A

fter decades of sold-out tours, platinum albums, and one of the most recognizable songs in music history, Joseph Williams still gets excited for the same moment every night: stepping onto the stage.

Toto is scheduled to play Bethel Woods with Christopher Cross and The Romantics  on Wednesday, July 15 at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.bethelwoodscenter.org/events/detail/toto. General gates open at 5:15 p.m. with show time at 6:45 p.m.

“The best part of the day is the two hours you’re on stage,” the longtime Toto vocalist said during a recent interview. “Being able to do what we do for a great audience—that’s the best part.”

That enthusiasm has never faded, even though life on tour isn’t always glamorous. Williams laughed about the realities of overnight bus rides, and checking into a new hotel room every other day. But for someone who describes himself as “one of those road dog type creatures,” it’s all part of the experience.

While Toto has performed in countless cities across the globe, Williams admits the band’s schedule often leaves little time for leisure on the road. Whether they get to enjoy a destination depends entirely on the tour itinerary. Having time to check out the Museum at Bethel Woods is not out of the question if there’s time. But for their iconic Bethel performance it means arriving in time for dinner, a soundcheck the next morning, a concert in the evening, and then back on the bus for the next stop in Albany the next day.

Even after nearly 50 years, Toto continues looking ahead. While fans hoping for a full-length studio album may have to wait, Williams hinted that new music isn’t out of the question.

“There are no plans for an actual album,” he said, “but 2027 and 2028 are technically the 50th anniversary, and we may do a couple of tracks to celebrate. I’m a ‘never say never’ guy.”

That forward-thinking attitude extends to the band’s live performances. Toto has welcomed talented younger musicians into the lineup in recent years, and Williams says everyone gets an opportunity to contribute. “It’s pretty balanced,” Williams shared.

Williams is equally enthusiastic about sharing the stage with other artists. He reflected on collaborations with Christopher Cross, Men at Work, and recently with Journey, from ‘22-’24 and looks forward to performing alongside The Romantics. At the same time, Toto hopes to expand and play bigger and better arenas in the future.

Of course, no conversation about Toto is complete without mentioning “Africa.”

The song has taken on a life of its own, introducing the band to generations of listeners who weren’t even born when it first hit the charts. Williams says the continued popularity of the song has become one of the most rewarding parts of performing.

“We’re really enjoying seeing younger generations,” he said. “Parents are bringing their almost-grown kids to come out and see us.”

The resurgence of 1980s music has also helped introduce Toto’s catalog to new audiences, while countless covers—from school choirs to television singing competitions and independent artists—have kept “Africa” firmly embedded in popular culture.

“We love it,” Williams said of hearing new interpretations of the song. “People send us links to different performances, different takes on it. It’s all good. It’s really fun.”

When Toto performs “Africa” during a concert, he says the audience’s reaction still amazes him.

“Hearing how the audience sings with us never gets old.”

Looking back on one of Toto’s most beloved albums, Williams recalled the excitement of recording songs the old-fashioned way—with the entire band playing together in one room.

“The musicians in this band... are some of the greatest virtuoso players and singers,” he said. “That’s always a joy.”

Although modern recording technology allows musicians to build songs piece by piece from home studios, Williams sees value in both approaches. Each method has its strengths, but nothing quite replaces the chemistry of musicians creating together in real time.

Music has always surrounded Williams. Growing up, he heard his father, legendary composer John Williams, playing jazz piano while his mother filled the house with show tunes. As he got older, his own tastes expanded to include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Simon & Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, Yes, and Paul McCartney, whose singing style became a lasting influence.

“It was constant in my house,” Williams said. “Music really was a first language for me.”

As Toto approaches its 50th anniversary, Joseph Williams isn’t focused solely on celebrating the past. Whether it’s embracing younger fans, welcoming new musicians, exploring fresh collaborations, or simply walking onto another stage for another unforgettable night, his excitement for making music remains exactly where it has always been—on the road, in front of an audience, doing what he loves.