Toto in San Francisco

About Toto

Toto formed in Los Angeles in 1977 as a supergroup of session musicians who decided to make records together. The band features Dennis DeVore on vocals, Steve Lukather on guitar, David Paich on keyboards, and Jeff Porcaro on drums, among rotating members. They hit immediately with Hold the Line in 1978 and never really stopped. Africa became their defining moment—a song so ubiquitous it transcended the band itself and became part of the cultural fabric. Rosanna followed as another massive hit. What gets lost sometimes is that these guys could actually play. They won a Grammy for Toto IV in 1983 and kept making albums for decades. The band broke up briefly in the 90s but reunited and has kept touring. They're the kind of band that appeals to people who think they don't like 80s pop rock until Africa comes on.

Toto shows are exactly what you'd expect: well-played, energetic, and full of singalongs. Crowds lose it when Africa hits. The band sounds tight because these are genuinely skilled musicians. Sets lean heavily on the hits but show they've got range.

Known for Africa, Rosanna, Hold the Line, I'll Be Over You, Stop Loving You Today

Toto + San Francisco

Toto's March 2022 stop at Chase Center felt like a victory lap for a band that's earned their place in the pantheon. They leaned into the deep cuts—"Orphan" and "White Sister" showed they're not just living off "Africa," though that closer hit different after everything else. "Georgy Porgy" and "I Won't Hold You Back" reminded you why these guys have staying power. San Francisco's always been good to them, and this show proved the chemistry between the band and this city hasn't faded.

Toto in San Francisco News

• This unusual concert triple-header is heading to your town The Mercury News · Dec 8, 2025
• Pro-Luigi Mangione Musical Selling Out in San Francisco Hollywood in Toto · Jul 20, 2025
• Adès’s Long-Simmering Dante Project Is Finally Heard In Toto San Francisco Classical Voice · May 2, 2022
• REVIEW: Journey and Toto bring guitar pyrotechnics to Chase Center RIFF Magazine · Apr 1, 2022
• TOTO USA Launches Experiential Showroom Concept 190 in San Francisco PR Newswire · Mar 22, 2017

Live Music in San Francisco

San Francisco's music DNA runs deep through funk, soul, and psychedelic rock—genres that share DNA with Toto's sophisticated pop-rock approach. The city built its reputation on bands that valued musicianship and studio craft, which aligns with Toto's meticulous production sensibility. Chase Center and the Fillmore represent two poles of how the city presents rock music: one for stadium crowds, one for the faithful. Toto fits comfortably in either space.

San Francisco road trip to see Toto?

Stay in Hayes Valley or the Mission—both neighborhoods have the kind of restaurants and bars that make a weekend feel deliberate rather than touristy. Head to State Bird Provisions for dinner if you can get in; it's precise and inventive without being pretentious. Spend a day in Muir Woods or hiking around Twin Peaks for actual views of the city. The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is worth a couple hours if the weather holds. Hit up a coffee place on Valencia Street in the Mission just to sit and watch the neighborhood move around you.