Work is about to begin on new album...

[TotoStu]

So says Steve Lukather on FaceBook

In South America with Ringo and the Allstarrs. Come out and see me and the guys. Its a ton of fun.

Also cant wait to get home and start writing with all the guys for the NEW Toto studio record!
There are already some killers brewing... Yes its gonna happen!
Hope everyone is having a great day.
Love Luke

Very exciting news! I'm thinking having it out in 2014 is a bit optimistic though, especially if they do that big UK tour they promised.
Still, happy that this is happening.

[Sundet]

Paich posted on his Facebook yesterday that he was writing for the record at home, so this thing is really getting off the ground. I do believe they noodled with a few things during soundchecks in Europe this summer, so there are some interesting things in the pipeline. The 'Toto'-written parts of Joseph Williams' last solo record were great, so I hope they continue down that line.

[WalrusOct9]

The 'Toto'-written parts of Joseph Williams' last solo record were great, so I hope they continue down that line.

Which record and which parts? I have the one album with Joseph's version of "Goin' Home" on it, but the others I've heard seemed to be mostly sappy ballads (and covers, at that).

[Sundet]

"This Fall" from 2008, featuring a firey title track written by Lukather and Williams, a song by Steve Porcaro and Williams as well as this gem by Paich, Williams and I think Kimball: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhCrknUf7EA (and featuring Paich on lead vocals)

[The_Noble_Cause]

Always thought Paich/Williams had great chemistry. Can't wait. The Williams-era always felt strangely unfinished. Two great album and then...nothing. Would a Fergie/Bobby guest vocal appearance be too much to ask?

[TotoStu]

Would a Bobby guest vocal appearance be too much to ask?

Don't think it will happen my friend. If anything, Bobby wouldn't be able to find the time I don't think. That cat has a LOT going on with touring around the world and stuff.

Maybe if Toto do ANOTHER album after this one - something could probably be arranged - but right now I very much doubt it.

Mind you, you never know - they may surprise us. I know him and Mr Lukather have had issues in the past but neither of them are the kind of guy who would hold a grudge. They're just both far too nice!

[The_Noble_Cause]

LMAO at Bobby being too busy. He would drop anything to get another TOTO song under his belt, which he can then tour using one of his "shit karaoke bands". Those are Luke's words, not mind. And for the most part, he is 100% accurate. LOL. It is a shame that Fergie passed this year. At least him and the band were cool at the end. I think Bobby has a unique voice. His phraseology and singing diction is steeped in Ray Charles, Arethra Franklin...Like Perry, the guy is a scholar of soul music and it shows.

[TotoStu]

LMAO at Bobby being too busy. He would drop anything to get another TOTO song under his belt, which he can then tour using one of his "shit karaoke bands". Those are Luke's words, not mind. And for the most part, he is 100% accurate.

I think that was a case of bad luck more than anything. "The Bobby Kimball Band" are really good and that age of so called "shit karaoke" is gone. It was a an unfortunate but brief moment in time that happened many years ago. Plus, from what I can gather the set now only contains "Hold The Line", "Roseanna" and "Africa" and MAYBE a couple of others - but it's not a glorified Toto tribute act.

If you don't believe me about how busy Bobby is check out the "tourdates" bit of his website. He has plenty to keep him busy!

The thing is - as excited as I am about what they are currently doing with Williams and have EVERY intention of seeing them live, getting the new stuff, etc etc - I would still LOVE to hear Kimball sing the old classic Toto tunes.

It's a shame it's a cause for consternation between the two parties because I feel that I as a fan get the best of both worlds. I can see a kickass Toto gig and a kickass Kimball gig!

But still, I understand both points of view and it would be nice if the guys could come to some sort of agreement over it. However it's between them - and I won't comment on the issue any further.

LOL. It is a shame that Fergie passed this year. At least him and the band were cool at the end.

Oh it is tragic. Absolutely tragic. Fergie was an amazingly talented guy and Isolation is a great album.

I think Bobby has a unique voice. His phraseology and singing diction is steeped in Ray Charles, Arethra Franklin...Like Perry, the guy is a scholar of soul music and it shows.

Totally. Ray Charles is his hero. The combination of that kind of voice and a rock based tune is something unique and difficult to pull off but BOY did those guys nail it.

[DracIsBack]

It's a shame that 30th anniversary tour idea with Kimball, Williams and Frederiksen never came to fruition. I remember it being discussed during the Falling In Between tour, after Joe and Fergie made guest spots on that tour. Feel so fortunate to have seen the one Fergie was at. RIP

[The_Noble_Cause]

"The Bobby Kimball Band" are really good and that age of so called "shit karaoke" is gone.

Sure, when Bobby tours with Tommy D. in Europe it is ok. But depending on what continent he is in, Bobby employs an array of session musicians. Some very competent, others veering on unprofessional. He has even toured with Arnel Pineda's ex-band, Zoo.
But I agree, Bobby is the man! Like Lou Gramm, he is a massively underrated singer.

[TotoStu]

Like Lou Gramm, he is a massively underrated singer.

Foreigner ROCK. 4 is a badass album.