Photo: Facebook/Mike Porcaro Fan Page
Toto's veteran bass player Mike Porcaro has died aged 59, following a lengthy illness.
Porcaro passed away following following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Porcaro's brother and band member, Steve wrote on the band's Facebook. "Our brother Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12.04am last night at home surrounded by his family," he posted. "Rest in peace, my brother."
Guitarist Steve Lukather also paid tribute on Twitter saying: "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."
Porcaro was forced to cease touring commitments with the band in 2007 due to declining health but was inducted into the Musician's Hall Of Fame in 2009. He joined the band in 1982 ahead of their most successful album Toto IV which inlcuded both 'Africa' and Rosanna'.
Watch Mike Porcaro and Toto play 'Africa' live below
Toto's first new record in almost a decade Toto XIV, will be released on 24 March with the band embarking on a European tour starting in May including a London date on 26 May at the Hammersmith Apollo.
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