20/

Steve Lukather's Interview - September 2005

The members of 'totoweb.org' and 'josephwilliams.org' websites are very proud to talk with you. We consider you as the best guitarist of the world. We go to center this interview on the Toto's new album "Falling in between", your solo tour, your futurs projects and some words about Joseph Williams.

Question 1 : You have just annonced the title of the toto's new album "Falling in between". It is finished? Can you speak about it more precisely? How do you feel after this different sessions of recording?

Well, we are still working on it. Its kind of down to the crunch now. I was hoping to have it done by now but good things take time and we wanted to get it sounding the best it can be. Its been alot of fun and we have really risen to the occasion. I think sit our best but then again It's up to you guys in the end. Just know we have put our hearts and soul into this one and I think theres something for everyone on this record. Cant wait to play some of this stuff live!

Question 2 : Concerning the new album, you said the band has very interesting offers from several records companies. What's new about this? Do you think the band will have the same promotional support from the medias as for the Mindfields Tour for example?

I am expecting ALOT more promo this time. ALOT!

Question 3 : How do you feel the 'half-separation' from David Paich and the Greg Phillinganes newcomer? Does he have brought his personal touch?

No, Dave is still on the team he just cant tour anymore for many different reasons. I mean this new record is more Toto than ever. Greg has been an awesome addition, fresh blood, new ideas and a monster player and singer. The vocals are KILLER on this record and wait till you dig everything else.

Question 4 : 13 years ago, Simon Philips join you, can you talk about 'The Mister'?

You mean the MRS. dont you ? hahaha Simon has been a Godsend. He is our resident "tech guy" and an A type personality which means he likes to get stuff DONE and kicks us all in the ass.
Oh yeah, Badd ASS drummer too. hahahaha

Question 5 : How did the formation of your 'new' group 'Lukather's El Grupo' has spent? Who are Steve Weingart, Joey Heredia et Oskar Cartaya, the musicians who accompany you on the scéne this summer? How do you live after 'Los Lobotomys' and what exactly happened?

Well, Joey Herdia and I have been friends for 20 some odd years. i wanted to do something different with new awesome musicians and Joey put the band together. I am VERY VERY happy with this band 100 times better than Lobotomy's.
Garfield and Pena ruined it so we will never EVER work together, for that matter, speak to each other again. I hope it was worth it to them to lose Simon and I as friends for a lousy few thousand dollars.
He lies and uses people. Not my kind of people!

Question 6 : With many projects until the end of the year as your solo tour, "Falling in between" released and the international tour planned on the beginning on the next year, do you find the time to go on vacation? Where do you find strengh in your life to get on with it? Will you first tour Europe or Japan?

I have another house in lake La Quinta, east of Palm Springs Calif. and I have not been out there since May. I want to spend a little time out there chillin after the Toto record is done and El Grupo hits the road again!

Question 7 : As far as Joseph Williams is concerned, can you give your felling about him? After several years, what do you think about the 'Fahrenheit' and 'The Seventh One' albums? Have you any anecdote? Do you knows his solo albums and especially the last one 'Vertigo'? How happened the recording sessions to your duet with Joe?

I look back VERY fondly at both of the "Joe" records. They are amongst our finest. We ALL went thru alot of shit back then but its all good now and we are all happy doin what we are doin. Joe is an awesome musician and singer. We are very honored he said yes to joining us on a track for this new record. It will be classic Joe-Toto. Great tune. We are cuting it next WED (09/14/05) I believe.

Question 8 : When "TOTO XX" was released in 1998, the band played a few promotional shows with Joseph,Bobby and Steve P,and then, Bobby joined the band again;did the other members of TOTO also think to ask Joseph at the same time?

Well, hard to say. It was so powerful with Bobby, and as he was the ORIGINAL singer for the band when we heard him sing all the classics it just was obvious we had to have him back! I think even Joe felt that BUT I love Joe and like I said, ya never know what could happen. Maybe someday we will bring him out with us again , he AND Bobby. That would be a trip! Maybe the 30th anniversary with Steve P. as well. That would be fun!

Question 9 : You work from time to time with 'blues' or 'jazz' artists, as Herbie Hancock, Lee Ritenour, Edgar Winter or Larry Carlton... Is a way out to play another kind of music?

I LOVE jazz, jazz fusion and improvisation with the best of the best. It makes it easy to come back to Toto music after. Everytime O do something like this I learn SOoo much and I have SO much fun. Its not about the money it about the love of playing the guitar and growing as a player. I couldnt imagine NOT doing it in my spare time.

Question 10 : What do you think about Internet in general? Have you the time to surf the net? What kind of website do you enjoy? Do you know some Toto's fans websites?

When I have time I check into my website, the Toto99 site and various others but i have been so busy its hard to do . Besides I get like 100 e mails everyday so I have to deal with that as alot os business. I appreciate and love all the fans out there ALOT! Thanks for the love and back at ya 1000 times!!!

Question 11 : What do you think of music downloadings via Internet and illegal copies?

Ya know.. I can go either way. I think records as we used to know it are gone as are the huge record co's. If someone gets to like our band thru free downloading GREAT! Perhaps they will come dig a show or listen to all our records etc.. It IS a drag to get ripped off but the music biz is changing and we must change with it. Download away if you like the music!

Question 12 : To you, Who are the musicians who form the 'Dream Team' of californian music?

Hard to say as I work with all of them from time to time. I am in my dream bands!

All the team of 'Totoweb.org' and 'Josephwilliams.org' thank you very much for this exclusive interview ! We wish you a 'long road' with "Falling in Between" and we arrange to meet you in France from Febuary 2006 !
God bless you !

Thanks alot. Hope to see you out there. We will touring ALOT over the next few years and no doubt will come see y'all soon

LUKE

Thanks to Claire and Chou for the translation