Steve Lukather | #009 The Kenny Aronoff Sessions

With a career that has spanned an awe-inspiring five decades, Steve Lukather has solidified his position as an internationally renowned musician, singer-songwriter, producer, not to mention co-founder of the iconic band, Toto. His list of achievements and accolades is as extensive as his talent, with five Grammy wins and an unparalleled discography featuring collaborations with music legends such as Michael Jackson, George Benson, and Boz Scaggs. Steve's unwavering dedication and exceptional skill have firmly established him as one of the greatest guitar players in the annals of rock and roll history, and he has accumulated a wealth of fascinating rock and roll stories along the way which he shares with Kenny here today.

Together, they unlock the key highlights of Steve Lukather's extraordinary journey, including his formative years as a musician, the significance of his dual roles as a session musician and band member, and his illustrious discography that has left an indelible mark on the music world. They delve into the vibrant realm of creativity and innovation that has shaped Steve's career, as he fearlessly embraced various musical styles and adapted to ever-changing musicscapes. His legendary experiences with the band Toto, his successful solo career, and the profound impact of working with a virtual ‘Who’s who” in the music industry are thoroughly explored here today. Throughout this captivating conversation, Steve's infectious humor and unwavering passion for music shine through, matching that of our host, resulting in a wholly entertaining episode that will leave you equal parts informed, inspired, and in stitches.

Episode Highlights:

• Steve Lukather’s start in music
• Steve and Kenny’s experience as studio musicians
• Steve’s parents and grandparents
• Steve and Kenny’s performance at The Beatles’ Tribute
• Steve’s introduction to George Martin
• His first session work
• The changes in Steve’s guitar sound
• Steve and Kenny’s experiences with different producers 
• Steve work with Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton
• His work on “Beat It” and “Physical”
• Steve’s 46 years with Toto
• Steve and Kenny's perspectives on 5 year plans and retirement
• Kenny’s tour with Joe Satriani
• Steve and Kenny’s stories involving each other and other stars
• Steve’s autobiography
• Steve and Trevor Lukather’s “Crossroads” jam with Sammy Hagar and Kenny
• Trevor Lukather’s work with his dad and Phil and Nick Collins 
• Steve's current work
• Steve and Kenny’s perspectives on the music industry
• Some of Steve and Kenny’s wild times together

Quotes:

"You want the artist to feel special, like you're giving them something.”

"You only retire from a job that sucks… for us, retire and do what?” 

"At my age, a five-year plan is like, will I make it five years?”

"All I ever wanted was a long career, man.”

"They thought that being a studio musician, we couldn't be a real rock band”

"We were naughty. But even when we cleaned our act up, we were still buds. We still could relate to each other."

Links:

Kenny Aronoff

Steve Lukather