Steve Porcaro Explains How Toto and REO Speedwagon Were Swept Aside by Grunge

Steve Porcaro recently reflected on his departure from Toto in the late 1980s. In an interview with Music Radar, he discussed how the band’s image evolved during the grunge era and how the shifting music landscape shaped his decision to leave.

Porcaro explained that his exit wasn’t caused by any internal tension. “There was no big fall-out when I took a break from the band,” Porcaro said. “It was the late-’80s and grunge/Nirvana was about to happen. Along with Journey, REO Speedwagon and Foreigner, we’d been lumped-in with the whole Corporate Rawk thing. We weren’t ‘cool’.”

He elaborated on how Toto’s musical direction began to diverge from his own creative role. “Toto were talking about getting back to a more rootsy, basic sound and they didn’t really need some guy noodling around with weird noises on synths – which was kind of my job,” he continued. “So, I said, ‘Is it OK if I go and do this other bunch of stuff?’”

Porcaro’s departure marked a turning point for the group. As a founding member, he had played a major role in defining Toto’s signature sound during their peak years.

According to A Breath of Fresh Air, Porcaro’s keyboard and songwriting contributions were key to Toto’s multi-platinum 1982 album Toto IV, which earned several Grammy Awards and produced classic hits like “Rosanna” and “Africa.” His melodic talent extended well beyond the band — he co-wrote and co-produced Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” from the 1982 Thriller album.

After leaving Toto, Porcaro embarked on a new chapter in his career. Apple Music noted that he built a successful path in film and television scoring while also becoming a sought-after session musician. His credits include contributions to Yes’s Union album, Jefferson Airplane’s 1989 reunion record, and The Chris Squire Experiment in 1992.

As musical trends changed in the late 1980s, Toto faced challenges adapting to the raw, unpolished aesthetic of grunge. Wikipedia records that the band disbanded in 1988 after releasing seven albums. Despite the pause, Toto eventually reunited with different lineups, continuing to tour and record, preserving their signature mix of rock, pop, and jazz fusion.

Porcaro later rejoined Toto around 2010, contributing keyboards, synthesizers, drum programming, and arrangements both on tour and in the studio. The same interview also delved into his collaborations with Michael Jackson and details about his solo work.