Mike Porcaro, former bassist for US rock band Toto, died on 15 March, his bandmate has confirmed. The longtime member of the Grammy award-winning group was 59.
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather wrote on Facebook that Porcaro died at home at 12.04am and was surrounded by his family, adding: “Rest in peace, my bother.” Lukather provided no additional information about the cause of death.
Porcaro was diagnosed with ALS, a neurological condition known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2010. The band raised awareness about the disease during a 2013 tour.
Toto, which formed in California in the late 1970s, are best known for such hits as Hold the Line, Rosanna and Africa. They won a Grammy for best album in 1982 for Toto IV. Porcaro, who replaced bassist Mike Hungate in 1982 and toured with the band for that album, left Toto in 2007.
Following news of their bandmate’s death, Lukather wrote: “My brother Mike Porcaro is now at peace. I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family.”
The group’s first album in 10 years, Toto XIV, will be released on 23 March in the UK and 24 March in the US. Toto begins a European tour in May.
