Not a single peep from the interviewer, and that’s how you get the story clearly. No disturbance or interruptions, complete flow and allowing the memory to evolve into speech. Steve and Toto are amazing!
Oh my gosh, I was thinking that all throughout this! So many interviews are ruined when the interviewer doesn’t let the person just talk and cuts in all the time. This guy could keep his mouth shut and just nod his head at what Lukather was saying. Excellent!
The musicians of Toto need to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just for their contributions outside of that band alone. Simply unbelievable everything they have collectively touched in music
"yeah, I was 23, worked with Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, Played guitar on one of the most popular albums of all time, got nominated or a Grammy...that was pretty cool." Pay attention, this is how you handle success - with humility.
Jum Broni and Fred Garfunkel’s - are you for real?? Luke is a bona fide legend. The man lived it. Monstrously talented, hugely personable and funny as hell. But hey - he’s not as cool as you guys
My best friend (who was a drummer) idolized Jeff and Luke. Jeff was his drum idol and Luke obviously was mine as a guitar player. Our love for Toto and all the work Jeff/Luke did was something that made us close, always. He was killed in a car accident when I was on tour. Through a very special mutual friend, I got into contact with Luke. I asked if I could send him a picture of my now deceased friend and him from a house party in LA in 2008 and if he could sign it and send it back to me for the funeral. He was on tour at the time and he said yes. The day before the funeral, I received in the mail a poster sized print of this picture with “Give my love to Jeff and the fam. Hope to see you up there xoxo Luke” signed on the top. Steve then sent me a long email about how he handled Jeff’s death and that became the eulogy I read at my best friend’s funeral. It also was a guide for me in the horrendous aftermath of it all. Dude is my absolute hero as a man and a musician. I’m posting this comment so people know: Luke really is the fucking man. I will forever be grateful for what a complete stranger did for another. Now, go listen to their work. It’ll change your musical life.
I heard a great story about Eddie and the Beat it solo. He was at a record shop around the time the song came out and the song was playing in the store. Two kids said “ man that guys trying to play like Eddie Van Halen” and eddie politely tapped the kids shoulders and said “no that is me” I could only imagine what those kids thought to turn around and it’s this larger than life guitar player talking to you!!
@@mobaby1979 You're lame. It was a good story, totally harmless. Internet lore. But there always seems to be a vigilante commentator... commenting for truth, justice and killer of the buz
@@queenhenryviii I wouldn't assume mr. Bootlicker is correct without proof. These people that like to piss on people's good times haven't been known to be truthful.
I already wrote it somewhere else: I really need a Netflix show where all these Rock veterans tell their stories from the past. I could listen to them eternally. 🥰🤘🎸
For something similar, watch interviews with members of the wrecking crew and the LA studio musicians from the 60s and 70s. Simply amazing, just like this interview.
@Captain-Palsy thank you for your kind words & support for the channel, my dad Joe would have really appreciated it. He always hoped these interviews would come across exactly as you wrote, just letting the conversation flow, with those he felt blessed to call friends. If you haven’t visited the museum, I hope you can visit us at sometime. All the best, Britt
This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched!!! Why?? You let the man tell his story! Very professional and full of musical history. Thank you!!
Yes, this is true. It's so great to hear these guys just remember things as they come to mind. And you know he's probably leaving out details because there are just too many.
Came across Joes work by accident and have been watching his work with Steve and others, his Vince Gill interviews are fantastic. Definitely going to visit the museum next time I’m in Nashville visiting the Station Inn.
Well, he's a monster, of course, but I'm not sure anybody who was a first call player for a couple of decades can be described as "underrated." I guess outside the business maybe....
Steve Lukather is a class act - always humble and respectful. Truly one of the greatest masterminds on the guitar we will see in our lifetime. Unfortunately, he always has been underrated and not giving the full amount of appreciation he deserves. Without question a true rock n roll hall of Famer.
Thanks Smith for sharing your thoughts.... I agree with you... Steve and TOTO in my opinion deserve to be recognized by any music institution.. We inducted them in 2009. Best, Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum - Whether one likes the music or not is irrelevant. There's no denying the talent and success of Toto, and they should have been in the RRHoF years ago. Then again, this is the same bunch who refused to induct YES until over a year after founding member Chris Squire died from cancer. Meanwhile, that icon of hard rock, Chaka Khan, has been in for years. PFFFFFFFT. I have ZERO respect for those fools.
"Underrated." There's that overused word again. No, he's most certainly not underrated. I'll grant that he may be underappreciated, as are most studio musicians, and other creative behind-the-scenes people. That's because he's not well known by the general public. But that's not at all the same as being underappreciated.
Wow. That's a fella that knows how to do a great interview. He asked a legit question and then let Luke speak. We need more of guys like this on RUclips
I met Steve Lukather and Steve Porcaro and the other member of Toto at a backstage meeting. They were the most humble, friendly and funny musicians I have ever met. Lukather was so cool and humble.
Met him about three years ago. He is so down to earth a genuine person. Loves and appreciates his fans. I was nervous to talk to him but left feeling like I had talked to a friend I had known for years.
Same, saw him on one of his solo tours and found out he was staying in the same hotel. Got to have a quick chat with him as he was leaving and couldn't have been nicer. Asked if he was ok if I got a pic with him and he said "Sure Man," took his sunglasses and jacket off, put his arm around me and gave a big smile when his tour manager took the pic. Total gent and a total pro
I love how so many artists have that time with their first Michael Jackson telephone call... cracks me up every time because we all know we'd have done the same, and felt just as damned stupid.
he called into the recording studio i was working in- Chung King in NYC- asking for Wyclef from the Fugees- and i immediately said' uh, sure ok- please hold' and started giggling with my co-workers about how 'there is NO WAY that is Michael Jackson!' It was :)
Any true guitar player understands the contributions to music that Steve Lukather has made throughout his career. He's not JUST a guitar player, he is overall a major talent as a writer, player, etc. Let's all give him the credit he deserves.
@@barrysmith916 And half of the stuff he did was his own Improvised parts... They'd toss him charts in the studio and he'd be like... Wow, that's interesting, how bout this? And it would be Fn Brilliant... He's a hero of anybody who knows anything about the record bus... He's got NDAs he's signed where he can't even take credit for his work on some tracks
I want to seriously spend a day hanging with Steve Lukather. I don’t want to say a single word. I just want to listen to him talk. Watch him with a guitar in his hand. Share a pizza and a few beers. See his creative process from inception to the final cut. The man has a brilliant understanding of music, as complete a command of the guitar as I’ve ever seen. And the guy is just the coolest cat you could ever want to meet. No ego, whatsoever. Some guys, talking about hanging with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney…their ego would be at 10. Steve’s just recalling those moments, and he’s as awed as we are to listen. The guys of Toto are some of the most in demand studio musicians of the last quarter century. Paich, the Porcaros, Luke…put together a list of the biggest albums on popular music from about 1975 on. And their fingerprints are all over it. While Jeff and Mike are no longer with us, their spirit is still here. Just put me on a stool for one rehearsal, or one recording session. I just want to hear these guys jam, let that Toto goodness wash over me.
One of the best parts of this interview... when Lukather just off-the-cuff sings some of the Beat It guitar riffs... they’re in exactly the right key... off the top of his head. That’s actually pretty amazing
It’s called having perfect pitch. But if you have played or listened to a song for a very long time, you can do it too without having the perfect pitch skill, just off of repetition and memory.
Lukather also played the iconic muted rhythm guitar part on "Just Once", where David Foster played piano, Abraham Laboriel on bass, Patti Austin on backing vocals
Jaco in the studio: "Get me a guitar and i'll track it, It's just a simple chord progression, I don't have to be Steve Lukather or anything". I could really see this going both ways.
He came up on stage with our little cover band in SoCal in 1992 or so and played a couple of tunes with us. What talent, and what a humble guy. To say we were honored was an understatement. Glad he is still around and playing!
Quincy was a genius at so many aspects of music. It's interesting to hear Steve say one of his strengths was bringing together interesting lineups of musicians. It's also cool to hear Quincy was generous with credits when people came up with key parts.
videos like this are why RUclips was invented. I don't know if most people are aware of how many hit records this guy has played on. Possibly one of the most brilliant "musical" guitarists on the planet. I could listen to him tell music industry stories all day long.
Steve Lukather is a great Guitarist. Toto And him have been underestimated in the Music seen for a long time. But they are great and it's a shame they don't get the appreciation they deserve.
He's absolutely NOT underrated. He's only thought of that by amateur guitarists. To everyone else in the industry, he's on the shortlist of session greats, and he's there because he knows his place in the song, and knows restraint and taste. It would never be "Steve Lukather featuring Michael Jackson", it's "Michael Jackson", with Steve Lukather in the fine print. That's how you become a first call session guy. He's highly regarded by the people that matter.
One of my good friends looked up to Steve for inspiration. He waited at the end of a toto concert for 2hrs and was told Steve has gone mate, no point hanging around but he persisted untill finally he was the last person there and they let him backstage. Jeff Healey had just passed away. He spent the next hour with Steve toasting Jeff Healey with a whole bottle of Jacks. Humble legend 🙌
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Steve is so humble while he's making us feel like we're sitting in he studio with him, Michael, Paul, Eddie, etc. I wish everything back then had been recorded as it happened. But, who could have seen what was coming with the "Beatle" and other artists collaboration? Thanks to the MHOF&M for posting this for us.
Man this is pretty legit. It's amazing how good you had to be at actual music back in the day. This change in music reminds me of the changes that has occurred in photography over the same period. Some of the art has been lost.
What’s really amazing is that the songs he played on are so much a part of our culture that he can just a hum a little section and we’re all like “oh, yeah, that bit.” Must’ve been a thrill. Amazing.
Go see him at The Baked Potato in N. Hollywood. He usually has time to talk for a few minutes with fans between sets. Very cool guy. No attitude problem whatsoever.
Human Nature is one of the greatest Modern Jazz/Quiet Storm songs ever recorded. Love Steve Lukathur. "I get that all the time, it's funny" LOL! R.I.P. Michael and Eddie.
Had to comment again, just gotta say what a great inside look at how normal and gracious even the most talented geniuses in the world of creative musicians really are, after all, we are all just people in the big picture.
We're fortunate Steve has such great recall. Many players that far along in their career wouldn't remember in such detail. The big parts like meeting Paul, of course, but the little tidbits add so much to the story. He seems like a pretty cool and down to earth guy that an average fan could approach.
I like how he catches himself when he's talking about being starstruck by Michael Jackson and the McCartneys and realizes his steadying pillar was the legendary Quincy Jones.
I like hearing how music was made and mixed, before the electric drum . Very interesting! Michael Jackson had a lot of talent backing him. They were all something very special
I'm a metal head but you can't ignore how the guys in Toto have contributed to some of the finest music this world has ever heard. Steve is a beast on guitar but he's more of a great musician than just a guitar player and of course the rest of the band.
@@455Transam They certainly have that rocker element as well, but they're just all around musicians. I can't think of any band like toto if I'm being honest.
One of my all-time favorite guitar parts is every second of Human Nature. Love it. I’m so glad to hear from the musician who made it happen. And how about this interviewer! He asks a question, shuts up, lets the guy talk and tell us his great stories. An amazing rarity. Thank you for this video.
Every so often I watch/listen to one of your interviews. Absolutely fabulous every time. You are smart enough to ask a good question and then you let the performer go on without interruption. Another great interview. Thanks for sharing.
Robert, my dad, Joe, passed September 28th a but I know he would have really appreciated your kind comments. Thank you for supporting the channel. You might also enjoy this interview on the Sessions Panel. ruclips.net/video/_cFjvNUIWvo/видео.html Best, Britt
Absolutely one of the best guitarists in the history of the instrument. There's a reason why he's been on hundreds of studio recordings... He's a monster
I suppose every time I'd have the chance to hear someone from Toto speak of their sessions from the late '70s early '80s I'd also cover up all of the music I grew up as a kid/teenager... now Steve's here talking about how he and Jeff made and it just sends me back in 1983 when it was my favourite song while I was playing tennis just being 15, them were the days... the smell of red clay and surrounding hedges, all the relaxing feeling about it, being 'at the heart of it' knowing it was 'my time'... Soon after 1983 many things changed for me and it was never the same again. But hey, how much does Steve still miss Jeff? I can hear it every time he mentions his name...
Every time I've listened to Steve Lukather I've been impressed with how humble he is and how he always plays down how knowledgeable and talented he is. He is undoubtedly one of the top guitarists in the world and has played with and/or been asked to play with some of the most talented and great bands in the world, such a great honor he certainly has deserves. . I love that about this man. I abhor narcissistic musicians and athletes so I hope Steve lasts in this life and this business for a good long time for each of us to enjoy his talents for years to come. With the recent loss of Eddie VanHalen, the legend He is, we've been starting to dwindle in the great musicians from the truly Golden age and it literally brings tears since I grew up in their age. Keep it going Steve. Amazing and kind humble soul. When we lose musicians like VanHalen, we lose those who wrote History that cannot he regained. Appreciate the people you love, famous or perhaps not, that love can never be brought back and that loving physical touch we can never regain until we are brought into that realm of eternity which the Lord Jesus Christ so graciously through his eternal gift and sacrifice fortunately has given to each one of us; The absolutely greatest and undoubtedly most gracious and miraculous gift to ever be bestowed upon mankind. As we approach the upcoming Holiday season, please don't forget to fall on our knees and thank the Holy Son of our God. Even CHRIST THE LORD. AMEN.
When you see and listen such a tremendous artist like Steve talking like this, you understand how unique and universal are the feelings that music is able to do in all of us. It makes me think that he realy KNOWS what I feel 'cause he can feel the same!!!
Steve is not only one of my favorite guitarists, but one of my favorite story tellers. Such a unique and special perspective, it’s like I’m thrown into a room with these musical giants. Edit: It feels under-appreciative to label Steve as just a “guitarist”. He’s more of a musical phenomenon.
I remember reading somewhere that Eddie called Lukather "The best guitar player I have ever seen." Wish I could remember where I read or watched that...
I believe the paraphrased quote was, "Pound for pound, Toto is the most talented rock band on the planet". That compliment is no small thing, considering its source. EVH had massive respect for Luke. And it was obviously mutual.
There is an old story that someone asked Eddie what is was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world and Eddie said i dont know ask Steve Lukather.
Scott Trotter Yes sir, that is right along the lines of what I remember reading/watching. I’m pretty sure it was something I watched here on YT. Not all that important, it just bugs me when I get stuck trying to remember something like that. Irregardless, Lukather is one of the best.
People do not fully realize just how talented this dude is-he was laying down licks with Eddie VanHalen when he was barely seventeen-he toured with Boz Scaggs when he was 19 helped form Toto at the same time at 22 was the top session guitarist on the West coast( first call session cat for Quincy Jones I mean come on how much more do you need to know!!??)From 1978-1984 he played on nearly everything released out of LA at that time-this dude to me is the most amazingly talented guitarist ever!!He also can sing and write music and pretty sure if he wanted to could be one of the best producers ever also!!STEVE LUKATHER !!
He is amazing. He also was a double threat Grammy winner in 1982 with Toto as well as co-writing George Benson's R&B big hit "Turn Your Love Around" which most people don't realize. Toto was basically a band full of session musicians who could actually write their own stuff as well. Very underrated band. Luke also co-wrote "Talk To You Later" that was a huge hit for The Tubes.
Another story you will lke I was at the Tribute to Jeff Porcaro concert on December 14,1992 and was blown away by the talent there(Boz Scaggs,Michael McDonald,Donald Fagen,Eddie VanHalen)and Steve was my favorite performer him and Eddie had a "jam off"at the end of the show and he smoked Eddie in my opinion.He then went into a several year funk after Jeff passed away where he didnt play and Larry Carlton sat down and helped get Steve back playing again.He also has a Christmas album called Santa Mental-what a diverse artist he is a living legend I just wish more people like us knew how talented he is-to me he is in my top 10 musical talents ever-#1-Frank Zappa/Jeff Porcaro(tie) #2-Brian Eno #3-Walter Becker #4-Donald Fagen #5-Terry Kath #6-Steve Lukather #7-
If i were in a room with Steve, i would be the star struck one.. Steve, you are such a legend yourself and for some, a lifelong hero. Thanks for all the good music and merry fucking christmas. Best regards from Denmark.
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Not a single peep from the interviewer, and that’s how you get the story clearly. No disturbance or interruptions, complete flow and allowing the memory to evolve into speech. Steve and Toto are amazing!
Oh my gosh, I was thinking that all throughout this! So many interviews are ruined when the interviewer doesn’t let the person just talk and cuts in all the time. This guy could keep his mouth shut and just nod his head at what Lukather was saying. Excellent!
What an arrogant jerk!
Literally was about to leave this exact comment.
The musicians of Toto need to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just for their contributions outside of that band alone. Simply unbelievable everything they have collectively touched in music
I have always loved Toto but nobody I know even knows who they are.
Yup.
Jeff Porcaro is a legend in the drum community.
To the General public, yes. In the music industry, no.
Toto is not in the RRHoF because Jann Wenner is an idiot.
"yeah, I was 23, worked with Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, Played guitar on one of the most popular albums of all time, got nominated or a Grammy...that was pretty cool."
Pay attention, this is how you handle success - with humility.
Joe a session player is a parasite? Umm ok
@@Riff5150 Idiot gave himself a thumbs up. Dimes to dollars says the clown gave himself a nickname!
Kev Dean which idiot? lol
JP McCray dudes worth 80 mil anyway lol
*played guitar on the best-selling album of all time (to make this comment more exciting) :D
Listening to Steve is like a history lesson! He knows everybody, he was there making history happen and the dude is honest!
Jealousy chimes in through your typing!
I actually detected some BULLSHIT from him
Jum Broni and Fred Garfunkel’s - are you for real?? Luke is a bona fide legend. The man lived it. Monstrously talented, hugely personable and funny as hell. But hey - he’s not as cool as you guys
I was really impressed with this.
Steve's work on "Because we ended as lovers" is so good!From the Crusaders album Healing the wounds.Steve Lukather is great!!
My best friend (who was a drummer) idolized Jeff and Luke. Jeff was his drum idol and Luke obviously was mine as a guitar player. Our love for Toto and all the work Jeff/Luke did was something that made us close, always.
He was killed in a car accident when I was on tour. Through a very special mutual friend, I got into contact with Luke. I asked if I could send him a picture of my now deceased friend and him from a house party in LA in 2008 and if he could sign it and send it back to me for the funeral. He was on tour at the time and he said yes. The day before the funeral, I received in the mail a poster sized print of this picture with “Give my love to Jeff and the fam. Hope to see you up there xoxo Luke” signed on the top. Steve then sent me a long email about how he handled Jeff’s death and that became the eulogy I read at my best friend’s funeral. It also was a guide for me in the horrendous aftermath of it all. Dude is my absolute hero as a man and a musician. I’m posting this comment so people know: Luke really is the fucking man. I will forever be grateful for what a complete stranger did for another.
Now, go listen to their work. It’ll change your musical life.
Collin…. Thanks for sharing your story… yes Luke is a great person and close friend of mine also…. Best,, Joe
Thanks for sharing that story. I was really touched.
💟🎶🤘🎶💟
fantastic story (sorry about your friend, though) but this is why I peruse the comments for gems like this. \m/ rock on!
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseumğ
Quincy Jones put together Michael Jackson, Steve Lukather, and Eddie Van Halen on an absolute masterpiece. The world thanks you.
Everyone thinks it’s Eddie the whole song. I wish Steve got his credit.
@@astro-blaster4190 Don't forget Paul Jackson Jr
I heard a great story about Eddie and the Beat it solo. He was at a record shop around the time the song came out and the song was playing in the store. Two kids said “ man that guys trying to play like Eddie Van Halen” and eddie politely tapped the kids shoulders and said “no that is me” I could only imagine what those kids thought to turn around and it’s this larger than life guitar player talking to you!!
Hi 88.... great story... I hope it was true for those kids... thanks for watching.....Joe
Nah that’s just a rumor. It was dispelled yrs later in a magazine.
@@mobaby1979 You're lame. It was a good story, totally harmless. Internet lore. But there always seems to be a vigilante commentator... commenting for truth, justice and killer of the buz
@@queenhenryviii thank you!!!
@@queenhenryviii
I wouldn't assume mr. Bootlicker is correct without proof. These people that like to piss on people's good times haven't been known to be truthful.
I already wrote it somewhere else: I really need a Netflix show where all these Rock veterans tell their stories from the past. I could listen to them eternally. 🥰🤘🎸
Try Tales from the Tour Bus by Mike Judge
Look into "Professor of Rock." He's got tons of interviews, including Toto members. He does great stories on famous songs and their origins.
@@Zeukemor That’s so great. I adore Judge though. 🤘🏼❤️
For something similar, watch interviews with members of the wrecking crew and the LA studio musicians from the 60s and 70s. Simply amazing, just like this interview.
Hired guns was on netflix on a while. Look for steve lukathers book. the gospel according to Luke. Lot s of great stories in there
that's how you do a musician interview! you lay back and just let them talk. good job.
marty7wizard7 thanks Marty!
I prefer your interview style sit back and let it flow.
@Captain-Palsy thank you for your kind words & support for the channel, my dad Joe would have really appreciated it. He always hoped these interviews would come across exactly as you wrote, just letting the conversation flow, with those he felt blessed to call friends.
If you haven’t visited the museum, I hope you can visit us at sometime.
All the best,
Britt
@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum sounds as though he has passed my condolences.
@Captain-Palsy September 28, 2022- He always responded to his friends here on YT so I try to do the same… Thanks again for the kind comments.
This is one of the best interviews I have ever watched!!! Why?? You let the man tell his story! Very professional and full of musical history. Thank you!!
Thanks, Steve is obviously fun to hang with and a easy interview.
Yes, this is true. It's so great to hear these guys just remember things as they come to mind. And you know he's probably leaving out details because there are just too many.
Came across Joes work by accident and have been watching his work with Steve and others, his Vince Gill interviews are fantastic.
Definitely going to visit the museum next time I’m in Nashville visiting the Station Inn.
Matt, your kind comments and support for the channel would have meant so much to my dad, Joe.
Hope you can visit the museum sometime.
Best,
Britt
Great comment very true great interviewer
For all his accomplishments, he's still a fanboy at heart. Seems like a decent guy, great musician as well
Lukather is probably one of the most underrated guitarists ever.
Top 5 easy!
He did session work with Elton John on a 1980 album and his lead guitar work is the best part of a couple of the songs
Well, he's a monster, of course, but I'm not sure anybody who was a first call player for a couple of decades can be described as "underrated." I guess outside the business maybe....
@@jonesfotodirector yes. Definitely speaking outside of the business. Speaking purely from the typical fan or Rolling Stone writer perspective
Not underrated at all. He and Terry Kath are rated.
Steve Lukather is a class act - always humble and respectful. Truly one of the greatest masterminds on the guitar we will see in our lifetime. Unfortunately, he always has been underrated and not giving the full amount of appreciation he deserves. Without question a true rock n roll hall of Famer.
Thanks Smith for sharing your thoughts.... I agree with you... Steve and TOTO in my opinion deserve to be recognized by any music institution.. We inducted them in 2009. Best, Joe
@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum - Whether one likes the music or not is irrelevant. There's no denying the talent and success of Toto, and they should have been in the RRHoF years ago. Then again, this is the same bunch who refused to induct YES until over a year after founding member Chris Squire died from cancer. Meanwhile, that icon of hard rock, Chaka Khan, has been in for years. PFFFFFFFT. I have ZERO respect for those fools.
Yup.
"Underrated." There's that overused word again. No, he's most certainly not underrated. I'll grant that he may be underappreciated, as are most studio musicians, and other creative behind-the-scenes people. That's because he's not well known by the general public. But that's not at all the same as being underappreciated.
Props for Quincy Jones who gave him arrangement credits for the thriller album, he won a Grammy because of that
You know if there was a film bio, Robert Downey Jr could play Steve 😁
@@magalimagalivanheukelemvan4189 Could he let his ego get out the way?
MJ got no credits tho ?
Wow. That's a fella that knows how to do a great interview. He asked a legit question and then let Luke speak. We need more of guys like this on RUclips
I met Steve Lukather and Steve Porcaro and the other member of Toto at a backstage meeting. They were the most humble, friendly and funny musicians I have ever met. Lukather was so cool and humble.
"Steve Lukather and Steve Porcaro and the other member of Toto" - Lol.
This is an example of great interviewing. Sometimes you just need to be a good listener.
Thanks for watching boyeeee… I appreciate it… Joe
Met him about three years ago. He is so down to earth a genuine person. Loves and appreciates his fans. I was nervous to talk to him but left feeling like I had talked to a friend I had known for years.
Same, saw him on one of his solo tours and found out he was staying in the same hotel. Got to have a quick chat with him as he was leaving and couldn't have been nicer. Asked if he was ok if I got a pic with him and he said "Sure Man," took his sunglasses and jacket off, put his arm around me and gave a big smile when his tour manager took the pic.
Total gent and a total pro
I would love to meet him one day. I know I would be so nervous
Could listen to him all day. Even the interviewer is speechless
Steve Lukather is crazy good, not only guitar playing. He has a great voice and can write epic songs, in my opinion there is no-one better.
The interviewer is a great listener and stayed engaged ,as an audience would. Good job.
Big Giant Head many thanks
absolutely agreed!!!
I love how so many artists have that time with their first Michael Jackson telephone call... cracks me up every time because we all know we'd have done the same, and felt just as damned stupid.
he called into the recording studio i was working in- Chung King in NYC- asking for Wyclef from the Fugees- and i immediately said' uh, sure ok- please hold' and started giggling with my co-workers about how 'there is NO WAY that is Michael Jackson!' It was :)
R.I.P. - Eddie Van Halen - 1955-2020
Eddie, Steve, Paul, Quincy And Michael ....Damn .... Definitely on The Mount Rushmore of Music 🎶
RIP Eddie and Michael
lukather really loves telling stories and he's good at it
marioimolina I think it’s because his stories are so awesome and interesting that there is zero need to embellish
His book "The Gospel According to Luke" is great and has many stories like this. Check it out!
I could listen all freekin day!
@@scarab944 Thx - i bought it right away!
Any true guitar player understands the contributions to music that Steve Lukather has made throughout his career. He's not JUST a guitar player, he is overall a major talent as a writer, player, etc. Let's all give him the credit he deserves.
Steve reads music, and sat down and on the fly did most of his session work perfect first time.
@@barrysmith916 And half of the stuff he did was his own Improvised parts... They'd toss him charts in the studio and he'd be like... Wow, that's interesting, how bout this? And it would be Fn Brilliant... He's a hero of anybody who knows anything about the record bus... He's got NDAs he's signed where he can't even take credit for his work on some tracks
I want to seriously spend a day hanging with Steve Lukather. I don’t want to say a single word. I just want to listen to him talk. Watch him with a guitar in his hand. Share a pizza and a few beers. See his creative process from inception to the final cut. The man has a brilliant understanding of music, as complete a command of the guitar as I’ve ever seen. And the guy is just the coolest cat you could ever want to meet. No ego, whatsoever.
Some guys, talking about hanging with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney…their ego would be at 10. Steve’s just recalling those moments, and he’s as awed as we are to listen.
The guys of Toto are some of the most in demand studio musicians of the last quarter century. Paich, the Porcaros, Luke…put together a list of the biggest albums on popular music from about 1975 on. And their fingerprints are all over it. While Jeff and Mike are no longer with us, their spirit is still here. Just put me on a stool for one rehearsal, or one recording session. I just want to hear these guys jam, let that Toto goodness wash over me.
Trully inspiring
How about those classic Steely Dan albums with Jeff Porocos too? That being said, this interview with Steve is just as impressive as his musicianship
One of the best parts of this interview... when Lukather just off-the-cuff sings some of the Beat It guitar riffs... they’re in exactly the right key... off the top of his head. That’s actually pretty amazing
Well he wrote them :)
I noticed the same exact thing. Perfect pitch.
It’s called having perfect pitch. But if you have played or listened to a song for a very long time, you can do it too without having the perfect pitch skill, just off of repetition and memory.
@@reynierlimonta8217 lol
@@reynierlimonta8217 Perfect pitch is pretty rare, though. What a majority of musicians have is relative pitch.
Lukather also played the iconic muted rhythm guitar part on "Just Once", where David Foster played piano, Abraham Laboriel on bass, Patti Austin on backing vocals
Man the talent on that record is immense
"It's just a riff tune. I don't have to be Jaco Pastorius or anything."
Luv hearing the masters and pros talk shop, talking the nuts and bolts of the Analog days. No faking, only playing.
Haha yeah I smiled at that one, great to hear him reference the late, grate Pastorius!
😂
Jaco in the studio: "Get me a guitar and i'll track it, It's just a simple chord progression, I don't have to be Steve Lukather or anything". I could really see this going both ways.
"Beat It" was never a favorite of mine; now I need to re-listen to appreciate this great tune. Thanks, Mr. Lukather.
Thanks for watching Peter...Joe
Steve Lukather is a phenom and maybe the last of the great musicians of that time
What humility from one of the greatest guitarists
I love when music brings people together while artists maintain their artistic integrity.
This is a genius virtuoso talking about other genius. So nice.
He came up on stage with our little cover band in SoCal in 1992 or so and played a couple of tunes with us. What talent, and what a humble guy. To say we were honored was an understatement. Glad he is still around and playing!
Quincy was a genius at so many aspects of music. It's interesting to hear Steve say one of his strengths was bringing together interesting lineups of musicians. It's also cool to hear Quincy was generous with credits when people came up with key parts.
videos like this are why RUclips was invented. I don't know if most people are aware of how many hit records this guy has played on. Possibly one of the most brilliant "musical" guitarists on the planet. I could listen to him tell music industry stories all day long.
Steve Lukather is a great Guitarist. Toto And him have been underestimated in the Music seen for a long time. But they are great and it's a shame they don't get the appreciation they deserve.
scene
Underrated.....
@@stevieray6457 lol
Brah he is a beast. I was lucky enough to meet him and my dad recorded an audiobook with him which is also ridiculous.
He's absolutely NOT underrated. He's only thought of that by amateur guitarists. To everyone else in the industry, he's on the shortlist of session greats, and he's there because he knows his place in the song, and knows restraint and taste. It would never be "Steve Lukather featuring Michael Jackson", it's "Michael Jackson", with Steve Lukather in the fine print. That's how you become a first call session guy. He's highly regarded by the people that matter.
This stuff is priceless..
Felt like I was there in the room...
That story is such an amazing rescue job on the track....fantastic story....Lukather rocks...
Phone rings
Steve L.: " Hello "
Michael J.: " Hi Steve. This is Michael Jackson "
Steve L.: " No it isn't! F---k you! " Hangs up.
Me: LMAO!!! :-)
Dennis Chambers hung up on Miles Davis for the same reason -- couldn't believe it was him.
@cjetelomar2010 well actually it was Quincy Jones he hung up on, not MJ
@cjetelomar2010 I like how Lukather said Michael casually says, it happens all the time, and that he thought it was funny!
One of my good friends looked up to Steve for inspiration. He waited at the end of a toto concert for 2hrs and was told Steve has gone mate, no point hanging around but he persisted untill finally he was the last person there and they let him backstage. Jeff Healey had just passed away. He spent the next hour with Steve toasting Jeff Healey with a whole bottle of Jacks. Humble legend 🙌
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Steve is so humble while he's making us feel like we're sitting in he studio with him, Michael, Paul, Eddie, etc. I wish everything back then had been recorded as it happened. But, who could have seen what was coming with the "Beatle" and other artists collaboration? Thanks to the MHOF&M for posting this for us.
Jay Moore thanks Jay!!
"I'll play the bass on it, it's just a riff tune, it's not like I had to be Jaco Pastorius or anything like that" :oP
Man this is pretty legit. It's amazing how good you had to be at actual music back in the day. This change in music reminds me of the changes that has occurred in photography over the same period. Some of the art has been lost.
RIP Eddie, legend an master of the instrument! I hope Steve stays strong, he lost many friends, wish him all the best!
What’s really amazing is that the songs he played on are so much a part of our culture that he can just a hum a little section and we’re all like “oh, yeah, that bit.” Must’ve been a thrill. Amazing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts AOB...Joe
I love hearing how things come together!
Likely the most underrated guitar player in modern rock. So humble. Bucket list to meet.
Please stop the underrated thing!
Go see him at The Baked Potato in N. Hollywood. He usually has time to talk for a few minutes with fans between sets. Very cool guy. No attitude problem whatsoever.
Steve Lukather=Cool human.
And I'm watching this after Eddie passed away.. RIP guitar god. We'll be missing you.
This interview is a riot.. love it!
Human Nature is one of the greatest Modern Jazz/Quiet Storm songs ever recorded. Love Steve Lukathur.
"I get that all the time, it's funny" LOL!
R.I.P. Michael and Eddie.
Thanks for watching Whip... joe
What an achievement to play a huge part in the highest-selling Album of all time and to work with Michael and Paul.
Steve is a musician's musician.
The creator of masterpieces. Thank you for your talent.
Lukather is so underrated. A decent dude and great guitarist. A national treasure.
Hats off to SL... what a great career he's had.
Fantastic interview and stories! Luk is a first legend
Had to comment again, just gotta say what a great inside look at how normal and gracious even the most talented geniuses in the world of creative musicians really are, after all, we are all just people in the big picture.
Today October 6, 2020 Eddie Van Halen passed away due to throat cancer at the age of 65 years. R.I.P. Eddie...
@David Michaels Yes he was a very heavy smoker and had tongue cancer in the early 2000s.
We're fortunate Steve has such great recall. Many players that far along in their career wouldn't remember in such detail. The big parts like meeting Paul, of course, but the little tidbits add so much to the story. He seems like a pretty cool and down to earth guy that an average fan could approach.
Hi Jag... yes Steve is just like that... joe
One of the best guitarists of our times and a good guy too.
This guy is a phenomenal musician. I could listen to him play or talk all day, so humble.
Thanks for watching Paul......Joe
I like how he catches himself when he's talking about being starstruck by Michael Jackson and the McCartneys and realizes his steadying pillar was the legendary Quincy Jones.
How can you not like Steve Lukather?
I like hearing how music was made and mixed, before the electric drum . Very interesting! Michael Jackson had a lot of talent backing him. They were all something very special
Toto needs to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Their contributions to some of the biggest albums ever deserves them their spot.
I'm a metal head but you can't ignore how the guys in Toto have contributed to some of the finest music this world has ever heard. Steve is a beast on guitar but he's more of a great musician than just a guitar player and of course the rest of the band.
Their Best tune is "WHITE SISTER" first time I heard it I couldn't BELIEVE it was TOTO!!
@@455Transam They certainly have that rocker element as well, but they're just all around musicians. I can't think of any band like toto if I'm being honest.
@@455Transam the guitar solo in that song is brilliant!!!
These guys were pro session musicians as well. They all played on a lot of people’s stuff.
What a talented guy, great interview, loved him in Eastbound & Down as well
One of my all-time favorite guitar parts is every second of Human Nature. Love it. I’m so glad to hear from the musician who made it happen. And how about this interviewer! He asks a question, shuts up, lets the guy talk and tell us his great stories. An amazing rarity. Thank you for this video.
Every so often I watch/listen to one of your interviews. Absolutely fabulous every time. You are smart enough to ask a good question and then you let the performer go on without interruption. Another great interview. Thanks for sharing.
Robert, my dad, Joe, passed September 28th a but I know he would have really appreciated your kind comments. Thank you for supporting the channel.
You might also enjoy this interview on the Sessions Panel.
ruclips.net/video/_cFjvNUIWvo/видео.html
Best,
Britt
Absolutely one of the best guitarists in the history of the instrument. There's a reason why he's been on hundreds of studio recordings... He's a monster
I could listen to Steve tell stories ALL DAY LONG !!!
I suppose every time I'd have the chance to hear someone from Toto speak of their sessions from the late '70s early '80s I'd also cover up all of the music I grew up as a kid/teenager... now Steve's here talking about how he and Jeff made and it just sends me back in 1983 when it was my favourite song while I was playing tennis just being 15, them were the days... the smell of red clay and surrounding hedges, all the relaxing feeling about it, being 'at the heart of it' knowing it was 'my time'...
Soon after 1983 many things changed for me and it was never the same again.
But hey, how much does Steve still miss Jeff? I can hear it every time he mentions his name...
Steve remembers what happened 40 years ago like it happened last week, amazing!
Every time I've listened to Steve Lukather I've been impressed with how humble he is and how he always plays down how knowledgeable and talented he is. He is undoubtedly one of the top guitarists in the world and has played with and/or been asked to play with some of the most talented and great bands in the world, such a great honor he certainly has deserves. . I love that about this man. I abhor narcissistic musicians and athletes so I hope Steve lasts in this life and this business for a good long time for each of us to enjoy his talents for years to come. With the recent loss of Eddie VanHalen, the legend He is, we've been starting to dwindle in the great musicians from the truly Golden age and it literally brings tears since I grew up in their age. Keep it going Steve. Amazing and kind humble soul. When we lose musicians like VanHalen, we lose those who wrote History that cannot he regained. Appreciate the people you love, famous or perhaps not, that love can never be brought back and that loving physical touch we can never regain until we are brought into that realm of eternity which the Lord Jesus Christ so graciously through his eternal gift and sacrifice fortunately has given to each one of us; The absolutely greatest and undoubtedly most gracious and miraculous gift to ever be bestowed upon mankind. As we approach the upcoming Holiday season, please don't forget to fall on our knees and thank the Holy Son of our God. Even CHRIST THE LORD. AMEN.
Ugh I love love loveeeee Steve Lukather,Toto is listened to every stinking day in my house! Toto is like my morning coffee, I have to have it!
Thanks for watching Thresea... Joe
So Thriller was essentially a Toto album what a success
That Part where he hung up on Michael 3 times was hilarious. He was like yeah i get that all the Time its Funny. What a great Story.
Lukather is a legend. Great respect for his guitar playing. Plus he seems like a cool guy.
I could listen to Lukather talk music all GD day 🤘
When you see and listen such a tremendous artist like Steve talking like this, you understand how unique and universal are the feelings that music is able to do in all of us. It makes me think that he realy KNOWS what I feel 'cause he can feel the same!!!
Steve just looks like a dad that is cool af and has indeed been there and done that
The interviewer is masterful.
Thank you very much. It’s easy and fun to hang with Steve.
Yes because, unlike so many other interviewers, he is smart enough to be quiet and let his subject talk.
such a humble guy...makes him worth listening to without a guitar in his hands.
Thanks for watching Carlos……Joe
So Steve played the riff from Beat it and Eddie just added the solo? Wow and all these years I thought it was all done by Eddie!
Same here....now I have a much greater appreciation for the song. I'm a big Lukather fan.
Same here!
I thought that was always known.
I thought it was Eddie through the whole thing
@@minnesotajack1 same here!
Just picturing Steve freaking out when he heard that McCartney was involved; reminds me that my idols have their own idols.
Toto also did the soundtrack for the movie "DUNE" and it is Amazing!
Fred Garvin no
the sleeper must awaken!
Steve is not only one of my favorite guitarists, but one of my favorite story tellers. Such a unique and special perspective, it’s like I’m thrown into a room with these musical giants.
Edit: It feels under-appreciative to label Steve as just a “guitarist”. He’s more of a musical phenomenon.
Toto should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yesterday.
!@#$% the Rock and Roll HOF. Does not mean jack shit.
Hall of fame is a fucking joke
@@PhuckHue2 it is indeed
They can get into the hall of fame for $22.95 plus parking.
ruclips.net/video/HSvWSYgSM-g/видео.html
I'm so so sorry...
This Dudes hilarious 😂 love the way he adds little bits of comedy during the story
I was feeling really down today and I didn't want to practice playing until I stumbled upon this video.
thank you for being awesome, Mr. Lukather.
Sir Steve Lukather not only tells the story neatly, he also has a talent for voice mimicry
06:27 hums the guitar riff... hits it in perfect pitch Eb. Awesome.
This might be the very best video on the whole RUclips!
I remember reading somewhere that Eddie called Lukather "The best guitar player I have ever seen." Wish I could remember where I read or watched that...
I believe the paraphrased quote was, "Pound for pound, Toto is the most talented rock band on the planet". That compliment is no small thing, considering its source. EVH had massive respect for Luke. And it was obviously mutual.
There is an old story that someone asked Eddie what is was like to be the greatest guitarist in the world and Eddie said i dont know ask Steve Lukather.
Scott Trotter Yes sir, that is right along the lines of what I remember reading/watching. I’m pretty sure it was something I watched here on YT. Not all that important, it just bugs me when I get stuck trying to remember something like that. Irregardless, Lukather is one of the best.
@@Cabaret43 I heard that but thought Eddie said I don’t know ask Tommy Emmanuel...
@@richieguadagno6861 Im sure there are 100 different variations to the story depending on who you ask and whether or not its even true.
People do not fully realize just how talented this dude is-he was laying down licks with Eddie VanHalen when he was barely seventeen-he toured with Boz Scaggs when he was 19 helped form Toto at the same time at 22 was the top session guitarist on the West coast( first call session cat for Quincy Jones I mean come on how much more do you need to know!!??)From 1978-1984 he played on nearly everything released out of LA at that time-this dude to me is the most amazingly talented guitarist ever!!He also can sing and write music and pretty sure if he wanted to could be one of the best producers ever also!!STEVE LUKATHER !!
He is amazing. He also was a double threat Grammy winner in 1982 with Toto as well as co-writing George Benson's R&B big hit "Turn Your Love Around" which most people don't realize. Toto was basically a band full of session musicians who could actually write their own stuff as well. Very underrated band. Luke also co-wrote "Talk To You Later" that was a huge hit for The Tubes.
Another story you will lke I was at the Tribute to Jeff Porcaro concert on December 14,1992 and was blown away by the talent there(Boz Scaggs,Michael McDonald,Donald Fagen,Eddie VanHalen)and Steve was my favorite performer him and Eddie had a "jam off"at the end of the show and he smoked Eddie in my opinion.He then went into a several year funk after Jeff passed away where he didnt play and Larry Carlton sat down and helped get Steve back playing again.He also has a Christmas album called Santa Mental-what a diverse artist he is a living legend I just wish more people like us knew how talented he is-to me he is in my top 10 musical talents ever-#1-Frank Zappa/Jeff Porcaro(tie) #2-Brian Eno #3-Walter Becker #4-Donald Fagen #5-Terry Kath #6-Steve Lukather #7-
If i were in a room with Steve, i would be the star struck one.. Steve, you are such a legend yourself and for some, a lifelong hero. Thanks for all the good music and merry fucking christmas. Best regards from Denmark.
Steve's played with them all.
Legendary. Thanks for sharing