'Hold The Line'

I do not think of Toto as a glam band or even a yacht rock act, honestly. To me they are just classic rock at this point. I was listening to Toto earlier while trying to figure out a vexing Power Point problem (don't ask!) and "Hold The Line" came on. The song was the band's debut single and I would argue is probably their "heaviest" tune. The song is just good, straight up rock music. I've been writing this website daily since the end of 2006 and I do not think I have mentioned Toto's "Hold The Line" until today, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.

I bet many of you have stories about seeing Toto live. I have never been to a Toto show, but I bet they were fire back in the early 80s.

Here's a metal cover of "Hold The Line" by Bonfire:

Comments

[Him]

Allyson, they are most certainly not a glam band. That said, Lukather certainly looks like an aging glam rocker these days! Bronzer, table for two!!!

Seriously though, the Pprcaro Bros. are/were quite the combo in this band. Sad that Jeff died when he did, though those who showed up at his funeral point to his amazing influence (and I have noted, as a non-musician, my jaw-drop listening to their live in Montreux set on CD). Steve seems like an amazing talent too, and was a gracious keyboardist-guest during the somewhat recent Weezer/Toto cover song love fest.

Sadly, it seems, that Toto these days is basically Lukather (the other Steve). Does he own the copyright to the band at this point? But, again, he is a major part of this band, so there's that at least. And, again, that is working with far more than some bands are doing these days. I bet the shows are going to be great given the musicians involved. But it would be cool if perhaps Steve Porcaro could be moved into the mix.

And I have no problem ending this by saying that I love the song "Africa," even if that video is as dated (and hilarious) as hell!!!

And I also would love to hear from some BBG! posters if they saw this outfit live. Come on, spill your guts! Let us know!!!

[Rita]

Hold The Line is one of the best songs ever written. Period.

I have tried to listen to other Toto songs but they just never grabbed me at all.

I guess I was looking for Hold The Line 2.0 and I just never found it. So i gave up.

But this song is still one of the best I've ever heard. Still really love this one.

[Him]

Great hearing you chime in, Rita!!! But no love for "Africa" or even (and I blush typing this) "Rosanna"?

[steverox]

I know the hits, I like the hits. That's all on Toto. Just never "grabbed me" like some peers of that era like Journey and REO.

[Rita]

Hi Him,

I respect those other songs you mentioned. I would hear them on the radio and would not change the station and would probably sing along as well.

But I never played any of those songs on my own, the way I did Hold The Line. That song, i just always really loved. Still do.

[crued]

@him you gotta watch this interview with Steve Lukather .one of the things that stand out is when he said he was "just noodling" on the outro on Lionel Ritchies "running with the night"well worth the watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuCscgfbtw4&t=390s

[Him]

Rita, I appreciate and totally 'get' that reply. There truly is a difference between songs we hold close to our hearts and those we enjoy. Many thanks (and glad to see you still posting . . . perhaps it might become a regular thing again? Who knows?).

Crued, I have watched parts of that clip! Lukather is clearly a genius (with, it seems, some eye issues). He is also less bronze, more scuzzy, in this interview. And I appreciate how he nods to Jeff in the interview, acknowledging his debt to him for helping him make connections in the music business. Classy.