David Hungate Leaves Toto, Leland Sklar Steps In

Toto

David Hungate’s time in Toto has once again come to an end. The co-founding bassist returned to the fold in 2014 to help record and tour behind Toto XIV after 30 years away from the band, but a new statement explains road life took its toll.

“There’s no place like home, particularly after four months on the road,” Hungate wrote. “The past two years’ reunion with Toto has been one of the sweetest experiences and greatest honors of my life. All good things must come to an end, however. I no longer have the stamina and resilience required for extended touring, and I do need to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Much gratitude to the fans and friends who have supported the band over the years, and to my brothers in Toto … I can never thank you adequately for the music, the laughs and the friendship going back 40 years. Love and happy trails to you all.”

Toto will once again be filled out with session legend Leland Sklar, who also stepped in for Mike Porcaro in 2007 and 2008. The bearded bassist shared his sentiment on the situation on Facebook, saying, “Between David and Mike it is almost overwhelming shoes to fill. They are two of my favorite bassists and Mike’s spirit lives with me daily. So miss him. And Dave was such a staple of the LA scene for so many years and we were always crossing paths. I will do my best to honor that which they have created throughout the years. I just saw the band at the Greek in LA and was in awe of David’s performance. Such a deep pocket. Love you my brother.”

In addition to the lineup change, the band announced their first set of dates for 2016, which include stops throughout Europe and a 7-date run in Japan.

Toto 2016 Tour Dates:

DateLocationVenue
1/27Brussels, BelgiumForest National
1/28Strasbourg, FranceZenith
1/29Paris, FranceOlympia
1/31Bordeaux, FrancePatinoire Meriadeck
2/01Nantes, FranceZenith
2/03Rouen, FranceZenith
2/04Epernay-Pierry, FranceLe Millesium
2/06Torino, ItalyParcolimpico Torino
2/07Montichiari, Brescia, ItalyPalazzetto dello Sport
2/09Vienna, AustriaGasometer
2/11Tilburg, Netherlands013 Poppodium Tilburg
2/14Groningen, NetherlandsOosterpoort
2/15Aarhus, DenmarkScandinavian Congress Center
2/17Stavanger, NorwayDNB Arena
2/18Oslo, NorwaySentrum Scene
2/19Stockholm, SwedenFryshuset
2/21Helsinki, FinlandIcehall
3/03Sendai, JapanSendai Sun Plaza
3/04Yokohama, JapanPacifico
3/07Tokyo, JapanNihon Budokan
3/09Fukuoka, JapanZepp (Fukuoka)
3/10Hiroshima, JapanHiroshima Ueno Gakuen Hall
3/14Osaka, JapanFestival Hall
3/15Nagoya, JapanNagoya Shi Kokaido

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  1. Petey

    Wow! Hate to see David go, but hey, we’re not spring chickens anymore. I wish him the very best and I hope he’s in pretty good health. Lee’s the best man for the job. I love the way he and Greg Philligance hold it down so I know the band will be in the best of hands. And to my man, Mike Pocarro, we miss you brother, may you RIP.