A founding member of the rock band Toto, Steve Lukather talks to Darren about the group’s longevity and fans.
Video Content: Toto – Steve Lukather (2021)
In an edited version of the TV episode, SIDEWALKS east coast correspondent Darren Paltrowitz talks to Toto’s Steve Lukather about the group’s longevity, the latest live album (“With a Little Help from My Friends”), having hit songs (like “Africa” and “Rosanna”), having old and new fans over the decades, and how long Lukather sees himself with Toto.
The full interview with Darren Paltrowitz (close to 40 minutes) can be seen below.
Mini-Biographies:
Born in Los Angeles, CA, Steve Lukather is a musician, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer. He is best known for being one of the original members of the rock band, Toto. Lukather has recorded guitar tracks for more than 1,500 albums for many artists, including playing guitar on Boz Scaggs’ albums and a prominent contributor to several studio albums by Michael Jackson, including “Thriller.” Outside of Toto, he has been in collaboration with jazz guitarist Larry Carlton, was a member of the jazz fusion band Los Lobotomys, and has been touring with Ringo Starr’s group, the All-Starr Band. Additionally, Lukather released several solo albums, including the latest, “I Found the Sun Again.”
Toto was formed in Los Angeles in 1977. The band’s current lineup are Lukather (guitars and vocals), Joseph Williams (vocals) and David Paich (keyboards, vocals).The three are joined by touring musicians John Pierce (bass), Robert “Sput” Searight (drums), Dominique “Xavier” Taplin (keyboards and vocals), Steve Maggiora (keyboards and vocals) and Warren Ham (horns and vocals). The group’s mainstream success had several hit singles, such as “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Africa.” Other past members of Toto include Steve Porcaro, David Hungate, Bobby Kimball, Jeff Porcaro and Mike Porcaro. In a Wikipedia article, Toto has released 14 studio albums, and has sold over 40 million records worldwide. The group has been honored with several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009.
Video Content: Full Interview Steve Lukather (2021)
In the full uncensored interview, Darren talks with Steve Lukather about more about the group’s success, being the “peacemaker,” other musical groups sampling Toto’s music, soundcheck, and his collection of guitars.
Interview Credits:
Recorded: June 25, 2021
Host / Producer: Darren Paltrowitz
Editor: Richard R. Lee
Special Thanks To: Steve Lukather, Toto (David Paich, Joseph Williams, John Pierce, Robert Searight, Dominique Taplin, Steve Maggiora, Warren Ham), Steve Karas, SKH Music, Mascot Label Group, The Players Club, Columbia Records