NEW LUKE INTERVIEW - THE END...?

[r@y]

Just after reading the interview on themusiciansvoice.com

And I can't help but thinking is this truly the end for TOTO..?


What do you guys think..?


Ray

[weatherman90]

I really hope Toto's not over, but I'm thrilled that my live picture of Luke got used in the interview!!

Check it out - if you go to the text version, its the third picture down! I took it at the Moondance Jam, I'm glad its getting exposure...feel free to use it anytime, Andrew!

http://www.themusiciansvoice.com/

[steelerfanmike]

It really does sound like he's trying to put Toto to rest. However, it wouldn't surprise me to see soemthing from them down the road, if it's all new materiel. And whatever became of that box set I heard talk of a couple of years back?

[MarcelJordan]

Whatever the case may be, Im sure the guys have no hard feelings and understand their own situations and respect the others. Who knows what the future may bring.

[DracIsBack]

I don't write it off yet. Steve Lukather is infamous for saying what's on his mind. Like the rest of us, he has the option to change his mind later.

Heck, Bobby came back. I saw Fergie on stage after then not speaking for like 20 years. Nothing to prevent him from changing his mind later.

[JohnH]

I'm not putting much to it. They went 7 years between albums (not counting the covers album) and just came off the road after a nearly two year tour. They've gotta be fried.


John

[WalrusOct9]

I hope it's not the end, but I understand where he was coming from. I think Mike bowing out might've really done it...it was an injury but who knows if he'd come back at this point.

So you've got Greg and Sklar, who other than the 2 or 3 new songs they played, had nothing to do with the original versions of anything they're playing, and Simon, who's been there for 15 years but didn't play on the majority of the songs in Toto's set. Then you've got the original singer, but whenever they play anything from Isolation or The Seventh One, you've got Luke as the lone guy on stage who had anything to do with the song in the first place. Not that it made a bad show at all, given that everyone on stage is a fucking killer musician (and that's the main reason I keep going to see them whenever possible) but when Luke questions "is it really Toto?" I understand where the guy's coming from.

I think Toto will come back if Dave decides to do it and Mike is healthy...but only then.

[LtVanish]

3-5 years will pass, Toto will be back most likely for the 35th Anniversary show. I predict that Frergie and Joseph will be involved, along with Dave being back in the picture. They will all need a Toto touring paycheck at some point.

[WalrusOct9]

I think Dave will be the hardest one to get back...since he wrote most of the band's 70's-80's output, he gets the majority of the songwriting royalties, so he probably doesn't need a Toto tour paycheck as much as the rest of the band might.

Ironically with Toto, I think it's the singers who will have the hardest time finding work. Not sure about Mike's status but Simon, Greg and Luke will have no problem going back to session work or join another tour. Unfortunately Bobby and Joe never seemed to be able to make a name for themselves outside of the band (I know they both have solo albums but have you ever seen one in the flesh? I didn't think so), which is a shame. I do think Bobby's going to have his solo album out this year sometime, which I'm pretty curious to hear. Simon will probably just work in his recording studio mixing and engineering his own jazz stuff and other artists, and Greg will probably just do sessions and tour with whoever calls him first.

[Sundet]

Joseph Williams has had a rather successfull career as a composer for film and TV in the US, also working with Steve Porcaro and his father. So he has made a decent living outside of Toto.

As for it being the end of Toto, several crew members have confirmed that it indeed looks as though Toto is over, which Lukather's comments only seem to confirm.

[hydraturnback]

As for Joe and Bobby, both had varied careers in localised parts of the world.
Joe was reasonably big in Japan and Bobby in Europe (more Germany really)

As for TOTO - the one thing is to never say never....

When LUKE did his solo album back in 1997, he mentioned that the band needed a rest. I think it is a similar situation here.

Be sure (and mark my words) TOTO will be back in a couple of years or so....

I think if they WILL call it a day - it will be WELL documented...they would maybe call it a farewell tour....

Peace
hydra

[Brett]

Bobby is more optimistic about a return of some form -he posted this on the Network a month or two back:

Hi gang. I know it's been a long time since i've posted, but I usually have about 10 things going on at once. While I'm not touring or playing blackjack at one of the venues, I work in the other companies I own parts of. I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has participated in this incredible site.

I hope everyone will stay the course and keep posting until Toto "is forced" to come back and at least do a "Farewell Tour". I know everyone is going their separate ways for a while, but I see no reason for us not to get together and "give it everything we got" just to say an official goodbye. The more you demand it, the sooner that should happen.
Thanks to all of you who made this a fun place to visit, and please continue to enjoy the music.
There will be more to come from the individual members soon. I'm working with Jason Scheff from "Chicago" on my solo CD (he's on the road for about a month now), and Luke will be touring with his solo band,....Si is doing a solo CD, and everyone has their own things to do. Hopefully, the magnetic attraction of the musicians in Toto will take a turn and draw together once more for you, the greatest fans on the planet. You ARE THE BEST...............Bobby

I'm waiting and seeing...and I'm sure Luke'll suffer withdrawal symptoms if he hasn't played 'Hold the line' for a year or two..right? Hahaha...yeah.

[LtVanish]

I believe Bobby is involved in the new Mecca project with Joe Vanna. If Joe is reading this, will Mecca do any touring?

I am sad hearing all of this the end of Toto stuff going on. This band is just too good to call it quits.

[r@y]

I believe Bobby is involved in the new Mecca project with Joe Vanna. If Joe is reading this, will Mecca do any touring?

I am sad hearing all of this the end of Toto stuff going on. This band is just too good to call it quits.

I recall not too long ago, that Luke was also gonna be involved in Mecca's sophomore record, on all tracks !

I don't know if that's still on..?

Andrew ?


Ray

[brandonx76]

I believe Bobby is involved in the new Mecca project with Joe Vanna. If Joe is reading this, will Mecca do any touring?

I am sad hearing all of this the end of Toto stuff going on. This band is just too good to call it quits.

I recall not too long ago, that Luke was also gonna be involved in Mecca's sophomore record, on all tracks !

I don't know if that's still on..?

Andrew ?


Ray

I recall that being Joe Vana's intent - even the Mecca site he had put together had dedicated band member sections for Bobby and Luke. For Luke it was 'Luke's Area of Thickness' I thought that was funny, but nothing seemed to materialize. As time went on their involvement seemed to be regulated to a couple of guest spots. Despite this I recall hearing Bobby say something on the Toto Network (or perhaps it was Joe quoting Bobby) to the effect ' You can't start without me', so it was coming down to timing. I think this was prior to Falling in Between recording beginning. Most surprisingly Joe was working with slightly different group of folks (though equally qualified (Pat Mastelleto))

Curious about this new record, as the last Mecca had some great songs.

[Andrew]

There will be some Toto guests on Mecca.

As for now Toto is done. But that's for now. They all need a break. They've been on the road several years without break.

[Saint John]

As for now Toto is done. But that's for now.

Deano is gonna be crushed.

[Ehwmatt]

They better be back - I still haven't even come within 200 miles of a tour date to my knowledge. That simply can't be the end of my chance to see them.

[Joe Vana]

I believe Bobby is involved in the new Mecca project with Joe Vanna. If Joe is reading this, will Mecca do any touring?

I am sad hearing all of this the end of Toto stuff going on. This band is just too good to call it quits.

I recall not too long ago, that Luke was also gonna be involved in Mecca's sophomore record, on all tracks !

I don't know if that's still on..?

Andrew ?


Ray

I recall that being Joe Vana's intent - even the Mecca site he had put together had dedicated band member sections for Bobby and Luke. For Luke it was 'Luke's Area of Thickness' I thought that was funny, but nothing seemed to materialize. As time went on their involvement seemed to be regulated to a couple of guest spots. Despite this I recall hearing Bobby say something on the Toto Network (or perhaps it was Joe quoting Bobby) to the effect ' You can't start without me', so it was coming down to timing. I think this was prior to Falling in Between recording beginning. Most surprisingly Joe was working with slightly different group of folks (though equally qualified (Pat Mastelleto))

Curious about this new record, as the last Mecca had some great songs.

This is a Toto thread so I don't want to talk Mecca....so.....as far as Toto goes I have no idea how they have done it as long as they did.....playing live isn't the issue, it's the travel and all that encompasses....they say it's a young mans game, well I gotta tell ya these guys really pushed the bar....they have 30 years in, and ANYBODY working a regular job for 30 years with the opporatunity to do what they want after a long career would jump at it...I am absolutely thrilled that ECT is as marvelous as it is....what a great album to tour with....and Luke just got off of FIB which was equally as amazing....Bobby is busy too (as always)....so it's not like they are visiting a rocking chair or anything.....

Let's all be thankful and respectful that these guys have given us the gift of music for 30 years....if something happens in the future cool, if not let's just relish in the fact they gave each and every one of us there all out there....

I am honored to call these cats friends, but I am still in awe of what they have accomplished and listen to their stuff almost everyday....

Long Live the KINGS of melodicrock....TOTO.....

JV
www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

[brandonx76]

I believe Bobby is involved in the new Mecca project with Joe Vanna. If Joe is reading this, will Mecca do any touring?

I am sad hearing all of this the end of Toto stuff going on. This band is just too good to call it quits.

I recall not too long ago, that Luke was also gonna be involved in Mecca's sophomore record, on all tracks !

I don't know if that's still on..?

Andrew ?


Ray

I recall that being Joe Vana's intent - even the Mecca site he had put together had dedicated band member sections for Bobby and Luke. For Luke it was 'Luke's Area of Thickness' I thought that was funny, but nothing seemed to materialize. As time went on their involvement seemed to be regulated to a couple of guest spots. Despite this I recall hearing Bobby say something on the Toto Network (or perhaps it was Joe quoting Bobby) to the effect ' You can't start without me', so it was coming down to timing. I think this was prior to Falling in Between recording beginning. Most surprisingly Joe was working with slightly different group of folks (though equally qualified (Pat Mastelleto))

Curious about this new record, as the last Mecca had some great songs.

This is a Toto thread so I don't want to talk Mecca....so.....as far as Toto goes I have no idea how they have done it as long as they did.....playing live isn't the issue, it's the travel and all that encompasses....they say it's a young mans game, well I gotta tell ya these guys really pushed the bar....they have 30 years in, and ANYBODY working a regular job for 30 years with the opporatunity to do what they want after a long career would jump at it...I am absolutely thrilled that ECT is as marvelous as it is....what a great album to tour with....and Luke just got off of FIB which was equally as amazing....Bobby is busy too (as always)....so it's not like they are visiting a rocking chair or anything.....

Let's all be thankful and respectful that these guys have given us the gift of music for 30 years....if something happens in the future cool, if not let's just relish in the fact they gave each and every one of us there all out there....

I am honored to call these cats friends, but I am still in awe of what they have accomplished and listen to their stuff almost everyday....

Long Live the KINGS of melodicrock....TOTO.....

JV
www.myspace.com/meccaofmusic

Woah - Thanks for the post Joe! Absolutely true about Toto, nothing but respect and appreciation for all that they have given.

Luke especially, who is by all accounts a work-a-holic. Very interested in the upcoming tour.

When you have a minute, let us know how Mecca II is coming along, in this forum or another.

best,

- Brandon http://www.myspace.com/brandonpfn

[JohnH]

Steve said recently Mike isn't doing too good. And this I've also heard from connections in the industry. Pray for Mike...this is really sad. I haven't heard it's a terminal condition, just that he isn't doing great. If you have a back or neck problem, or you are suffering from chronic pain, your life isn't endanger, its just a living hell.


John

[weatherman90]

Steve said recently Mike isn't doing too good. And this I've also heard from connections in the industry. Pray for Mike...this is really sad. I haven't heard it's a terminal condition, just that he isn't doing great. If you have a back or neck problem, or you are suffering from chronic pain, your life isn't endanger, its just a living hell.


John

That's sad to hear - I hope he gets better!

[DracIsBack]

Unfortunately Bobby and Joe never seemed to be able to make a name for themselves outside of the band (I know they both have solo albums but have you ever seen one in the flesh?

Joe does a lot of scoring work for film and television now.