Rig Rundown - Toto's Steve Lukather

Article & photos: bit.ly/SteveLuk...
Premier Guitar’s John Bohlinger hung with Steve Lukather and his tech, Jon Gosnell, shortly before Toto’s show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. While Gosnell covered the nuts and bolts of the pedalboard and amp, Lukather showed what his signature Music Man guitars are capable of.
Although Lukather has been closely associated with a lot of great guitars during his career, he currently sticks nearly exclusively with his signature models. His No. 1 is an Ernie Ball Music Man LIII Ball Family Reserve loaded with his signature DiMarzio Transition pickups and a +15 dB boost.
His No. 2 is “Sammy,” which is basically the same model but with a custom, one-off finish featuring images of Sammy Davis Jr and Sterling Ball.
To continue learning about Steve's gear, visit: bit.ly/SteveLuk...

[@dano1103]

Steve is a wild man. Energy of two cats. I had a very handicapped friend of mine at a Toto show, Steve singled us out, bought my friend and I a beer, shot the breeze with us for ten minutes. Steve is tops in my book. Oh yeah,fabulous guitarist.

[@mrc2662]

I know that was 5 years ago now but that’s just so nice to read. What a top bloke he really is - big respect. Glad you had a great night and hope your friend is doing well.

[@davidgoode7416]

Met him once and agree with you

[@eightieschild63]

I've seen a lot of Steve Lukather interviews and this is what the guy is like. Funny, sarcastic, attention span of a hyperactive puppy but very nice and a great guitarist. Love this guy and look forward to the day I can see him in person.

[@abnzg]

I've met Luke once, after half a lifetime of being a fan and studying his every lick. Dude was the most gracious, down-to-earth, friendly guy you could ever hope to meet.

[@johnbohlinger4868]

What's with all of the negative comments? Steve Lukather is as good as it gets: he's a brilliant player/songwriter/singer and, most importantly, an incredibly great guy. To all the haters out there: making libelous comments about a great artist merely reveals your short-comings. Be inspired by greatness rather than try to tear it down.

[@HARTYNMUGHES]

John Bohlinger if certain people don't think he's great, that is allowed isn't it? I'm just checking.

[@wesleyclay2528]

Martyn Hughes why would you watch this rig rundown if you weren't interested in Luke? George Benson, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones like Steve's playing and writing, if you don't like him that's cool, however he's achieved more in his life musically than most people dream of,

[@HARTYNMUGHES]

Wesley Clay because people like watching rig rundowns regardless of who's playing it. I'm not a fan of Toto but can appreciate anyone who plays with innovation.

[@tomgroleau222]

Well said John. Luke is the man. Great job with the interview, as always.

[@joeldwyer1545]

"Nice, awesome, great, cool"(John Bolimger)

[@guitarpilots76]

Met Steve after a Toto concert in St. Charles Missouri in 2007 I think, he was the nicest guy, so gracious. Actually thanked us for being fans and gave my wife a very nice compliment. A real class act.

[@gmlasam]

Man Lukather has been in the business for so long and he deserves recognition for his great work. Give credit where it's due, he is certainly an unsung hero and deserve recognition for all he has contributed to music and to the guitar community.

[@graysinclair6572]

gmlasam Hear, hear!!!!!

[@Arkadius1984gl]

@@graysinclair6572 One would probably run out of a lifetime if he/she tried to listen to all the albums this incredible man had lent his mad skills to :)

[@gypsyjazza1]

At 19 he was fully formed guitar monster and has only gotten better.

[@KowankoMusic]

I'm in awe of this guy's work - there are many great players out there but Steve's ability to come up with unforgettable parts with flawless tone and time while in the pressure cooker of the studio is a far more rare thing. On top of that, he's humble.

[@shanejohn7711]

"THE" best for me. And his journey hasn't been a bed of roses. So he can be who ever he wants to be. A legend.

[@e.l.norton]

Luke is hands down THE most down to earth, every man kind of guy. Less than no attitude or ego. Just a good human being and humble guy. That makes him tops.

[@Diax1324]

And he gets nervous in interviews. He's a frenetic dude.

[@probusexcogitatoris736]

Very few stars of his calibre take their time to do a rig rundown. Kudos to you Steve Lukather! You are a true musician and gentleman!

[@tjatkinson88]

Just met him during their current Tour. I will agree, he is one of the nicest guys out there.

[@miriamdavis2988]

Steve is everything right now for me. Just discovered him!!

[@KingdomofLuke1]

You've gotta see him live Miriam - he is KILLER. Check out his solo work too - Falling into Velvet, Brodie's, Rest of the World... Toto, Nerve Bundle, Los Lobotomys.

[@tff1293]

I wish the more artists would play around that much during these interviews. I want to hear em play!

[@marc0d0n]

Steve: *shreds during the whole interview* *end of the interview* "Sorry I didn't play anything super flashy guys"

[@DanielVerberne]

If I could be any guitar player, it would probably be Lukather, such a well-rounded rocker, with such chops and knowledge of music behind him.

[@bluespig1]

Met him when he arrived in Sydney after a long flight with the band, and they were all really nice and normal, appreciated the help etc. Good guys, no ego's or bullshit and I am a born n bred aussie

[@hyutyub]

I’m starting my new year resolution early. To listen to all his solo albums over and over .

[@fourthlayer]

Dude can play! I could watch those riffs all day long

[@143Chippy143]

Luke is THE MAN !!!!!!!!! People just dont know who he really is and what he has done in the music industry outside of Toto !!!

[@itsthelittlethings4702]

He is so COOL!!!

[@21DAZ12]

I have been waiting for this for so long, Steve is my favourite guitar player ever!!!!!!!!!

[@MirkkoDeMaio]

man...i love 'uncle' Steve, so funny, down to earth guy, a real pro and player. I've met him a couple of times and he's always been so friendly, a lot- i love him!

[@darkbluebossa]

Ok, he may sound like he had some drinks, but he wasnt arrogant at all. He replied all questions in detail, laughed. Yes, sometimes he played his guitar interrupting a question, but most of the time he was nice. And he is a great guitar player

[@AlessioSfasci]

Yes bro, but Luke is CLEAN from years. He stopped Drinking and smoking about 6-7 years ago

[@darkbluebossa]

Cool! Thanks for the info

[@craigpardy4291]

yeah, I think he's just being corky. at least he showed up, and not his tech. he also may have a bit of ADD lol.

[@SimonaPirone1]

He doesn't drink either, he seems perfectly fine to me. Some people are just assholes!

[@leeborracho5695]

He does enjoy the devils lettuce every once and a while!

[@dbuzard326]

"In Bob's defense, he didn't tell everybody to turn everything on". Great quote

[@sinpilot3195]

I loved the 1984 licks video. This guy is down right awesome on a guitar.

[@pamc4106]

Such a good man. Just adore him. So kind. Sometimes seems like he is such a kid enjoying his guitar. Bless him.

[@kevinjohnbetts]

Love Leland Sklar's 'cameo' and the way Bohlinger dealt with it. Both cool and relaxed as if it was an everyday occurrence. :)

[@eliotmccann2589]

Kevin Betts Hee hee, Sklar can do no wrong!

[@HexxHenderson]

Apparently most of the people commenting only know of him in the context of Toto they've never heard any of the other stuff that he's worked on which is absolutely amazing.

[@Metalguitarpete]

They have heard his other playing they just don't have the class to realise it! One of the most recorded guitarists in history

[@felkikid]

Ive never seen a rig rundown where the profile is so genuine and nice, but such a pain in the ass to interview. Doesn't matter, there's a mutual respect there its just Steve being Steve.

[@ludwigo1580]

And you have...... Steve: starts playing

[@HooksBill]

Watched the video then read a bunch of comments complaining about others making negative comments. Scrolled for like 5 minutes straight and couldn't find any negative comments. Ok? Anyway, nice job! Guy's a legend in his own right.

[@nathanrichard2745]

This is the greatest rig rundown of all time.

[@lufiealice6251]

Great player. If you like music and you like guitar, how can you not like Steve Lukather?!

[@dawnpoint]

Bogner and Boston are the two most unique and coolest tones I've ever heard. And Luke is the best guitarist I've ever heard hands down.

[@federiconavarrotrias]

im with u in this one buddy .... TWO IDIOTS PUTTING THUMBS DOWN ¿¿ WHATS WRONG WITH U PEOPLE ??!!! i dont get it , " .If you don't like what you see here... THE FUCKK OUT "

[@camgar8197]

Steve was my first guitar teacher and he was brilliant at that time which was in 1979 before Toto. I had about four to five lessons with him before he left with Toto but he taught me alot in those lessons, but one thing that i'll never forget he told me is "if you want to suceed now being a guitar player is learn how to sing. If you can play guitar and sing as well your chances are likely you'll get the gig." To this day I live by his saying so I sing and play guitar as well. What a great musician.

[@infernalhammer]

Luke was being cool just by agreeing to appear in this rig rundown. Most players would just stay in their hotel room and let the tech/rodie handle it. The interview went just fine.

[@frankwait2892]

luke is ridiculously good...he has something not many have, tour chops AND studio chops...not to mention his talent...a killer player...

[@ronmercer7766]

Luke is a great player, and a cool cat. A player in a unique position as someone who is famous for his own music and a player who has done a truckload of sessions on hits for a myriad of artists.

[@OZRIC1985]

Steve Lukather is one of my top favorite guitar players ever. I do my best to try to get some of his sounds with the amps and effects pedals that I have. Of course, I would have to have his set of effects and awesome guitars to get the exact sound. Then again, there's also the human element, and only the awesome Luke can make it sound like Luke. This was a great video to see what all he uses to get his amazing sounds. Thanks for posting this video! :)

[@MrUltraworld]

Luke is noodling because he gets embarrassed at the attention his playing generates. He's not comfortable talking about himself or hearing someone praise him. It's not rudeness.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Yeah Luke's a goofball, he's not being rude, just being a stoned old guitar cat LOL

[@natejustice1109]

I’m the same exact way; Some people talk to me while I have a guitar in my hands and I mostly noodle or strum cuz I’m socially awkward. Haha. I pay attention and whatnot meanwhile, but it’s the ADHD in me.

[@josh-v2h]

@@natejustice1109 literally me as well.

[@scottyecora]

That fully makes sense. I do not like to be the center of attention and I act strangely (to others) when I am put in such position.

[@crusaderofunderdogs8005]

You seem to know him very well. Lol.

[@1979GenXdude]

Whahaha! "Oh god, please forgive me! I just got everything and I turned it all on." Lukather in response to the Starlick's Lesson Video on VCR from '84. Epic sense of humor! :) Pretty cool!

[@GoddamnAxl]

you just cant put a guitar in the guitarist's hand while talking to them.... they just cannot resist from playing it.

[@joseph_lacy]

Patrick Mao it helps me focus on what's going on in the conversation if I noodle while talking

[@Wmiranda2012]

True

[@OZRIC1985]

Oh, how I can relate to that! LOL! :-p

[@stephenlennartz3466]

It's what we do. It annoys my wife a bit. And yet ... she keeps buying me guitars! I'm a lucky man.

[@jcserrano1663]

Dear John, I love your interviews better than everyone else. Love your videos also

[@Gcastaneda46]

People just do not understand the amount of INCREDIBLE records he's played on. Of course people are entitled to their opinion. He's plays with great feel and can do anything on guitar. A true legend.

[@jeremycubs8331]

They're having fun both in this interview. Can't c see any problem at all, in fact it's enjoyable to watch.

[@brick396ss]

Love Luke he’s one of my heroes. 9:44 lol the “teleprompter” says “YOU SUPPLY THE NIGHT. BABY. I’LL SUPPLY THE LOVE 💕 “. I will never forget walking into my local record store and hearing Toto’s first album...

[@davidstojakovich2463]

Steve Lukather is one of my top two guitar Gods and a constant source of inspiration. Glen Campbell was my number one. The first time I saw Steve with Toto was in Pittsburgh just after the release of their first Album. It was 1978 at the Stanely Theater and in addition to Toto and their crew it was me and my friend Gail and about 60 other people. Regardless of attendance they were freaking awesome!!!! And God Bless his soul Jeff Pocoro was amazing. I will never forget David Paich introduced Steve as...and the Wild Man Steve Lukather. One has to free themselves to play like Steve. His emotion is incredible. Fast forward 39 years. I saw Toto on Fathers day in Wilkes barre PA on Fathers Day. Yes I was the 59 year old nut Stage left in row eight that couldn’t sit down, I embarrassed the shit out of my kids, but they get it. And Steve was better than ever. God Bless you Steve and keep on Rocking. I myself after a 30 year hiatus have fallen in love with my Guitar again, my wife’s jealous of the other woman, and am now working on an album of my own. Fun fact, My Grandfather played tenor Banjo on the first Commercial Radio broadcast in the Country on KDKA Radio CBS Broadcasting network in 1928 in Pittsburgh PA. Keep on Rocking. Peace Out

[@rileybria]

I actually really enjoy that he's playing. Often times I wish we could hear what the rigs sound like that they're showing, because they usually aren't what was on the record. Steve is a beast, is he's playing, you want to listen

[@erikfraunfelter3628]

Compressor + chorus + delay + Mesa Mark III style gain= the tone of the 80's!

[@caseykunz7800]

Steve is a monster on guitar! This guy has played on more great albums than most people could ever imagine

[@FlashGrover]

the best rig rundown. Love Luke!

[@Randrewk1]

All you need to do is watch Johns face when Steve starts playing, he's like a kid in a candy store. The man is a legend and doesn't owe an interview to anyone. If anything they're interrupting his sound check and he's gracious enough to let them be there, he doesn't need the publicity.

[@Yellowjacket1977]

I agree, Randy. Having interviewed artists for many year, I gotta say the guy doing the interview was not all that good. He, as the interviewer, has to understand that he is in Luke's world, not the other way around. Luke was very gracious!

[@lowyaw]

Luke's a legend. The man can both play and handle business relations tasks. A rare combination. Stay strong, Steve.

[@stepitupandgo67]

Steve is a straight guitar gangster...love him...his tone has just gotten better over the years...

[@Williamstanway]

I love Steve Lukather, not only was he responsible for beat it by Micheal Jackson but he also wrote some of the best pop/rock songs for toto .

[@chaisehombre7723]

VanHalen did beat it.

[@Williamstanway]

+CHAISE HOMBRE he did the solo, I made this comment because I knew someone would bite , lukather wrote the main guitar riff .

[@Williamstanway]

+CHAISE HOMBRE no he did not , do your research

[@Williamstanway]

+CHAISE HOMBRE lukather did the rhythm parts van halen did the solo as I have said. I knew a fanny like you would take the bait .

[@cathybedwell573]

Luke also played bass on Beat It.

[@raaggy19]

This dude is great. Loves to play.

[@gr8guitarplayer]

One thing I see mentioned consistently about Luke, other than how talented, amazing, all his accomplishments, etc, is how underrated he is. I'm an Orioles fan from way back. And in some of those years, when they were on top, I noticed most other teams had more guys in the leaders category than the O's did. My father told me that was because they were a great TEAM, as opposed to a team with a few "stars." I think that's a good analogy as to why Steve Lukather is considered underrated. He was in a kick-ass band, oozing with talent, and he did so much amazing stuff for other top artists, that he just didn't get a ton of spotlight. And it seems to me he likes it that way. Hell, "Hold The Line" was one of my all-time favorite songs from the time it came out, but I didn't learn who SL was until much later. For comparison, everybody knew who the guitarist was in VH as soon as they made it big. Yet Steve is right up there with all the other GOAT's.

[@cheofymaz8814]

Been waiting for this..Steve Lukather your my guitar hero..

[@MrWilbo123]

He’s just such a great, humble guy. He has all the same insecurities we all do.

[@federiconavarrotrias]

TOTALLY LOVE LUKE !! FROM HEAD TO TOE ...Still my main influence sound wise and my guitar playing !!!!!!! god bless you steve !

[@karizakeh]

the way the tech guy was smashing the conga's tho like he wanted to beat it to a pulp 😅 just my first time seeing it being checked ✌️

[@Dodzee.44]

Thankyou Steve always a pleasure

[@bindig1]

"Just dickin around". LOL. Steve is the coolest and great sense of humor. Great guitarist

[@ElmwoodParkHulk]

Steve is one of the coolest guys on the planet ....one of the top guitarists that ever lived

[@artheriford]

I like when the musician does some or all of the rig rundown. Steve Stevens and a few others. As a side note, I saw Paul Simon at the Ryman about 10 years ago. Amazing venue and amazing artist.

[@jayregular4454]

what a dude...how awesome is Luk....rock n roll

[@Lvkkie]

Yes! Finally!!! Been waiting for a rig rundown with Steve for so long now :o.

[@AuditoryStorytelling]

I love his loyalty to Musicman. They make AMAZING guitars. And the L3 is one of the best I've every played.

[@BobbyDidcott]

Modest guy for someone who's such a legend

[@saunds59]

Love Luke and love watching 9 mins of John trying to avoid getting impaled on the end of a Luke III. Top man 😉

[@IanDateMusic]

superb! Wonderful guitarist and so entertaining. Thank you for sharing

[@scottstuit9305]

Luke is likely the most under-rated guitarist that's heard on the most popular and respected songs of the last 45 years.

[@trijigon]

Scott Stuit by non musicians, yeah. People don’t even know his name, they think of slash or some other mediocre player. For musicians Steve is regarded as among the very best.

[@ralex3697]

Not underrated by any stretch

[@ericw3964]

I got to see him play with Toto at an after-hours show at Valley Art's Guitar, amazing show.

[@youngandrew66]

Surely the idea of a gig rig review is that we get to hear whata ll this amazing gear does. Nice one steve

[@mcleroy1967]

I love Steve! He can't stop playing long enough to do the interview!

[@shaterproofblosm]

I love this guys vibe. Great Rig-Rundown!

[@billyshears6604]

Just saw him with Ringo in November. What a great band.

[@alexisalescio1562]

one of the best guitar player today!

[@thjamaica09]

Going to see TOTO in August at the Ryman.......can't wait!!!!

[@KingdomofLuke1]

Luke is playing a couple of dates there with Ringo/Allstarrs in the next day or two. Also 8 Oct with TOTO!

[@marclehmann1940]

Steve is a supercool guy and an excellent musician. He did a fantastic cooperation with Bruce Kulick on his last solo album BK3 in 2010 called "Between the lines". Steve fans should check out Bruce's CD to enjoy this incredible instrumental jam of these two guitar monster. \m/

[@Scias]

I opened this video to hear "sounds killer man". Don't disappoint me.

[@TheDontflinch]

Growing up in the 80s I would hear some Top 40 songs with some of the most amazing guitar solos. I would eventually find out that almost all of them were Steve Lukather. The final guitar solo for "Dirty Laundry" and "Running With the Night" come to mind.

[@reogh]

hell yes!! Thanks John and PG!

[@MrUltraworld]

You can put Luke in any band situation, put any piece of sheet music in front of him and he will morph into that player. He's worked with a who's who of music and plays to the song. It's not Luke ripping through a Streisand song, he becomes the song. A lot of knowledge in his head, and nearly 40yrs of traveling under his belt.

[@davesmith2312]

I keep spare shoelaces... Steve has spare Bogner 101b's... LOL Epic rig and musician, such a humble guy.

[@KoMar551]

Luthaker is the man!! He is like your crazy uncle that comes visit once a year for christmas lol.

[@mikeschmelzer9733]

You can see that he loves to play... He's one of the best guitarists I've ever seen live. He can play any style, has tone to die for... what else is there to say. If he's a little absorbed with noodling it just goes to show that he's still into the tone... the sound of the guitar thru his rig. Any guitar player worth a damn is like that. Rock on Luke!!

[@JanisKlinnert]

love how he plays throughout that whole interview :D Absolute legend! love ya Steve!

[@cabbycabby1770]

Dude kills it.

[@Hydrophish]

Have become a huge Steve Lukather fan as of late.

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

I love that he noodles frequently especially at his age. (while still paying attention to the interview) You can tell he loves playing more than anything though. (which I relate with)

[@bullcrapitis]

I saw Toto last night. Steve was just absolutely amazing. It's like he can't play anything that doesn't sound just utterly amazing.

[@LiberTBo]

Great see a player who's loaded and in love with his own tone

[@Dirtydrock001]

Dude steve was always one of my favs

[@philsackett7341]

While the haters and trolls on this page are busy playing with themselves, Luke is busy playing with Ringo.

[@BillDerBerg]

Luke is lucky he's made a ton of friends in the industry he's a kewl guitarist but not an awesome one

[@dstfno]

@@BillDerBerg Luck can only get you so far. He's great at what he does and one of the best pop/rock session guitarists of all time.

[@jogabonito5027]

@@BillDerBerg Not if you would ask Van Halen or David Gilmour, they have both expressed that they really love Lukes playing. But im sure you know better than them....

[@TMoody]

I loved all the Star Licks especially the Steve Lukather one!

[@felixjordanguitar]

great interview, Steve Lukather is a great guitarist and was very generous with his time and demonstration

[@n2space4u]

i love the finish on the eb mm necks as good as it gets

[@enkiea8322]

I think he's cool. Free spirit.

[@carlbullaro7058]

coolest guy . felt like i was talking with a friend about guitars

[@rodlissat7150]

Lukather forever! 🇧🇷👍🎸😁🤘 Master, genius, my all time favorite guitar player!

[@TheDunateen77]

At least the man was good enough to show his face on the video and talk about his gear,most of the big names don't even apppear on these videos and they don't realise it but they are missing out on some good promotion,props to Steve