 

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Slang of Ages: You’re about to head out on the 2026 tour. What can fans expect?

Joseph Williams:

This first run is what we call “an evening with Toto.” That means we get to stretch out — musically and personally. There’s more solo space, more musicianship on display, and a lot of banter. When you’ve got someone like Steve Lukather on stage, you can count on humor.

We’re having as much fun as the audience. I always say I’ve got the best job in the band — I get to wander around and listen to these incredible musicians every night.

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Slang of Ages: Your first run with Toto was during Fahrenheit in 1986. Has your approach changed?

Williams:

Completely. Back then, I didn’t really understand what touring does to your voice. Now I take it seriously. When I came back in 2010, I hired a vocal coach before rehearsals even started.

Rest is key. Hydration is key. Not yelling in loud rooms after shows — key. I gave up the sightseeing part of touring. It’s about consistency now. If you want to sustain your voice over back-to-back shows, you have to treat it like an athlete would.

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Slang of Ages: Let’s talk solo work. “Never Saw You Coming” from ‘Denizen Tenant ‘ is a standout. What’s the story there?

Williams:

That one was always meant to be a lead track. It’s funky, a little humorous — and it’s about death, basically. I liked the idea of something groovy with a sly lyrical twist.

Michael Landau played guitar on it. He’s like Luke — you give him space and he brings back magic. The track really came together during COVID. That stretch of time let me finish the record properly.

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Slang of Ages: “Going Home” from Toto XX feels timeless. Was that from the late ’80s?

Williams:

Yes. I wrote that with David Paich during that era. It was one of those songs that never quite made it onto a record back then.

When we did Toto XX, the idea was to revisit unfinished material. There’s a version of me singing it, but Bobby Kimball ended up doing the released version. It made sense at the time. But yeah — that song easily could have landed on another studio album had I stayed in the band.

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Slang of Ages: You were supervising producer on ‘Old Is New’ . What did that role actually mean?

Williams:

It meant I was the guy corralling everything. Recording, engineering, organizing sessions — making sure all the pieces got finished.

We went back into the vault for songs like “Devil’s Tower,” which had vintage performances from Jeff Porcaro and David Hungate. We digitized old tapes, finished lyrics and melodies, and brought them into the present.

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Slang of Ages: Any plans for new solo material?

Williams:

Eventually, yes. Touring has been the priority, especially with the 50th anniversary coming up. COVID was perfect timing for a solo record because we couldn’t tour.

Right now, the focus is the road. Maybe after this next big stretch, I’ll dive back in. Never say never.

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Slang of Ages: Final word for the fans?

Williams:

Come see the show. It’s long-form, it’s musical, it’s funny, and we’re blessed to still be doing it. Everybody’s healthy, and we don’t take that for granted.

The 50th anniversary year is going to be big. It’s been an incredible ride — and we’re still on it.