Entertainment

Toto Bassist Mike Porcaro Dies

by Lia Beck

Even if you think you don't know Toto, you probably do, and, sadly, one of the men responsible for the band's hit songs has passed away. Toto bassist Mike Porcaro died on Sunday, March 15 of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 59.

Porcaro's brother, Steve, who is the band's keyboard player, shared the news of his brother's death on Facebook on Sunday writing, "Our brother Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:04 AM last night at home surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, my brother."

In addition, the band's guitarist and singer, Steve Lukather, shared on Twitter: "My brother Mike Porcaro is now now at peace. I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless."

According to CNN, the band reunited in support of Porcaro for a 2010 tour.

Toto was most popular in the late '70s and in the '80s. Porcaro replaced the band's original bassist in 1982 and joined his brothers Steve and Jeff, the drummer, who were already in the band. Toto is best known for their songs "Africa", "Rosanna", and "Hold The Line". While Porcaro did not appear on the album versions of these songs, he came into the band soon after and appeared with the band many times as they played them live. Take a listen below.