This classic ’80s band is coming to Macon in February. Here’s a sneak peek
Toto, the classic ‘80s band known for hit songs “Africa” and “Hold the Line,” are coming to Macon in 2023. The group will play at the Macon City Auditorium on Feb. 9.
The show is part of the band’s “Dogs of Oz” tour that features them as headliners. Heading the lineup for Toto are founding member Steve Lukather and newer vocalist Joseph Williams.
Williams, the son of famous composer John Williams, has been with the band since the mid-to-late ‘80s. He said Macon concert-goers can expect a special show, especially thanks to the size of the venue.
“It’s a night of incredibly great music played by incredibly great musicians,” Williams said. “The smaller venues don’t change our performance at all, if anything they make it a more intimate show... It’s a lot of fun.”
The rest of the lineup features well-known musicians including drummer Robert “Sput” Searight and bassist John Pierce of Huey Lewis and the News.
“Playing with them makes everything easier. It’s never easy, but they are really professional musicians,” Williams said. “Lukather is just a virtuoso guitarist, and the same for the other guys, they’re all so talented.”
The show in Macon comes as part of a larger tour supporting Journey, who won’t play in Macon. With the lineup set, the tour begins Feb. 4 in Pennsylvania and will hit nearby cities including Savannah, Columbia and Charleston.
“It feels great to be touring again. To be back with Lukather and out there playing shows is really great,” Williams said. “Europe was amazing. So many shows were packed. But we’re excited to bring it back here, too.”
Williams’ music experience runs deep, as he’s played with Toto for decades along with his other musical ventures. He has released multiple solo albums and even worked with his father on film scores, including the Star Wars prequels in the early 2000s.
“Focus and discipline were two of the biggest things my father imparted to me,” Williams said of his dad’s influence on his music. “If you don’t really focus and make that effort every day, from a writing perspective, the music isn’t going to fully come to fruition.”
As for his favorite songs to perform with Toto? One choice is obvious.
“Picking from the famous ones, playing ‘Africa’ is my favorite. People just light up when they hear it, it’s instant,” Williams said. “As for a different song, I really enjoy playing a song from the very first album called ‘You Are The Flower.’ That’s a great song to play in concert.”
Tickets for the Toto concert are available online via Ticketmaster.
