New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Mike Porcaro, bass-player of US rock band Toto which had hits with Africa and Rosanna, has died at 59 after a long battle with Motor neurone disease. He died early Sunday morning at 59 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Steve Porcaro, Toto's keyboardist and Porcaro's brother, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing, "Our brother Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:04 AM last night at home surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, my brother."
"My brother Mike Porcaro is now at peace," added Toto guitarist Steve Lukather on Twitter. "I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless."
Biography:
Michael Joseph Porcaro (May 29, 1955 - March 15, 2015) was an American bass player known for his work with Toto. He retired from touring in 2007 as a result of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
He was the middle brother of Toto members Jeff Porcaro and Steve Porcaro. Their father is jazz drummer-percussionist Joe Porcaro.
Porcaro stopped performing with Toto in 2007 after a growing numbness in his fingers that made it increasingly difficult for him to play. He was replaced by Leland Sklar for the remainder of the tour and Toto disbanded in 2008. On February 26, 2010, it was announced via official press release that Mike Porcaro was suffering from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and that former band members of Toto, including Steve Porcaro, would reform and do a short tour through
Europe in support of him in the summer of 2010. The regrouped Toto continue to tour and perform for Mike's benefit in 2011.
Nathan East was the guest bass player for the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 tours.
In
September 2012, it was reported in Classic Rock magazine that he was doing as well as could be expected with his disease, but he was in a wheelchair as the disease was progressing.
On March 15, 2015, Porcaro died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles.
Porcaro endorsed Peavey, Status Graphite basses, Fbass, Sugi,and
Music Man bass guitars. Along with Toto, Mike had played numerous sessions in Los Angeles, and toured with
Michael Franks on his very first tour. He then toured with Seals & Crofts, Larry Carlton, and Boz Scaggs. He appears in the video for the song "JoJo" by Boz Scaggs. In
Flames bass player
Peter Iwers say his bass playing style has been influenced by Toto bassist Mike Porcaro.
