Toto's longtime bass player Mike Porcaro died Sunday (March 15) at age 59. He had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease).
Porcaro joined Toto in 1982, following the release of Toto IV and the departure of original bassist David Hungate. His brother Steve (keyboards) and late brother Jeff (drums) were also members of the band.
Porcaro retired from touring with Toto in 2007 after being diagnosed with ALS, but was inducted into the Musicians' Hall of Fame with the rest of the group in 2009. In 2010, Toto embarked on a world tour to raise money and awareness about Porcaro's disease.
Steve announced the news of his brother's passing on Facebook, posting: "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."
Guitarist Steve Lukather expressed his condolences via Twitter.
Toto are expected to release their latest album Toto XIV on March 24, with a European tour to follow.
Porcaro joined Toto in 1982, following the release of Toto IV and the departure of original bassist David Hungate. His brother Steve (keyboards) and late brother Jeff (drums) were also members of the band.
Porcaro retired from touring with Toto in 2007 after being diagnosed with ALS, but was inducted into the Musicians' Hall of Fame with the rest of the group in 2009. In 2010, Toto embarked on a world tour to raise money and awareness about Porcaro's disease.
Steve announced the news of his brother's passing on Facebook, posting: "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."
Guitarist Steve Lukather expressed his condolences via Twitter.
My brother Mike Porcaro is now now at peace. I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless
— Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) March 15, 2015Toto are expected to release their latest album Toto XIV on March 24, with a European tour to follow.