Toto's Mike Porcaro Dead At 59

[Webster]

Prog News: Toto's Mike Porcaro Dead At 59

Toto bassist Mike Porcaro has died after a struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 59.

Bandmate and brother Steve confirmed the news, saying: “Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:04am last night at home surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, my brother.”

He was forced to retire from touring with the band in 2007 as a result of his illness, also known as motor neurone disease, which causes muscle wasting. The band continued to list him as a permanent member while original bassist David Hungate took his place on the road.

Mike joined brothers Steve and Jeff in Toto in 1984, and remained until his retirement. The band – minus Jeff, who died in 1992 – split in 2008 but regrouped in 2010 to provide support after the bassist’s disease was announced in public. He’d been in a wheelchair since 2012.

They’ve continued to play since regrouping, and Toto XIV, their first album in nine years, is launched on March 23, with UK dates to follow.

...another good musician has passed to the ages...