From the Vault to the Stage: Joseph Williams Breaks Down Toto's Past, Present, and What's Next

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. Joseph Williams joins the Slang of Ages Podcast for a wide-ranging, deeply candid conversation about life inside—and outside—Toto. In this episode, Williams walks Preston through his unexpected return to the band in 2010, how his approach to singing has evolved since his first Toto run in the ’80s, and what it actually takes to protect a voice while performing at a world-class level night after night. The discussion dives into Toto’s ambitious “An Evening with Toto” tour format, the freedom it gives the band to stretch musically, and why Williams now prioritizes health, preparation, and longevity over post-show rituals. Along the way, he reflects on formative collaborations, including work with Jay Graydon’s All-Star Band, and revisits key songwriting moments tied to tracks like “Never Saw You Coming,” “Going Home,” “Fortune,” and “A Thousand Years.” Williams also breaks down his role as supervising producer on Old Is New, detailing how long-buried Toto vault tracks were finally completed, curated, and brought back to life. The conversation closes with a look ahead: solo plans on pause, Toto’s upcoming 50th anniversary tour, and why—five decades in—the band is still focused on doing it right rather than just doing it again. A must-listen for Toto fans, studio nerds, and anyone fascinated by how great bands survive their own history. LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now! Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages.com, as well as through your online retailers. Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers: Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes. Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.