Wildwood At Home: A Conversation with Steve Lukather (Part 2 of 5)

2020 has brought some interesting and unexpected experiences, hasn't it? As we round the corner into summer and find ourselves staying close to home, we felt it was important to reach out to a few of our fellow Wildwood brethren to catch-up, share stories, and spread the love!
In this series, Greg Koch and session musician and guitarist for the timeless and catchy rock band Toto, Steve Lukather, sit down to shoot the @$#!. Subjects range from life in lockdown, Steve's new solo album, the duo's shared love of playing guitar and their continued interest in learning, to their thoughts on the future of music, Steve's go-to session gear, the importance of personality in guitar play, and the challenges of playing over complex changes as a guitar player.
Not only is the banter between Greg and Steve hilarious, but the subject matter holds weight.
Part 1: • Wildwood At Home: A Co...
Part 3: • Wildwood At Home: A Co...
Part 4: • Wildwood At Home: A Co...
Part 5: • Wildwood At Home: A Co...
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Facebook: on. 11aLDN5

[@dawnpoint]

"Didn't change the world?!" Maybe not THE world, but certainly MY world. That's not insignificant.

[@WiserInTime]

When Steve Lukather repeatedly praises your playing....it's a good day.

[@weschilton]

He's cool like that. All the guys in Toto are. :)

[@top-voice1674]

Steve, the only man who can say to his interviewer, " and you, what are you doing these days?" , so humble so talented .

[@christopherjansen5135]

Steve, bro....please, man. We hear so much of everything except (honestly) how insanely good you are. All anyone has to do is watch and listen to 40 Tours around Sun - to understand you are a deep player. You adopt intelligent thinking that is powerful, and emotional into your playing. Yes, there’s jazz influence. But as a “rock” guitarist, you take these influences and soar, man. Take the guitar solo in your song, “Brody’s.” That’s just out of this world, insanely great. The Rosanna solo on 40 Tours...the way you throw that down...It’s chill to humble, but damn it, brutha, I wanna jump through my iPad, knock on your door and say “thank you!” I guess we become used too the daily exposure of our own stuff to where we get numb. Next, we wanna talk about anything but ourselves. Accept the praise. You’ve earned it and you’re brilliant. Broke my heart when we lost Lyle Mays at the young age of 66 back in February. I hope you are still doing this at 100. Yeah....Lyle Mays...you’re in that league. See ya!

[@pallhe]

Steve is unbelievably hard on himself, but maybe that's part of what makes him so great.

[@michaelgregory2231]

Love Luke. You can count the number of players you can recognize in a few notes on one hand and he's solidly in that rare club. On top of that, most of the guitar parts that we love on tunes he played on are HIS PARTS! They weren't written in, but they fit so well that it's as if the song was crafted around his part. In those two qualities lie his genius.

[@ebeyslough]

Steve, there aren't that many guitar players better than you. Come on. You are a friggin legend.

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Can't overstate the foundation of my emotions from his music.

[@jennifercooper8590]

Luke is humble, lovable and super talented! Can u ask for more???

[@jbsmedia4967]

Two amazing players.

[@jppagetoo]

Luke is right Greg is a better "pure player". But he is too humble, Luke is one of the worlds best himself. Free tix shouldn't be expected. I have been a guest at several shows by big bands. I ALWAYS make sure to thank them personally. I also pick up some murch so they get paid. Support musicians!!!!!!! They are going to need us more than ever when they can play again.

[@brettgarsed]

Luke is the most brutally honest person I've witnessed on the music and entertainment scene for a long time. I've already listened to his audiobook 3 times and each time gives me more insight into the amazing life he's lived and the price he's paid for living it. He's a survivor and an inspiration and my life has been enriched by his music and musicianship. I'm so grateful he's still here to share his wisdom and experience with us. Huge thanks to Greg Koch for making this interview available. Two giants of the guitar in conversation.

[@davidmeroth2405]

Two of the finest musicians and people in the business. Great interview!

[@fiddlix]

Greg Koch and Steve Lukather...it gets no better.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Imo, Luke lives in the shadow of Jeff Porcaro...he never props himself up, always, always self effacing, humble...insecure...yet his discography is shocking...as was Jeff's and Paich's and all the cats in TOTO! TOTO itself is the Wrecking Crew of the 70s and 80s! INSANE recording credits. LOVE Luke...

[@richardv.582]

🤣

[@bobbytomtom]

2000 days !!! Can you imagine ?... Less than 7 days home per month ... Incredible. Steve you have all my respect !!!

[@mjfaneric]

This guy is a great musician work with so many great was ON THRILLER and a lot of great albums

[@j_freed]

Steve humbly defers, but really his thing is focus and fitting in to the gig situation like a pro. That's the skill as much as the chops and talent.

[@jlr022159]

What a privilege to listen in on the conversation of these two guys!

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

These guys are both monster players!!!!

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

I am always excited to watch videos with either of y'all .... but together & I am on cloud 9

[@jbruce3121]

When you just finished listening to Toto's songs and then get tired of listening to them. So you start to listen to something totally different and then you realize that they are on the song you are now listening to.

[@graemero5532]

Guy's a Legend

[@TheFrozenDesert]

Sorry Steve, I hate to disappoint you, but you're one of the best ever.

[@sallyhodson7366]

Steve you are still one of the best ever ever guitarist on the planet

[@kamaboko1]

SL is always entertaining.

[@7775Kevin]

This is great. I never heard Steve Lukather speak so honestly and thoroughly about his life and his career. Seems like a down to earth guy.

[@bruunm1975]

Read his book. Or better still get it as audiobook. It’s worth it.

[@7775Kevin]

Markus Bruun I just got a sample of it on Kindle. I like it already. What a career he has had. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@bruunm1975]

@@7775Kevin I got the signed book and then bought the audible audio book. Love it. But then I have been a Luke fan forever an none have had an impact on me like him.

[@TheBestbackingtracks]

Love this chat! The only thing about the "Plumber" analogy and the clubs, is that with professional plumbers and their quotes, you dont tend to find a bunch of amateur plumbers that are lined up ready to work for "free" simply for the fun of it, completely ruining the professional plumbers negotiations with the venue.

[@kevinkaatz883]

Stop it Luke, there's not many better than you. Celebrate your achievements

[@Hassan_Omer]

"people don't think that musicians have a real job." I had the impression that in the developed countries where there is a proper infrastructure , education, a proper system and industry of music, people won't have this sort of mind set about musicians. I am so surprised to hear this coming from a living legend like Steve Lukather!!!!

[@spyderlogan4992]

I like his comment about putting 'Musician' as occupation on his tax returns since 1975...(and whoever managed to get Steve on with Greg, thanks a lot...)

[@fiddlefolk]

Steve is not only a great musician but a great hang!

[@Christophergarcia-pt2qj]

LUKE!! You are one of the best!

[@kevinkaatz883]

Toto was the White Earth, Wind & Fire

[@jbruce3121]

Steve actually played on several songs from the "I am" album, that included "Boogie Wonderland" and "After the Love Has Gone". He may have played on these two songs for real right along with Al McKay.

[@peterhopqk]

@@jbruce3121 cool, I didnt know that

[@romansingleton8831]

enjoyed this! It was very cool to hear Steve talk about his family and autistic son, makes me like one of my guitar heroes even more. I have an 8 year son with autism and sensory issues so don't play much electric guitar around him but he does enjoy music, a bit mellower. My other younger son loves it though so I try to play often as I can for him.

[@jeffreyfoj9800]

What a humble guy. And the connection between he and Greg is obvious. Nice to see he has TALL respect for the guitar genius who is Greg Koch!

[@stuartpierce121]

Hi ,Steve love Toto listen in car on the way to work. Thanks Jennifer 😁❤️

[@glenkepic3208]

'I'll Talk To You Later'. Among so many great solos, ear worm for the last day or three. Hope the shoulder's better.

[@Bmont1491]

Steve is just a gem of a human being i'd love to have a beer with him.

[@littlelamb6804]

He doesn't drink anymore. haha.

[@ronbreeschooten1031]

@@littlelamb6804 Yes he does, he's taking a sip of a bottle of; "Heineken".

[@fco.josepardinacasado7944]

Hey, it looks like you have a mop on your head, buddy. A little respect and take it off. Cut your hair, you are almost bald and you are old ...!. We are only interested in what you do, what you know how to do, what you show and teach here ...

[@goesjem]

@@ronbreeschooten1031 His morning drink. Haha

[@harryhamb]

What are you doing...im a musician...oh i understand ..you are workless-;) great interview with great musicians#!

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Such a humble dude. I always loved this guy's approach to play all styles. Beat it!... Secret Garden! The Girl Is Mine...Human Nature.. !

[@markwathen975]

Working hard at having fun

[@BryanPaull]

C'mon downunder 2021 Luke.....love to see you again mate

[@crispybell51]

luke doesnt realize who he is haha, love it

[@chrisfarrugia5397]

Such a cool interview!!!

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I hope Luke knows how beautiful Russian classical music is. His little lad might enjoy it.

Lukather is selling himself way too short. Yeah Greg's insane, but Steve's always gonna be one of the best. What he played in his time, most people still can't today. He was ahead of his time just like Eddie. And I'm saying that as someone who covered his music on my channel.

[@sampocock6429]

Greg, gotta bring the trio to Australia!

[@ahall3823]

Yes!!! Please come to Australia! I’ll be there!

[@neastguy]

Love the hundy a night comment. So true

[@gw2031]

I now love Steve Lukather the man even more than the sizzling guitar player,, Talk to you later (The Tubes) omg,, amazing lead guitar playing, what a humble lovely guy, When you could easily have a pint with him, shoot the shit and put the guitar legend bit to the side,, that's a cool guy!

[@DavidLee-wj9sp]

Cool when i met him . cool in this video

[@Draxtor]

you guys really have to check out Second Life and the music scene = COME ON DOWN AND PLAY !!!!! It is awesome !!!! The SL17B music fest is huge !!!

[@chrislestermusic]

Luke is musical and that won’t always win the “chops olympics” but he is a ninja. He doesn’t bother with things don’t work on a stage or in the studio. Making 60 second Instagram clips is not the same thing.

[@kamranmcadam9747]

This is great!!

[@jaggass]

Luke is Gregg Rolie's Doppleganger.

[@dominicchavez3955]

I'm a father of an autistic child. Thanks for mentioning that. I've been trying to teach him guitar, but I think he's only participating to please me.

[@davidsmith2316]

I have an autistic daughter and she loves music but hates it when I turn my guitars up.

[@loutielli]

Such a humble dude. If you haven't read "The Gospel According to Luke"....read it.

[@edreynolds7427]

Great interview. $100 a night - yup. Now there are no venues. Let's hope that changes soon.

[@ronbreeschooten1031]

Ha Steve loves Heineken!

[@tommurrayGTR]

Hmmm! yeah... I thought he was off the hooch! hopefully he doesn't go mental again like the early 00s, his book painted a bad picture with him and booze. Could also be non alcoholic! regardless, he's a grown man, he can do whatever he likes!

[@kennethhacker1341]

Wish Luke was my cousin lol..I have a cousin who carries himself the same way

[@richardv.582]

Its so disconcerting to see Steve talk about covig!..Every one in the industry is suffering. God help us.

[@vausemike]

I never knew Bobcat Goldthwait was also a guitarist!? 😳

[@fjlauer]

LOL - $100 a night. I just felt the best I've felt in 8 months hearing that.

[@Waterinmenbenen]

So Luke, let’s talk about your days of session work. ‘Sure, if have 2 sets of kids. The youngest is 9..’

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

My les Paul has 22 frets, my strat has 21. I'm looking into getting another strat, but can't decide on 22 or 21frets. When it comes down to it. I know it's a preference of choice, but what would "you all" gravitate towards; "21 or 22 frets? Or heck the elusive 24?"

[@natetheeegreat]

Well there's no real argument against 22 frets on a Strat besides wanting something "vintage correct". For some people in doesn't make a difference because they don't play that high but it's nice to get that high D (or bending to that high E). 24 frets on a Strat is different because it messes with the placement of the neck pickup which can be a turn-off for a lot of people.

[@frozendivots1564]

Stadiums cannot get insurance for concerts and won’t for a long time. All for nothing because the shut down is having no effect. The deaths are mainly older people who are LOCKED away in shut down. Regardless, music is well over a year away thanks to lawsuits...

[@jasperchance3382]

what a pleasant fellow SL is

[@charlespatrick8650]

know someone who dated his son, and she used to post some of his stuff on FB, not even close to the old man

[@scottyecora]

Comparing him to his dad is quite unfair. What he does is quite different and as far as I am concerned, he is a very good rhythm guitar player who can write very catchy tunes.

[@charlespatrick8650]

Scott Yecora how far would he get without that last name, and dad's connections opening doors, same as the legacy system among the rich and powerful in any field

[@sinnertrain7405]

As incredible as both these players are, you have to think: they'll never be as influential as someone like John Lee Hooker. BUT thank God that Greg and Steve were compelled to move on to a higher ground on guitar.

[@chrisjames1924]

Lukather will never have enough time in the day to talk about himself

[@jasonpost1771]

He never answered that question...

[@gibsondrummer]

There aren’t any people writing music thats up to the standards that Steve played on , its just not being written The auto tune computer generated pitch corrected crap being peddled today as “content” is disgusting

[@Waterinmenbenen]

Humility is a nice trait and it becomes him but this is just too much to the point it’s getting annoying. We’ve all seen Luke play right? This guy is a true virtuoso. Sure some guys can shred a little faster but in terms of versatility, feel, taste, improvisational ablity, .. this guy is the real deal. Take some pride in your abilities man!

[@aptfive]

Old Steve is worth $80 Million....

[@gusseisern1151]

Hate to say, but Luke Develops to Look like a homeless during COVID times.

[@rockybalboa2526]

Hey Steve.. I just found this video and i only got a minute and 30 seconds into it, and i had enough! I had to stop and come here and say some things to you steve! Youre always bashing yourself and putting yourself down and throwing yourself under the bus about your guitar playing! WTF? STOP IT! Listen to me.. Im also a " very serious guitarist" 3-7hrs everyday, and one time i did 12hrs straight! honestly. And i never think i have " arrived"... : / i have studied alot of great players, im even going to name them too.. lol. it all started with Eddie for me! his tone, his riffs, his leads, his melodies, I love him! he is well, EDDIE VAN HALEN! then i got into Joe satriani when he came out. : / whooooaaaaah... I didnt like steve vai's playing that much, but i liked some of his music. for the love of God particularly. Then i got into neil geraldo, pat benatars husband. a behind the scenes great guitarist! then gary moore. another guy who just had something special. then billy gibbons, and joe bonamassa, he is like the son of gary moore and eric johnson. and super passionate and intense. And can sing too! then i got into neil schon, another behind the scenes in a way, great player. Then andy timmons. Andy is another guy that just has something. But i listen to a song by alvin lee atleast 2 times every month for the past 12yrs since i first discovered it.. Its called the bluest blues.. And if you havent heard that song by chance? you really need to hear it. And put your seat belt on and get the tissues for the his 9 min lesson on how to make your guitar literally cry with heartbroken emotion and pain! : / Ok let me get to my point. I also studied you!!! : ) and you ALWAYS have such feeling and a great tone, and such feeling! Your expression is always so emotive and genuine and tasteful! and SO YOU!!!! AND!!!!! YOU CAN FUCKING SING!!!!! i heard you sing " i'll be over you" and i literally tear'ed up! : / because of the emotion and sound of your voice! YOU MADE ME CRY DUDE!!! WITH YOUR VOICE, SINGING!!! And before i finish here, i want to tell you also, that EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THOSE GREAT GUITARISTS I MENTIONED HERE, THEY HAVE ALL SAID THE SAME THING, MANY TIMES. THEY DONT THINK THEIR THAT GOOD ON GUITAR! THEY WISH THEY COULD SOUND LIKE THE OTHER GUY, THEY APPRECIATE THAT OTHER PEOPLE APPRECIATE THEM AND THEIR PLAYING, BUT THEY SAY THEY REALLY DONT HEAR THAT IN THEMSELVES!!! ALLLL OF THESE GUYS AND OTHERS HAVE SAID THIS! ITS RIDICULOUS ISNT IT??? so here is my message to you.. none of us ever hear ourselves the way other people can hear us!!! i dont know why that is. maybe because those of us who have it, have been given a gift from God to share with the world. to make people FEEL and THINK and WEEP TOO.. NOT everyone has that gift. But those who do, dont hear it in themselves and dont believe it.. : / So you are not alone in that.. And you need to stop saying those negative and ludicrous things about yourself. YOU ARE A GREAT MUSICIAN, A GREAT SINGER, AND A GREAT GUITARIST.. AND YOU HAVE MILLIONS OF FUCKING FANS THAT SAY SO!!! Do you really think they are just being polite???? : / why? why should they care how you feel? lol. BUT THEY DO, BECAUSE OF THE WAY YOU MAKE THEM FEEL! WHEN THEY HEAR YOU SING OR PLAY YOUR GUITAR!!!!!! SO PLEASE STEVE! PLEASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSE STOP WITH THE IM 62yrs OLD RAP, AND IM LUCKY I HAD SOME KIND OF CAREER, AND IM NOT GOING TO CHANGE THE WORLD.. Blaa bla blaaa blaa blaa.blaaa blaa.. YOU FUCKING DID CHANGE THE WORLD.. ALL OF THOSE RECORDINGS, ALL OF THOSE CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES, ALL OF THOSE SONGS YOU SANG, ALL OF THE LIVES YOU HAVE TOUCHED! AND ITS ALL ON RECORDS AND THE INTERNET AND CDs AND VIDEO FOR AS LONG AS THE WORLD IS GOING ON!!!! WHENEVER I HEAR YOU SING THOSE FEW SONGS THAT TOUCH ME EVERYTIME I HEAR THEM.. EVERY TIME I HEAR YOU SINGING THOSE SONGS.. my favorite ones that you sing.. theres a few. You move me deep inside myself. I can feel your genuine emotions coming through and THAT IS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT!! AND NOT EVERYONE CAN DO THAT STEVE! NOT EVERYONE HAS THAT.. Another thing i shouldnt have to point out, is, that everyone has their own style. their own finger print on guitar.. Eddie can only do eddie.. and to everyone else its great right? but everything he does? is ALL HE DOES. he is just himself. doing what he does. and its the same with everyone else. gary, joe, the other joe, the other steve, gary hoey, buddy guy, bb king, albert king, check berry, stevie ray, billy, neil giraldo and neil schon, carlos, jimi, they all only sound LIKE THEMSELVES.. AND THAT IS ALL THEY HAVE. " THEIR SOUND" ..... and that fine.. that is all anyone could have if they could have it.. You also have your own sound.. And its you. and its what you do, and you do it great! and its all you! youre not ever going to any of those other guys, and none of them will ever any of the other either, and none of them will ever be YOU! so please, shut up and take all the compliments you get, and look in the mirror and tell yourself YOU ARE JUST YOU, BUT YOU ARE GREAT AND YOU HAVE TOUCHED MILLIONS OF LIVES, AND WILL CONTINUE TO TOUCH MILLIONS OF LIVES LONG AFTER YOU LEAVE HERE. FUTURE PEOPLE WILL SEE YOUR VIDEOS AND HEAR YOUR MUSIC AND YOUR VOICE AND YOUR GUITAR PLAYING AND BUY YOUR SIGNATURE GUITARS AND SAY TO THEMSELVES, I WANT TO PLAY LIKE STEVE! HE WAS BITCHIN MAN! : ) OK??????? DO YOU GOT IT NOW????? IS THIS ISSUE RESOLVED?????? I HOPE SO... AND THANK YOU! FOR BEING YOU AND TOUCHING ME WITH YOUR HEART AND SOUL!!!! AND SOME OF YOUR APPROACH TO GUITAR........ : ) AND YEAH I ALMOST FORGOT TO MENTION LARRY!! NO NOT THAT LARRY... LARRY CARLTON!!!!! MR. 335 : P ANOTHER GREAT MUSICIAN AND GUITARIST.. as you also know.......... BUT AGAIN... HE IS JUST LARRY. HE IS JUST BEING HIMSELF... AND THAT IS ALL ANY OF US SHOULD BE CONCERNED WITH...... NOW I WOULD LIKE TO FINISH THIS VIDEO IF YOU DONT MIND?? lol.. All the best steve.. BE YOU!..........

[@thegee-tahguy4877]

Our industry is comprised of aging players attempting to stay relevant disguised as cool rockers who are relevant but are afraid of the amazing new players who they must promote in order to keep the music relevant. Uh, yeah!

[@chrislestermusic]

Show me the songs from this wonderful new crew of guitarists. Relevant? I think “Africa” is still pretty relevant. Music is about more than “likes” and “views” or how many people say you’re the best. That isn’t a body of work and if you can’t tell the difference between the two then that says it all. Relevant...give me a break.

[@nimblejack]

validating the fake virus ... why?