There had been some talk about an autobiography from Steve Lukather, the co-founding Toto guitarist who’s played on countless sessions. That project has been shelved, however, amidst a flurry of new activity.
Lukather had been at work on the book with Lonn Friend, a Grant High School classmate and ex-editor of RIP magazine. In fact, this time last year, Lukather could be found mulling over how he’d put a multi-Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum career into perspective.
So much has changed since then, though. Lukather issued a well-received solo effort, the aptly named Transition; toured with a rejuvenated Toto again; appeared in another round of Beatles-related events (including the Ringo Starr tours, and a gala 50th anniversary CBS special); and — most importantly of all — returned to the studio with Toto, an almost unthinkable development after a lengthy period away.
As such, the “book is on hold,” Lukather confirms. He’s simply been “too busy and also — it seems I might have a better ending.”
Indeed. For a died-in-the-wool Beatlemaniac like Lukather, the chance to play with both Starr and Paul McCartney again was huge. It’s another signature moment a kid who learned his guitar craft trying to mimic George Harrison’s licks from Meet the Beatles.
Reuniting with Toto again, not just for the odd tour but to write new music, is something else entirely. Their last studio effort, 2006’s Falling in Between, has been called Toto’s Abbey Road by bandmate David Paich — a fitting conclusion. For years, it seemed like that would be the last fans would hear from the group.
Then, they started writing a different ending. The new album will be paired with tour, which also features Michael McDonald — who memorably collaborated with Toto on 1986’s “I’ll be Over You.”
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