As published on CNN’s Website in an article written by Holly Yan:
“For over two decades, bassist Mike Porcaro was a rock star with the band Toto, playing venues around the world.
“Now, the music world is mourning the death of Porcaro, who died after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. He was 59.
“‘Our brother Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:04 AM last night at home surrounded by his family,’ Porcaro’s brother Steve, the band’s keyboardist, posted on Facebook on Sunday. ‘Rest in peace, my brother.’
“About 10 years ago, Porcaro started noticing weakness in his fingers and hands. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2006.
“Former members of his band—known for hits such as ‘Africa’ and ‘Rosanna’—rallied to help. They reunited for a brief European tour in 2010 in support of Porcaro.
“Toto vocalist and guitarist Steve Lukather also called Porcaro a brother.
“‘My brother Mike Porcaro is now now at peace,’ he tweeted. ‘I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless’
“ALS is a fast-moving, usually fatal disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It affects more than 30,000 people at any given time.”
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, issued the following statement on March 16:
“Mike Porcaro, three-time Grammy winner and longtime bassist for the multi-platinum selling rock group Toto, was a dynamic musician and performer. Mike joined his brothers Steve Porcaro and the late Jeff Porcaro in the band in 1982, around the time of the release of Toto IV, which ultimately earned Album Of The Year honors. Throughout his career, his love for music and performing was always evident, and was showcased frequently due to the group’s relentless touring and international popularity. Our music community has lost an influential and charismatic creator, and his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and fellow group members, as well as to all who have been entertained by his exceptional talent.”
Mix magazine’s March 2015 issue cover story, written by Robyn Flans, recounts the production of Toto’s 2015 release: “The Simple Genius of Toto XIV.”
