Rob Lowe Reveals Surprising Collab with TOTO in the 80s

Rob Lowe, the talented actor known for his roles in iconic films and television shows, recently made an intriguing revelation on his podcast, *Literally! With Rob Lowe*. During a candid conversation with Bill Simmons, Lowe disclosed that he had once recorded a demo with renowned band Toto. Lowe's confession, accompanied by a humorous acknowledgment of his wild 80s lifestyle, has captured the curiosity of fans and music enthusiasts alike. The discussion on Lowe's podcast episode not only shed light on a lesser-known aspect of his career but also provided a fascinating glimpse into the actor's life during a transformative period.

The actor shared this on an episode of his podcast, delving into his 1980s experience with Toto, a band that epitomized the era's “Yacht Rock” genre. For Simmons, who had been reflecting on his production role in the HBO documentary *Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary*, it was a perfect conversation starter. This documentary chronicles the genre's heyday, spotlighting artists like Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, and of course, Toto. When the discussion turned to Toto, a Grammy-winning staple of the Yacht Rock scene, Lowe couldn’t resist bringing up his brief foray into the music world with them.

In a moment of reflection on his past, Lowe admitted that the 1980s were a tumultuous yet exciting time in his life. “There was a minute in the '80s where I was definitely doing too much Bolivian marching powder and just being a lunatic,” he reminisced, humorously referring to the excessive cocaine use that was unfortunately a hallmark of that decade. At the time, Lowe was at a career crossroads, too old for the juvenile roles that had made him famous, yet too young for mature roles that would solidify his career for decades to come. Fueled by a love for music and perhaps a yearning to embark on a different path, Lowe recorded a demo track with Toto.

Toto was at the height of its fame during this period. They had achieved massive success with hits like “Africa,” which helped them dominate the music scene and the Grammy Awards, despite some critical backlash about their commercial style. Simmons and Lowe noted how the group was once mocked for their seemingly overnight success, a common occurrence in the ever-competitive music industry.

The podcast episode, which brought this surprising nugget of information to light, highlights Lowe's charismatic storytelling and willingness to reflect on the past with humor and humility. As it continues to circulate and garner attention, the tale of Lowe's musical dalliance with Toto provides an entertaining glimpse into the actor's life beyond the screen, offering a fresh perspective on the glitz, glamour, and unpredictability of Hollywood in the 1980s.