Mike Porcaro, Toto Bassist, Died on Sunday

Toto bandmate Steve Lukather and Brother Steve Porcaro announced the news of Mike Porcaro’s death on Sunday, due to ALS, after having suffered from the disease for years.

The bass player of the famous rock band Toto, Mike Porcaro, died Sunday night after having battled ALS also known as the Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mike Porcaro was only 59 years old and suffered from nervous degradation due to ALS and even retired early due to the severity of the symptoms.

Mike Porcaro’s brother and fellow bandmate Steve Porcaro who plays the keyboard in the band announced the news of his brother’s death on his Facebook account. Steve related that Mike passed away peacefully on Sunday at 12:04 am in his sleep. Mike Porcaro was surrounded by friends and his family at his home and Steve prayed for his brother to rest in peace.

The three Porcaro brothers Mike, Steve and Jeff were born in South Windsor, Connecticut and were part of the famous rock band Toto along with friend Steve Lukather. The band Toto was formed in 1978 in Los Angeles and went on to release 3 albums.

But it wasn’t until 1982 Mike Porcaro joined the band officially and started playing the bass. The same year they released their album Toto IV which went on to become a hit and gave them worldwide recognition and fame.

Toto IV won a Grammy award in 1982 due to hit songs such as ‘Africa’ and ‘Rosanna’ which are considered rock classic today. The band Toto and its members were included in the Musician’s hall of fame in 2009. The band is set to release their next album Toto IV on the 24th of March 2015. 

Steve Lukather the guitarist for the band Toto officially announced the news of Mike Porcaro’s death on his Twitter feed. According to Steve Lukather in his tweet his brother Mike Porcaro is at peace now and he will miss Porcaro more than he could express in words. Lukather further revealed his condolences for Mike Porcaro’s family and exclaimed for God bless!

Mike Porcaro battled with ALS for many years but finally stopped touring in 2007 due to the severity of his illness as the condition attacks the nervous system. The band subsequently went on a hiatus from touring due to Mike Porcaro’s absence. The band reunited in 2010 to raise awareness about ALS and funds for Mike Porcaro.

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, 2015