STEVE LUKATHER - Grammy Award Winning Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Arranger and Record Producer

A lifelong sessions and touring musician, Steve's also the longest founding member of Toto, his work with Boz Scaggs, Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band and Supersonic Blues Machine, along with completing his memoirs in "The Gospel According to Luke". His mindset.. "there was no way it wasn't going to happen", along with his skills, serendipitous moments that "happen in your life...one move to the right or left and none of it would happen" guided him through this incredible journey. He also knew he had to "have confidence....not EGO" and confirms the importance of studying those who came before us, constantly learning & improving your work! #SteveLukather
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[@porcaro4ever]

This is 35 minutes of discussion that all musicians need to experience. This is absolute gold!

[@rb397]

Steve, if you ever read this, thank you man ! You are a gift.

[@dawas15]

Luke doesn’t have an idea of how important his personality, tone, ideas and musicianship has been for a lot of aspiring musicians or simply mortals (who love good music) around the world. Gracias Luke!

[@truescotsman4103]

hes an institution. one of the greats of the greats.

[@alexandredesmonts35]

don't worry he has lol.

[@jimmyfreeman9133]

Yep, the Glen Campbell of rock!

[@NotBenCoultry]

I knew he was damned good, but I'm learning right now the level of greatness Steve here possesses. Study time begins.

[@markupton1417]

MONSTER talent!

[@angelicamartinezr.8965]

My favourite guitarist in the world. He's super talented and really down to earth. He's a living legend!!

[@MuscleEire]

Absolutely a legend!!

[@robertcastellanos8924]

I met Luke and Steve Porcaro at John McLaughlin’s Farewell gig at Royce Hall, these guys were so gracious and modest. I thanked them both for their musical contribution, Luke’s eyes welled up... l will never forget his humanness.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Mine too next in line from Luke is Neil Schon and EVH

[@angelicamartinezr.8965]

@@robertcastellanos8924 wow, he's one of a kind.

[@Datanditto]

At some point you really should raise the bar.

[@FenderTeleDeluxe]

Steve’s solo on “I Won’t Hold You Back” oozes with emotion. NO ONE could have composed a more perfect solo.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Great solo & song!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5zTmmmeZqllrJI

[@derekthrash9643]

MC you are so right! No flash just emotive playing with notes put in the right place! Love me some Luke...

[@Phoebedumplings]

That’s a fab solo, the vibrato on the last note is gorgeous

[@brianruyack7632]

I had a digital synthesis class in college 1983, and that was the sound I tried to replicate. Love that solo!

[@tomspallone1868]

I’ve said that for years. Especially at the end when it just starts to breakup.

[@danriley5848]

Steve is an absolute legend.

[@bbaker777]

I could listen to Steve Lukather play or speak all day.

[@aubindemontfalcon5967]

Paich says "Luke plays like he talks" ! 😅

[@wataboutya9310]

Steve is so interesting to listen to. A very grounded human being.

[@MuscleEire]

Very down to earth and a great talent

[@jessreh1]

True! 10 years ago I wouldn't have thought that but it does seem like he has mellowed with age!

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

Grounded via pain

[@robertotostado2364]

I remember selling a lot of stuff and even trying to steal some coins from my father's car just to be able to go to see Toto live, I was 17 and we were in a very precarious situation and to see Toto in Mexico was an opportunity I could not let go. Steve is more relevant to the history of popular music than he would ever admit.

[@cemegonuts]

"Luke" always gives a great interview. He is humble and gives good story.

[@rezathenightfly]

I absolutely love Luke's self-effacing mannerism and on cue sense of humour. Great guy!

[@elgonm289]

Hope he is like that when his fans meet him that would be legend 🙏

[@bourgeoisbrats]

Yeah, you can tell that he's kind of been like that since he was a kid. You totally believe him when he says he was scared shitless in the studio at times, because back then people "side-eyed you" when you asked to punch-in. They'd let you do it, but the general feeling was "when I press record, it means don't make a mistake...and if you do make it sound like it was a passing tone"! Lol I bet even his kids think he's a great dad.

[@pamc4106]

Best guitar player as far as I'm concerned Should have alot more recognition way more.

[@dadduorp]

Oh, he does. He’s recognized enough by those who matter and who have the insight to know the level of his artistry.

[@edwardszukalski1904]

Myheart

[@newportmike8519]

National rock and roll treasure. Period.

[@adrian.banninksy]

As a guitarist myself I love a lot of guitarist. But I only have one absolute hero: Steve Lukather. His technic, timing, phrasing are phenomenal. But above all of that he has such great feel and is a very nice and pleasant person. He's a living legend. His autobiography "The Gospel" was fun to read. I hope what ever happens, he always stays close to himself!

[@mikehorn5742]

Agree! That book was a really fun read!

[@gregparker1012]

We are so lucky to have Luke. Let's make the most of that every day.

[@jodyedwards7821]

I had the opportunity to meet Luke back in 2016 and he has always been my guitar hero. I love his humor (much like mine) and I do my best to emulate his style. He has always been a huge musical influence on me. Thanks Luke!

[@41doc]

Michael Landau interview would be “AWESOME “!!!

[@MuscleEire]

Yes it would most certainly!!

[@ia5662]

"Taste, time and groove and original ideas" - damn right, Steve! These are the true essentials of a REAL guitar player. In 2020, so many people can shred, almost anyone at this point, but so very few can do the first part of what you said. Van Halen himself once said that Steve Lukather was the best guitar player and I for one can see why.

[@TA-to7kt]

He's an absolute legend of a human being as well as a monster player. Much love and respect.

[@phenixreturns]

i talked to many guys who believed they knew all : the opposite, only famous in their rooms:)

[@davidwilson6331]

So true!🤙

[@truescotsman4103]

he should put together his own band. i love bands fronted by guitar players!! we want LUKE!!

[@energyasylum997]

This dude is an absolute LIVING LEGEND in the music world!!! Plus, such a REAL dude !!! Keep on keepin on Steve

[@braddsn]

Luke has no idea what a groundbreaking musician he really is, and how much we look up to him. What an awesome human being.

[@seanabbottband]

This is one artist that you want to listen to, he’s been there and back 10 times and everything he says makes sense, and you gotta love his playing!!!

[@kellybeane7546]

Lukather is the man❤️

[@kevindean1327]

Steve is one of the nicest guys I've never met!!!

[@aubindemontfalcon5967]

Luke has a unique personality, both outgoing and truly humble, with a great sense of humor.

[@MariaTolstonog-y2d]

Never heard of Mr. Lukather until I watched an Africa you tube video. A classy and nice guy. Very modest man who worked wirh Quincy Jones & Michael Jackson. 5 Grammys! WOW..

[@combatOracle1]

Steve’s a humble guy that has killed it over the years. Great career and deserves a lot of kudos for his music.

[@deepzepp4176]

Humble? Lol. I don’t think so, buddy.

[@adburger]

I was blessed to meet Steve back in '85. He and David Garfield were jamming Sunday nights at the Baked Potato in Studio City. I think it was the second or third gig that I saw, they named the band los lobotomys.The spontaneity was in credible, much amazing talent in a very small room, very addicting. Steve was often available and hung out on occasion after the shows to talk, I'll never forget it. Thanks for the memories.

[@Stu047]

I am such a huge fan of this guy. - My favourite musician!

[@alannicolle3361]

I have some "heroes" in music. Brian May, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, David Gilmour, Pat Metheny... Luke is up there with these people. I love his humility. His appreciation for where he is and how he got there.

[@GaryParris]

absolutely, Luke & gilmour, would be an amazing colaboration to round off lives who are magical

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Steve is one of the greatest guitarist to have graced this planet. And You could sit and listen to his stories for hours on end😎👊

[@JulianMarkHouse]

I admire this interview. He proves his life and effort was filled with love and joy.

[@johnhendricks8140]

Steve Lukather has the best stories he's pretty much played with the who's who of his era. Steve is beast of a musician, and he has great philosophy for life.

[@pikpen1433]

How can you NOT love this guy - so gracious, thoughtful, respectful and polite - I feel I should nominate him as a Honorary Canadian!! All the Toto guys actually! Front row in Vancouver - was awesome.

[@robster7316]

Steve's hilarious! What a character. Not the easiest guy to interview, though-like riding a bucking bronco-hats off to Don!

[@TheMasonator777]

I came to Lukather awe very late in life. I’ve always admired his playing, but I am just in awe of a guy that played in a shark tank, and came out such a humble and real person. I am going to try to read everything he’s written.

[@YesuAiNimen]

If you listened to the radio in the 80's at all, you are a Toto fan.....you probably just don't know it.

[@MuscleEire]

Yes exactly! Legendary music

[@darkwing7966]

I know. I became a Toto fan before I even realized it as a child. My Dad was playing George Benson, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau among others in the car whenever we went places. Then I started listening to Toto and never realized they were playing on all those records, especially Jeff, Steve Lukather, and David Paich. Musical tornado wrapped them all up everywhere in the music industry.

[@loopchangeloop696]

One of my favorite interviews with Steve Lukather. Such a smart and talented man. Wonderful. (Thanks, Dom.)

[@slickingdom]

I started buying records back in the mid 1970’s and it seemed like Steve Lukather was on mostly everything that I brought home from that point on. I actually play the drumset and Steve Lukather is one my heroes. I love his artistry!! ❤️

[@timsmith7899]

Steve Lukather has always been my favourite guitarist of all time, astounding technique and songwriter too. He has every style and blistering speed.

[@BenScott777]

Amazing interview! One of the greatest players of our lifetime, without question.

[@Jedizen07]

I have a lot of musical heroes. But Luke is my Superman. Interviewed him back in 1999, when Toto came to Reno back in 1999. Great guy ( his studio stories on Jay Graydon are extremely funny ) and magical musician!

[@cheeneedejesus3537]

Jay Graydon is another session legend!

[@robertdecker6010]

Humble Genius...incredible talent combined with work ethic. No short cuts to legendary status.

[@mackmaloney3776]

Read his book! Five stars

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

i love to hear him talk philosophy. Excellent musician and inspiring man generally. Guy you d love to take to the pub!

[@cathybedwell1877]

He hasn't had a drink in about 10 years now.

[@bluespig1]

Thanks both Dom & Steve. Both excellent humans.

[@davidbrazington9283]

An absolute legend in the guitar and music world. The ideal combination of taste and class.

[@curiousjorge6426]

Lukather has always been a monster player. His work on Toto really stood out and when I discovered that he did the killer solos on other songs - Talk to ya later, Dirty Laundry, etc. - He was clearly one of the greats. Who knew he was a nice guy too.

[@Virgolino57]

Loved this. That's one of my idols. Luke's such a great musician and yet he's so simple and humble. What a spontaneous guy! On top of that we're the same age (8 days difference). Greetings from Portugal.

[@simba30]

One of the most tasteful soulful Guitarest around

[@mxxjss]

I’d like to see Luke release another book based on his session datebook he still has. So many dates with all the incredible musicians and songs.

[@cathybedwell1877]

I heard he has said he is working on exactly this. I hope it's true.

[@robertthompson9161]

True humble legend, amazing

[@robaxl3088]

I'm 47yrs old..I'm a metal guitarist but I have to say that Steve really inspired me to play..his guitar playing is amazing.

[@davecerv]

I adore Lukather. He’s my favorite musician. I have ALL of his solo albums as well as all the Toto stuff. This was a great video, I wish it was 1 hour long!

[@kmcewenguitar]

Luke... so many layers under that stellar musicianship. Much love and respect 🙏✌🙌

[@RogerBiwandu]

We love you Luke, and come on, don't put yourself down, NEVER, I mean humility is great, but you did, you still doing it AWESOME, you're a legend man, living the dream at its best !!! Thanks Dom.

[@becky5178]

Luke & Toto never got the recognition they should have. They were STARS!! 🌟🎸🎶❤️🥁🌟

[@dem676speaks5]

Steve Lukather is the reason I really got into wanting to play guitar 🎸 obviously after hearing the solo at the end of rosanna was inspiring but it was his solo in “You are the flower” from the first album that made want to practice. Thank you Steve ❤️💯🎸🔥🔥🔥

[@jeffd8597]

Him and Larry my two major influences. Amazing to listen to these stories... What creativity and knowledge. THE GROOVE, SWING MELODY, he hits the nail on the head. Thank you Steve.

[@ridehead8771]

Steve is a definition of a musician, Toto's music speaks for itself.

[@CaptainSpyware]

Oh man... the look on Luke´s face at 24:15 says it all... I guess he never fully recovered from losing Jeff. As he once mentioned, it was one of the most devastating things in his life... God bless you, Luke! Don´t be so hard on yourself... I´m sure you´ll see Jeff again one day.

[@EmreCanKorkmaz]

Lost for years, watching the 2003 25th year concert DVD was the first time I've 'seen' the guys who literally composed, arranged, played the soundtrack of my life in one way or another felt like meeting my long lost relatives. I wanted to hug them. I still can remember the chills I had during the opening riff of Girl Goodbye that they kicked of the show with. Man, emotions. Thank you guys for making life bit more meaningful and great.

[@vincentlewis1297]

I love listening to Steve talk, he has such genuine humility and matter-of-fact coolness. Great guitar player.

[@coldroses5337]

Absolutely brilliant man Steve Lukather is a beast! "Lifting the needle" "The wrecking crew" Toto was the last "wrecking crew" and then some ! " Groove, swing & taste " It's wonderful and sad listening to this. Cheers 🍷

[@markupton1417]

When I started playing guitar... around 1981-82 all of my friends and I were into metal/hard rock...but EVERYONE loved Lukather. Bunch of 13-15 year old led zeppelin, Judas priest, Iron maiden fans singing along at the top of our lungs, "Hold the line!...."

[@michellefuerst1039]

Steve is such an amazing musician! Super down to earth!❤🇨🇦

[@stratdx]

What a beautiful person.

[@davidnoval9043]

Steve here in France (with TOTO or as a studio guitarist) you have lots of fans since a long time !! I don't care about Rock critics as Rolling Stone , because their favorite groups were often musical trends BUT you and Toto have made PURE music ....Miles Davis considered you as one of the best Rock band ever and all your fans know how you have improved Rock music forever

[@mikehatch2114]

Not just your average guitar god..Jeff was a genius. He enriched so many lives.

[@MuscleEire]

He certainly did!

[@kenfreeman5321]

I started playing drums a few years ago at the tender young age of 61, a lifelong passion of mine. That led me to Jeff Porcaro which led me to Toto. I always liked Toto but was never "into" them. That has changed. What an incredible and talented group. This was a great interview by Dom (I also saw the Steve Porcaro and Joe Porcaro interviews) and the more I learn about Steve Lukather, the more he impresses me. Like Jeff, not just as a musician but as people. Dom has hit another one out of the park with this Session.

[@manydreams1life315]

You do inspire people, Steve …. I’m 55 love anything you do or say about music.

[@coughforme21]

Lukather makes it all seem so effortless - the mark of a true maestro. His playing on "Isolation" and "Farenheit" blows me a away.

[@ladystrange7791]

I have lost count of how many Toto/Luke interviews I have watched, but this one is my favorite. I’ve heard the saying “never meet your heroes” but I seriously doubt I would be disappointed if I ever got to meet this voice I have loved from 4 years old. It’s amazing a musical genius is so humble & has such a great sense of humor. This was a great interview ❤️

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Awesome! Thank you for subscribing & sharing to bring many more!

[@robertolucca1834]

Luke, you've inspired my life so much and in so many ways....such a humble man, such a great heart...let alone the sick sense of humor and the heaven-sent playing.....God bless you man....and thanx Dom

[@davidkarnas1875]

Luke is the greatest! When he speaks of the muscians he has played with, for me, he is the guy I would have to make sure I wasn't dreaming if I ever had a chance to be in the same room with him. I am in my 60's and he inspires me! Thank you, Luke! You are the best!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Be sure to Subscribe to our KZbin channel so you don't miss a full hour of Luke wisdom....we'll be releasing The Sessions panel from NAMM 2020 with Leland Sklar & Jim Keltner soon!

[@MuscleEire]

I'm sure Luke would appreciate that sentiment 😁 a great musician I agree

[@RetardicA]

I can't believe I haven't known this man's name until today. What a spirit.

[@nohaste4me]

The person behind! Always nice to hear the heart ( through words this time). Song for Jeff at North Sea Jazz made me cry several times...

Oh man... what a legend, I could not just listen to him play all day, I'd listen to him talk all day as well :-)

[@cathybedwell1877]

I feel that way too! Have you read Luke's autobiography yet?

[@derekhenderson1730]

I'm in awe of Mr Lukather, he is so inspirational and such a quality musician, everything I've heard him do oozes class, , ,and he is so right " chops are great" "but its all about groove, timing and taste". Bravo Steve !

[@petewoodroffemusic]

One of thee great players in every style and top man aswell!!

[@EVEROSFP1]

Only by the fact that he is the guitarist for Toto that says it all. Steve never stopped evolving and that's amazing..

[@DaleCrommie]

Thank goodness for people like Steve and Jeff Porcaro. ❤️🌻🔥

[@Kate-u1m]

And Mike Porcaro!!❣️

[@aubindemontfalcon5967]

And David Paich !

[@adude394]

Luke is such an astounding musician.

[@fmbighair]

21:12 Brilliant! “There is no mistakes, only unexpected opportunities.” -Miles Davis

[@KimbrellBrad]

Toto has always been one of my favorite bands. And this guy is just amazing! I love what you’re doing - please keep it up!

[@dalezjc]

Awesome interview Dom! Lukather will go down as one of the all-time great guitarists and composers. His love and compassion for all things music is inspiring for sure. I too grew up in that era and music is still an important part of my everyday life, and will always be a part of me.

[@GoodSneakers]

Gotta love the guy. Humble, kind, passionate and immensely musical.

[@scottstevens5481]

I love this guy so much! He so real! He’s got his heart right out there for everyone to see! Thank you for letting us see your heart Steve ❤️

[@LuvHrtZ]

My brother got a gtr for xmas and it ended up with one string and I used to play melodies up and down that one string - I thought I could 'play gtr'. At high school, I got to be the 'lead guitarist' in a band, even though I was clueless. What an awakening. A friend rescued me when he drew a pentatonic scale.

[@BrianVallotton]

Halfway through I go to my Audible account and get his book! The Gospel According to Luke. Yep.

[@Osch99]

Love this guy and his guitar playing. He has such a great feel and style! And a complex and interesting person - very emotional and determined at the same time. That is what his music tells me.

[@hockeyman2274]

Very humble - also very talented

[@davidjamespiano]

Save your money!! 👍🏻👍🏻 Such a down to earth cool guy. Great interview and great advice.

[@reubenortiz5923]

The Virtuoso of guitar Tone

[@lucamarrone9862]

My favourite guitarist ever, I've seen him in Lucca with Toto last summer. Truly amazing!

[@drumngolf]

Luke!!!! He is always a great interview. Doesn't even need an interviewer and Dom was great in not interrupting. He has so many great stories and is wound up like the energizer bunny. Fantastic!

[@cathybedwell1877]

Have you read his book, The Gospel According to Luke. I heard he’s working on book no. 2 now.

[@surfshack2]

Steve's the best. What a great guy.

[@frankcruz8068]

Steve is one of the coolest and most talented players ever! I'm a big fan of Toto, a bigger fan of Steve.

[@wesdenham3847]

He became great by being talented, and working his butt off. Love it!