Australian pop-rock royalty has officially joined American rock royalty, with Rai Thistlethwayte – frontman of Thirsty Merc – announced as the newest touring member of legendary US outfit Toto.
Yep. The bloke who gave us 20 Good Reasons and In The Summertime is now stepping into the world of Africa, Rosanna and Hold The Line. Honestly? What a crossover.
Thirsty Merc – ‘In The Summertime’
Toto revealed the news via social media ahead of their upcoming North American dates, confirming Thistlethwayte will be joining the ensemble on keyboards and backing vocals. Their current ‘An Evening With’ US run is already underway, with more international touring locked in through the year – meaning Rai’s about to be very busy learning some of the most recognisable rock songs ever written (after playing Good Gumnuts 2026 with Thirsty Merc this March ofc).
Naturally, he’s absolutely buzzing. Sharing the announcement online, Thistlethwayte called the gig “an absolute honour,” adding that he couldn’t wait to hit the stage with the band and dive into the catalogue alongside “these absolute legends.” Not a bad way to spend your week
If you somehow slept through the last four decades of music history, Toto formed in Los Angeles back in 1977 and quickly became one of the most technically revered and commercially successful rock bands on the planet. Their 1982 megahit Africa alone has taken on a whole second life in the streaming era – racking up billions of plays, spawning memes, covers, and a permanent residency in the collective pop-culture brain.
“I’m extremely excited”
Lineup changes have been a constant for Toto over the years, with guitarist Steve Lukather now the only original member still touring. But the band has always been stacked with world-class musicians – so Thistlethwayte stepping into the fold is no small nod to his chops as a singer, songwriter and seriously accomplished keys player.
And let’s not forget: Rai’s bringing his own heavyweight CV. He’s led Thirsty Merc since 2002, helped soundtrack countless Aussie summers (and Bondi Rescue openings), and most recently dropped the band’s 2022 album Celebrations. Now he’s trading beachside pop-rock for stadium-ready AOR.
Hopefully this means some Aussie tour dates will be on the horizon for Toto in the near future? We’ll keep you looped…
Further Reading
Good Gumnuts 2026 Line-Up: Thirsty Merc, Dope Lemon, The Jungle Giants, Young Franco + More
Toto’s ‘Africa’ To Play For Eternity Down In Africa, Thanks To Art Installation
Toto’s Very 80’s Cover Of Weezer’s Classic ‘Hash Pipe’ Is Finally Here
