Australian pop-rock meets American rock royalty as Rai Thistlethwayte, frontman of Thirsty Merc, has officially joined Toto as a touring member.
From 20 Good Reasons to Africa
Thistlethwayte, best known for hits like In The Summertime and 20 Good Reasons, will now perform alongside Toto, the band behind classics such as Africa, Rosanna, and Hold The Line. The announcement was made via Toto’s social media ahead of their ongoing North American tour. He will contribute on keyboards and backing vocals during the band’s An Evening With tour, which is already underway and set to expand internationally throughout 2026.
Rai’s Excitement
Sharing the news online, Thistlethwayte called the opportunity “an absolute honour,” expressing his excitement to perform with “these absolute legends.” Fans of both bands have celebrated the crossover, noting the unique blend of Australian pop-rock energy with Toto’s arena-ready sound.
Toto’s Legacy
Formed in Los Angeles in 1977, Toto quickly rose to fame as one of the most technically skilled and commercially successful rock bands of their era. Their 1982 hit Africa remains a cultural phenomenon, amassing billions of streams and inspiring countless covers and memes. Today, guitarist Steve Lukather is the only original member still touring, but the band continues to feature world-class musicians. Thistlethwayte’s addition highlights his reputation as a versatile singer, songwriter, and accomplished keyboardist.
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Rai’s Career Highlights
Since forming Thirsty Merc in 2002, Thistlethwayte has become a staple of Australian music. The band’s songs have soundtracked summers and even TV shows like Bondi Rescue. Their most recent album, Celebrations (2022), showcased their enduring appeal. Now, Rai is stepping into a new chapter, trading beachside pop-rock for Toto’s global stage. With Thirsty Merc set to perform at Good Gumnuts 2026 in March, his calendar is packed with both local and international commitments.
Looking Ahead
Fans are hopeful that Toto’s expanded touring schedule could include Australian dates, giving local audiences the chance to see Thistlethwayte perform with both bands. For now, his journey with Toto marks one of the most exciting crossovers in recent music history.
