Mike Porcaro

1955 - 2015

Mike Porcaro

1955 - 2015

BORN

1955

DIED

2015

Mike Porcaro Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 16, 2015.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mike Porcaro, who was the son and brother of prominent musicians and carved out a long, successful career as the bass player for the Grammy-winning pop group Toto, has died at age 59.

Porcaro died Sunday, Toto's publicist Keith Hagen told The Associated Press.

No cause was given, but he had suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease for several years. He left the group in 2007 because of declining health.

Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, attacks the cells that control muscles.

Toto was formed in the late 1970s by keyboard player, David Paich, Porcaro's brothers Steve and Jeff, and other prominent session musicians who have recorded and toured over the years with Michael Jackson, Sonny and Cher, Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan and numerous others.

Porcaro came on board in the early 1980s when bassist David Hungate left to resume his session career.

The three siblings were the sons of jazz percussionist Joe Porcaro. Jeff Porcaro died in 1992.

Toto's merging of jazz, power-pop, soul and other musical forms sold millions of records in the late 1970s and early '80s and made the group one of the most popular of that time.

The album "Toto IV" won the Grammy for album of the year in 1982. The song "Rosanna" won record of the year.

Other Toto standards include "Hold the Line" and "Africa."

The group was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009.

Toto's first new studio album in 10 years, "Toto XIV," is scheduled for release later this month. A European tour is slated for the spring and summer.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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July 16, 2024

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November 9, 2023

Ma. Elena Ibarra posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2020

Donna Malchrist posted to the memorial.

73 Entries

July 16, 2024

I'm from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago and I love listening to music and one of my most favourite bands was Toto...I especially loved looking at Mike,he was always smiling but seemed very focused when playing bass...I just though he was so handsome ♥
Condolences to his family and may Mike continue to sleep in sweet peace

Ma. Elena Ibarra

November 9, 2023

Sé que ya no estás aqui pero me hubiera gustado conocerte. Se me hace un hueco en el estómago al sentir tristeza de ver tus videos y saber que esa hermosa sonrisa ya no existe. seguramente eras una hermosura de hombre así como tu música. Toto se quedo vacío sin ti después de haber sufrido la pérdida de tu hermano. Me conforma saber que alla donde estás ya no sufres dolores ni malestares y que estás junto al creador. Si algo me garantizara que al morir pudiera encontrarme con alguien, sería contigo. Te amo por siempre.

Donna Malchrist

July 18, 2020

Heavens Orchesta is richer because of Mike's fabulous bass playing

May 31, 2020

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My heartfelt condolences to the family's..

Jacques Burnette

May 21, 2020

I loved your playing and know that you are with Jeff now!! Play on Brother, play on!!!

Robert Fales

December 14, 2019

I was fortunate to meet and hangout with both Mike & Simon in the Club in Singapore in 2002 whilst Bobby & Steve were jamming with the Houseband after their 25th Anniversary Asia Tour concert. Bro., Mike was a real joy and absolutely kind Soul to behold. God bless you bro.Mike and thank you so much to leave us with your kind & blessed mankind and amazing passionate bassist!

Jennifer Lucas

November 18, 2016

While I celebrate on 29 May each year, I've been terribly depressed on March 15. Lighting a candle on that day has become a ritual. 1st April is also a good day, while 5 August has been rough for 24 years. We love you Boys, and you will forever be in my heart.

with Mikey 1996

David Jones

April 19, 2016

In this lifetime, it's not often you come to like something and fall in love with THAT something. Toto (apart from my wife) was THAT something for me! They were MY Beatles. The band that I identified with in my journey through life. It's just not possible that most people would get to drink a pint of beer with Sir Paul McCartney in their lifetime either. Mike Porcaro was MY Paul McCartney, the bass player for MY Beatles "Toto"!!
In January 1996 in Manchester England, I got to drink a pint of English 'bitter' beer and have a 20 minute chat with Mike at their hotel after they played their concert at the Apollo Theatre. Dreams DO come true!
Thankyou Mikey and R.I.P.

Steve Milton

August 5, 2015

I just found out. My heart goes out to Mike's wife and children, their children and to Joe and Steve for their loss. Toto was a major soundtrack of my childhood and Mike was the flawless link between the fantastic backbone drumming by Jeff and Steve's keyboards that are still etched in my soul today. Your family has brought so much to the world. Know that Mike will be thought of by all his gift touched until the last of our days.

Sean Sherrod

April 15, 2015

RIP Mikey, I'm gonna miss you buddy!

Michael Lomeli

April 5, 2015

I can't believe mike porcaro passed away. I just found out today. Toto was my favorite group and still is. This is so sad. I'm sorry for the porcaro family. Mike really brought the sound to toto. Your with your brother Jeff now. I'm going to pay my respects at your grave mike. Rock on in heaven. rip.

Paddy McCready

April 1, 2015

Groovemeister of the Bass and a warm and charming human, so sad at your passing....I Will Remember.

Dianne

March 27, 2015

I am terribly sorry to hear about Mike. I thoroughly enjoyed his music. I hope the family, friends, and fans can find comfort in the promise that we will see our loved ones again free of any sickness, pain, and suffering. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss!

Shane Sheaf

March 26, 2015

Loved your music and loved your playing Mike. May GOD bless and keep you and your family. Shane in Ohio.

R.E Velzen

March 25, 2015

You will be missed.. now youre playing bass in heaven. make them happy with your great solo's

March 21, 2015

We miss you. From Lima-Peru.

Richard Watkins

March 21, 2015

Very saddened at the passing of Mike Porcaro, my thoughts are with his family & close friends at this difficult time, RIP Mike, you will never be forgotten.

TRIAD / MC

David J Bhaltazhar Esq

March 21, 2015

Farewell

Bobette Kleiger

March 20, 2015

I am very saddened about Mike passing....He was and is a great great man...He has left us way to soon but I know he is in heaven with his brother Jeff and they are already jamming...It was in there blood...My heart goes out to all his family and many many friends...I will never forget the days I had the privilege of having him as my friend...Love you Mike always....Thank you for making this world a better place....Bobette

michelle plakas-kaiser

March 20, 2015

rip

JUAN VAZQUEZ

March 20, 2015

WE ARE VERY SAD MY WIFE ANA AND TONY, FROM MEXICO. SORRY ABOUT OUR MIKE PASS AWAY LAST SUNDAY...GOD BLESS HIM

Robyn Tanzer

March 20, 2015

I grew up with Mike and his brother Jeff. I am so saddened by the news of Mike's passing. I saw Mike at his 30 yr High School Reunion. Mike was such a wonderful person. I am so sorry for the Porcaro's and the worlds loss. My heart goes out to his family. I hope he and Jeff are making some awesome music. Gone too soon.

Graciela

March 20, 2015

R.I.P Mike, always in our hearts! Heaven has another angel.

WALEED KALEEL

March 19, 2015

I am in disbelief and in confusion as to why the good people of this Earth have to leave us so soon. Mike's kindness and friendship to me will never be forgotten. His wit and humor was razor-sharp. His heart was pure gold. I will miss him for his tasty grooves and feel with his instrument...I will miss him more for the beautiful human that he was. RIP MIKEY. God-willing....we will see each other again in the coming existence.

Trevor Davies

March 19, 2015

A sad day! Watching Mike play on stage was beautiful to watch. The pure joy he felt when he was in his groove was written all over his face. Taken too soon brother! R.I.P. Condolences to the Porcaro and Toto families.

jackie m

March 19, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. I truly love the music of Toto and how great they are as musicians. Many tributes and condolences to the family. In the future he can play and make beautiful music again on a restored paradise earth. Take care, Isaiah 65:17, 21-23.

Pedro Torrez

March 19, 2015

A great bass player from a great musical family. He is truely missed and we are lucky that the brothers musici still resonants after all these years. RIP Joe, Jeff and and Mike.

March 19, 2015

Both Mike and Jeff..One of the greatest rhythm sections in rock are gone but not forgotten.

Thad

March 19, 2015

Thank you for the beautiful ballads and memories.

Elizabeth Wickham

March 18, 2015

My condolences to the Porcaro and TOTO families. I didn't know Mike personally but Toto has been in the soundtrack of my life since the 70s.

March 18, 2015

Your music Helped me though my life.
Martin ...Germany

Lorraine

March 18, 2015

Prayers of Peace for the Porcaro family.

March 18, 2015

My sincere sympathy to all of the Porcaro family and to Toto on the very sad loss of a great friend. Thank you MIke for the many years of enjoyment your music brought to me. RIP

HG Oliver, Dublin, Ireland


Harry, Dublin, Ireland

March 18, 2015

May the God of all Comfort be with you.

March 18, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 18, 2015

He gave so much to so many.Cherished memories.Love and prayers for his family at this time and always.

A.J.Bell. Scotland.

March 18, 2015

I am so very, very sorry for your loss Skin, Aileen, Steve and Joleen and Mikes wife and children. ALS is a horrible disease . As you know my brother also suffered and passed from this diease. He is now at peace, leaving us with fond memories. My prayers are with you.

Cat

March 18, 2015

Rest in peace my friend

G. Freeman

March 18, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rick McAfee

March 17, 2015

A great person and musician, rest in peace and may God keep you!

Piotr T.

March 17, 2015

Spoczywaj w Bogu, mistrzu Mike....

P L

March 17, 2015

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Mike's family, bandmates and friends during this difficult time.

His music lives on!

Rest in Peace.

R

March 17, 2015

Jehovah God promises a resurrection of ones who have died, so in mean time
Pray for the strength that only God supplies.

Marco Petraglia

March 17, 2015

My condolences to the Porcaro family in this difficult time. My love and prayers are with you. Rest in Peace Mike, your reunited with your loving brother Jeff, in the kingdom of God. May your light shine on us for eternity

lavon Taylor

March 17, 2015

"Christ has been raised up from the dead, the firsfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death. For since death came through a man resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive."
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
You have sincere condolence

Ronnie Teich

March 17, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to the Porcaro family. May you be at peace. The music now from above just got greater! You will be missed.

L T

March 17, 2015

God's word promises in the future that " no one will say I am sick"

March 17, 2015

You'll live forever in my heart, Mike! God bless you and your family!
(Oscar, Bucharest - Romania)

March 17, 2015

No words can express our sincere condolences for the loss of Mike. I didn't know Mike personally, but he captivated many with his talent behind the music. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss, and May our Loving Heavenly Father heal your broken heart and be a source of strength and comfort to you during this difficult times.

March 17, 2015

Condolences to the family.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

March 17, 2015

In God's care rest in peace

Rick Chains

March 17, 2015

Mike and Jeff. Two angels in the sky

Dave Hicks

March 17, 2015

To the Pocaro family I am sorry for your loss of Mike R.I.P. my brother you are at peace now God Bless

AR Washington DC

March 16, 2015

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of Mike Porcaro. The legacy he left with Toto will live on. May the courage he displayed in his battle with ALS strengthen all of us and may the wonderful memories of him remain with us until God's promises at John 6:40 are realized.

March 16, 2015

My heart goes out to his family and bandmates. He was my favorite bass player, A beautiful man with a beautiful soul. So sad.

March 16, 2015

So sorry to hear he is gone, but of course his music will continue to bring joy for generations to come.

Danny

March 16, 2015

I grew up listening to Toto. Still love the music today. One of my favorite bands of all times.
Mike will be missed greatly. Condolences to the Porcaro and Toto family.

March 16, 2015

I'm sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort provide your family with the needed strength to endure as you mourn for your loss.

D Tyler

March 16, 2015

I wish to extend my deep heartfelt condolences to the Porcaro family. May your family be comforted knowing that there will be no sickness, death, or suffering. God knows your pain and will give you the needed strength to endure. I am sure that family and friends have good memories to share that can bring some relief along with prayer. May your days grow stronger and peaceful as time move on.

DM

March 16, 2015

My sympathies to Mr. Porcaro's family. May our loving heavenly Father heal your hearts and give you peace and the strength to cope in the days ahead. (Php. 4:6,7)

Rick Rudar

March 16, 2015

God Bless Mike and The Porcaro Family. The Greatest Rhythm Section Ever is reunited!

Sheila

March 16, 2015

In Gods care. Rest in Peace.

March 16, 2015

Sorry to hear about your loss. May you find hope in the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. 1:3-5

JLW

March 16, 2015

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Even though, I can't know how you feel, God knows and he wants you to throw your burden on him because he cares for you.

March 16, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Garcia

March 16, 2015

Your pain and suffering has ended, you are now at peace. May your family be blessed and comforted by God and his angels at this time.

V. F

March 16, 2015

Sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one. May our heavenly father give you peace at this most difficult time.

Cheryl Abbott

March 16, 2015

Rest in Peace and thank you for part of the sound track of my life.

Adrian Barnette

March 16, 2015

We'll miss you !

Harry Simpson

March 16, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jane Dowling

March 16, 2015

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Thank you for your gift of music! Rest in peace.

Scott Chamberland

March 16, 2015

Rest in Peace

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July 16, 2024

Someone posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2023

Ma. Elena Ibarra posted to the memorial.

July 18, 2020

Donna Malchrist posted to the memorial.