Classic rock fans lost another great performer today.
Mike Porcaro, bassist for Toto, died this morning. He suffered from ALS for over seven years, and lost that battle at 12:04 a.m. Porcaro, who performed with Toto from 1983 to 2007, was 59 years old.
TMZ shared that Porcaro retired in 2007 because of struggles with ALS. The degenerative nerve disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gherig’s disease, has affected many beloved stars, including the Still Alice director Richard Glatzer, who recently passed away, and Stephen Hawking, whose battle with ALS is the subject of the film The Theory of Everything.
According to examiner.com, Porcaro didn’t limit his talents to Toto, but also performed with the likes of Mike Franks, Seals & Crofts, and Larry Carlton. The last message he posted on his personal web page, in which he thanked everyone for their support during his trying times and uplifting reception of his solo album Brotherly Love, was also shared.
His brother, Steve, shared the news of Porcaro’s death on Facebook, and gave his final wishes, “Rest in peace, my brother.”
Mike is survived by wife, Cheryl, daughter, Brianne, and sons, Sam and Jeff.