Mr. Lukather Comments...

[Andrew]

None of my business Joe, but I will give my humble opinion. Many times when you post you sound condescending. "Enough of that" to me says " I'm in charge here and I've heard enough". When you say stuff like "I'm friends with all involved", it sounds like name dropping.

Disgree completely. There's a shock, eh?

[Joe Vana]

THough not sure it's fair to suggest Luke isn't a 'real singer'.

I always like Luke's voice on the first 7 (and last few) Toto albums. I also like the way he's gotten a bit more raspy and a deepened tone with age. He's a perfectly fine singer, and the songs he did on Toto records were always very well suited for him. But he's also a bit one-dimensional as a vocalist (as is Paich, which is why the rotating singers concept worked so well for the band). Kingdom Of Desire, especially...he has some good vocal moments but other tunes he just sort of shouts his way through, where a full-time singer might've taken a bit more nuanced approach. There's singers (say, Peter Gabriel or Steve Perry) who I could listen to for hours straight, and guys like Luke, who have their sweet spot musically, but I tire a bit on a full album. The music & guitar playing is more important to me, but I do miss the multiple singers.

Well....Walrus....with ALL respect....Luke IS a REAL singer....he is FAR from a one dimensional singer....and "full time singer"????? huh???....what????....the guy does over 100 live shows a year....sings a TON....and is a Pro's Pro....the guy has sung hits as ballads, and rockers....so there goes the one dimensional theory....If you want to talk technique, lets....I am well versed....but as far as being one dimensional, or not a "full time" singer....well...enough of that....

I will say this....I am friends with all involved, so I will be a bit vague.....BUT....I see a lot of shit slung on here....with obvious bias....I work/write with TD, just did a full album with him that was received very well, I have worked and sung alongside Luke, Bobby and the gang.....and the misrepresentation of things on here is amazing....it sounds alot like guys who have taken sides, have an axe to grind...the LAST thing BK or LUKE wants is a shit storm on here about 4 year old shit, or people's agenda getting mixed up with facts....with that being said anybody can post whatever they want.....BUT....how about rational debate about things.....since we are discussing a band which has pedigree like none other on heret....these guys are the "players players"...simple....name your band on here that has had a better pedigree of musicianship and I will pay the next bill...I guess I ask this selfishly because I would love to be active in this forum, but a shit storm always ensues....maybe I am asking for too much...who knows....

Have a great day.....JV

None of my business Joe, but I will give my humble opinion. Many times when you post you sound condescending. "Enough of that" to me says " I'm in charge here and I've heard enough". When you say stuff like "I'm friends with all involved", it sounds like name dropping. I've personally seen you blast Bobby on here, so to say anything to people on here commenting seems kind of one sided to me. "anybody can post whatever they want". Sounds like you're moderating the forum now and they need YOUR permission to post. "I would love to be active in this forum, but a shit storm always ensues". I've read more times than I can count where you've elude to "knowing stuff", then keep the info to yourself. Either post the info, or don't, but don't tease people with it. You come across like you can post YOUR opinions, but everyone else has to mind their own business. You have to make a choice... you can't have it both ways. You either post what you know, or keep it to yourself out of respect for the artists.

You are very talented, and I don't think anyone here would disagree with that. Part of posting in forums though is that you have to accept criticism . Whether it's about your music, or friends of yours. People are entitled to their opinions, and this IS a forum. You have to respect their opinions if you want them to respect yours. Again... just my humble opinion. And again... I do hope you're feeling better.

Hey Jim....hope all is well....you know me...personally....I hope you take what I said as I do know a lot of the back story to some of the stuff said on here and that a portion is completely not true...that's all....I am sorry if I came across as a know it all....not my intent....

And...starting to feel better!!! Thanks for asking!!

JV

[G.I.Jim]

None of my business Joe, but I will give my humble opinion. Many times when you post you sound condescending. "Enough of that" to me says " I'm in charge here and I've heard enough". When you say stuff like "I'm friends with all involved", it sounds like name dropping.

Disgree completely. There's a shock, eh?

I'm surprised Andrew! I could say my name is Jim and you'd disagree, but that's okay. I think I'd be shocked if you didn't disagree!

[G.I.Jim]

THough not sure it's fair to suggest Luke isn't a 'real singer'.

I always like Luke's voice on the first 7 (and last few) Toto albums. I also like the way he's gotten a bit more raspy and a deepened tone with age. He's a perfectly fine singer, and the songs he did on Toto records were always very well suited for him. But he's also a bit one-dimensional as a vocalist (as is Paich, which is why the rotating singers concept worked so well for the band). Kingdom Of Desire, especially...he has some good vocal moments but other tunes he just sort of shouts his way through, where a full-time singer might've taken a bit more nuanced approach. There's singers (say, Peter Gabriel or Steve Perry) who I could listen to for hours straight, and guys like Luke, who have their sweet spot musically, but I tire a bit on a full album. The music & guitar playing is more important to me, but I do miss the multiple singers.

Well....Walrus....with ALL respect....Luke IS a REAL singer....he is FAR from a one dimensional singer....and "full time singer"????? huh???....what????....the guy does over 100 live shows a year....sings a TON....and is a Pro's Pro....the guy has sung hits as ballads, and rockers....so there goes the one dimensional theory....If you want to talk technique, lets....I am well versed....but as far as being one dimensional, or not a "full time" singer....well...enough of that....

I will say this....I am friends with all involved, so I will be a bit vague.....BUT....I see a lot of shit slung on here....with obvious bias....I work/write with TD, just did a full album with him that was received very well, I have worked and sung alongside Luke, Bobby and the gang.....and the misrepresentation of things on here is amazing....it sounds alot like guys who have taken sides, have an axe to grind...the LAST thing BK or LUKE wants is a shit storm on here about 4 year old shit, or people's agenda getting mixed up with facts....with that being said anybody can post whatever they want.....BUT....how about rational debate about things.....since we are discussing a band which has pedigree like none other on heret....these guys are the "players players"...simple....name your band on here that has had a better pedigree of musicianship and I will pay the next bill...I guess I ask this selfishly because I would love to be active in this forum, but a shit storm always ensues....maybe I am asking for too much...who knows....

Have a great day.....JV

None of my business Joe, but I will give my humble opinion. Many times when you post you sound condescending. "Enough of that" to me says " I'm in charge here and I've heard enough". When you say stuff like "I'm friends with all involved", it sounds like name dropping. I've personally seen you blast Bobby on here, so to say anything to people on here commenting seems kind of one sided to me. "anybody can post whatever they want". Sounds like you're moderating the forum now and they need YOUR permission to post. "I would love to be active in this forum, but a shit storm always ensues". I've read more times than I can count where you've elude to "knowing stuff", then keep the info to yourself. Either post the info, or don't, but don't tease people with it. You come across like you can post YOUR opinions, but everyone else has to mind their own business. You have to make a choice... you can't have it both ways. You either post what you know, or keep it to yourself out of respect for the artists.

You are very talented, and I don't think anyone here would disagree with that. Part of posting in forums though is that you have to accept criticism . Whether it's about your music, or friends of yours. People are entitled to their opinions, and this IS a forum. You have to respect their opinions if you want them to respect yours. Again... just my humble opinion. And again... I do hope you're feeling better.

Hey Jim....hope all is well....you know me...personally....I hope you take what I said as I do know a lot of the back story to some of the stuff said on here and that a portion is completely not true...that's all....I am sorry if I came across as a know it all....not my intent....

And...starting to feel better!!! Thanks for asking!!

JV

Hey Joe, I do know that you know these guys and have worked with them. That's awesome, and I can't imagine how cool that would be. And like I said... you are very talented in your own right! I don't think you try to come across the way you do sometimes. I'm just going to blame it on you being a damn yankee. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. Now get your ass back to work and record new material!

[The_Noble_Cause]

I think even Luke has admitted that singing is a pain in the ass and while he does it, he's a guitarist first and foremost.

[Joe Vana]

I think even Luke has admitted that singing is a pain in the ass and while he does it, he's a guitarist first and foremost.

I would also say professionally I look at Luke as a guitarist first, singer second.....BUT close behind is amazing writer/producer....

Personally, he is as wonderful of a human being as I have ever met in this crazy music business, I have been blessed to work with and meet all of my idols besides one (Warren Wiebe) and he truly is a one of a kind....I won't get into all the wonderful things he has done for me, and my son...but he is a fierce friend, and really does care what the fans think....and let me tell you, that is more rare than anybody can imagine....does he know what is said on here and other boards....sure....but he is VERY secure in that he always puts his best foot forward and always does his best to give the fans what they want, no matter what the sacrifice.....and trust me, he wants nothing more than for Bobby and all the members of the Toto family, and extended family to be happy and successful...

So in the end does it bother me personally when I read stuff about SL and BK that I know is untrue....sure....but in the end they will both have a Legacy of amazing music to leave us with....what more could we ever ask for as fans????

Have a Great day in TotoLand!!

JV

[Marzdog]

...I have been blessed to work with and meet all of my idols besides one (Warren Wiebe)...

WOW! Name from the past, Warren Wiebe. I did have the pleasure to meet him as he used to sing "America The Beautiful" in place of the "Star Spangled Banner" for years before Los Angeles Kings games.

He had such a beautiful voice and was a true, gentle giant! Hard to believe he has been gone for 14 years...

[Joe Vana]

...I have been blessed to work with and meet all of my idols besides one (Warren Wiebe)...

WOW! Name from the past, Warren Wiebe. I did have the pleasure to meet him as he used to sing "America The Beautiful" in place of the "Star Spangled Banner" for years before Los Angeles Kings games.

He had such a beautiful voice and was a true, gentle giant! Hard to believe he has been gone for 14 years...

Amen Brother....

[Andrew]

+1 for Luke being one of the great guys in this shitty business.

[Sundet]

This should be fun:

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/01 ... sary-tour/

[DracIsBack]

This should be fun:

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/01 ... sary-tour/

LOL - yeah. As long as he doesn't do this: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QU ... %2C7131504

... I say, let him do it.

[The_Noble_Cause]

This should be fun:

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/01 ... sary-tour/

Bobby is clearly full of shit saying his fly-by-night hired hands are better than TOTO. Depending what part of the country he's in, he's got different players surrounding him. He even played with Arnel Pineda's (Journey) old band, Zoo, when he was in the Philippines. That said, Tommy Denander, is an immensely talented player. Him and Bobby have chemistry.

[The_Noble_Cause]

This should be fun:

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/01 ... sary-tour/

Bobby is clearly full of shit saying his fly-by-night hired hands are better than TOTO. Depending what part of the country he's in, he's got different players surrounding him. He even played with Arnel Pineda's (Journey) old band, Zoo, when he was in the Philippines. That said, Tommy Denander, is an immensely talented player. Him and Bobby have chemistry.

[WalrusOct9]

Hoooooooooo boy.

I wonder who's in his band. I can't find the FB post the article seemingly links to.

Not that it matters since I'm in the States, but I'd probably go to a Kimball/Tommy Denander show since it'd probably be a reasonably cheap ticket in a nice, intimate venue, but I'd want to hear something new rather than Bobby run through Toto hits he didn't originally sing on. Bobby's a good dude and a one-of-a-kind voice, it kinda bums me out that he has to do this stuff to keep working.

[TotoStu]

Deleted

[WalrusOct9]

Bobby is clearly full of shit saying his fly-by-night hired hands are better than TOTO.

Well, in any case they have to be better than YOSO. I've actually told Bobby that I think Elements is shit. He was cool with it though. From what I can gather the other guys in that band were kinda jerks... Bobby didn't outright say that of course (he's not that kind of cat) but reading between the lines of what he DID say... seeds were sown.

I actually liked Elements, but I've heard several other records Billy Sherwood was involved in and kind of knew what to expect, so maybe that helped. I thought it was better than the Kimball/Jamison record since at least it was original material.

[DracIsBack]

Well, in any case they have to be better than YOSO. I've actually told Bobby that I think Elements is shit. He was cool with it though.

Heh - after the crap that guy heard from music critics, it's probably water off the duck's back.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Bobby is clearly full of shit saying his fly-by-night hired hands are better than TOTO.

Well, in any case they have to be better than YOSO. I've actually told Bobby that I think Elements is shit. He was cool with it though. From what I can gather the other guys in that band were kinda jerks... Bobby didn't outright say that of course (he's not that kind of cat) but reading between the lines of what he DID say... seeds were sown.

I know YOSO had some touring/PR difficulties. A few stateside dates, that I am aware of, were cancelled due to low ticket sales. Coasting on the names "Yes" and "Toto" was simply not enough to fill seats. Even the real "Toto" had problems the last time they toured the US. I remember Bobby saying that he and Billy had enough material for another YOSO album. But who would buy it and who would care?

[WalrusOct9]

It's hard to coast on "Yes" and "Toto" when your connections to those bands are dubious. I think Sherwood is a tremendously talented musician and producer, but not exactly a significant member of Yes.

Yes and Toto are interesting anomalies in that I think much of their fan base cares as much about the presence of the instrumentalists than the singers.

[The_Noble_Cause]

It's hard to coast on "Yes" and "Toto" when your connections to those bands are dubious. I think Sherwood is a tremendously talented musician and producer, but not exactly a significant member of Yes.

Yes and Toto are interesting anomalies in that I think much of their fan base cares as much about the presence of the instrumentalists than the singers.

I believe the original YOSO lineup had 3 members (including Sherwood) who had played/toured with YES. Three Yes-men plus Bobby just barely made them legit (ok, not really). But by the time they started touring it was just Sherwood and Kaye from Yes.

[WalrusOct9]

I believe the original YOSO lineup had 3 members (including Sherwood) who had played/toured with YES. Three Yes-men plus Bobby just barely made them legit (ok, not really). But by the time they started touring it was just Sherwood and Kaye from Yes.

Jimmy Haun played on Yes' Union album as a session guy. But so did approximately 300 other musicians. Tony Kaye was a 'legit' Yes member, but hardly a driving force on the few albums he did appear on. Doesn't really matter now, since they're not a band anymore. But I've heard many worse albums than Elements, FWIW.

[Sundet]

YOSO was Billy Sherwood's baby and attempt to cash in I think. Holding the names Yes and Toto high was one thing; the attempt to gain momentum by portraying the band as being huge in Mexico or wherever was even worse. The overdubbed audience on their live DVD/recording was just embarrassing. If you're going to fake it, try at least to do it in a somewhat credible way and leave the samples of some 50,000 people alone.

[PMA]

I never understood YOSO trying to blend two completely different genres into one project. When trying to cover Toto, Jimmy Haun just could not pull off anything Lukather played. I was happy to see them fail.

[WalrusOct9]

I never understood YOSO trying to blend two completely different genres into one project.

I didn't care for their 'covers' either the one time I heard them, but the original material was decent enough. I don't see Toto and Rabin-era Yes as being all that different, genre-wise. Intelligent pop-rock with virtuoso musicianship and some prog-rock flourishes. Different sounds, but same roots and influences.

[PMA]

I never understood YOSO trying to blend two completely different genres into one project.

I didn't care for their 'covers' either the one time I heard them, but the original material was decent enough. I don't see Toto and Rabin-era Yes as being all that different, genre-wise. Intelligent pop-rock with virtuoso musicianship and some prog-rock flourishes. Different sounds, but same roots and influences.

I agree that Rabin era Yes is closer to Toto than not but didn't YOSO also try to cover older era Yes?