Moderator

Hello everyone and welcome.
We'd like to thank everyone for attending today's event. And of course, thank our speaker, Bobby Kimball for joining us.
So here's the game plan.... All of your messages will be put into a queue, which will be managed by Petra. Those best questions will be submitted to the room.
For now, we have a few questions for Bobby which he will answer and then we will open the floor for questions from all of you.
Bobby, What can you tell us about any recent news with regards to the new record?

Bobby_Kimball

First, hello everybody!
With regards to the new record..... There will always be a lot of news regarding the new Toto CD. We're working everyday (possible) right now, and the band is moving at a very fast pace on the new tracks. They go into the studio each day with very little preconceived notion about what's going to be played. After a little jamming session, (or maybe one of the guys will come up with a particularly uncommon musical idea), everyone falls in and crowds around the idea, and starts to make it his own. That's when the magic begins. They begin to perfect this notion, then, with protools, they make a definite piece out of it. From there, they begin the process of finding something else that would be a good release from that, and fit it with the first piece they recorded.
With protools, you can mix and match these pieces together and come out with the elements of a good song base. Anything is possible from there, and it's only the "near impossible" we're shooting for. When we have some basic idea of the form of the song, everyone gets a copy so they can study the part they played, and I get a copy to begin the lyric writing process. I spend most of my time right now looking for ideas and writing lyrics at home.
I do love to be in the studio when they record, but they're moving so fast I have to play a little catch-up with the lyrics now. We have between 9 and 11 pieces/songs now, so we're starting to take each one and record some overdubs to erase mistakes, play parts more accurately, add new ideas,....etc.
I have some of the lyrics written, but I always want to run everything by the rest of the guys to get their thoughts on where the lyrics are going. The CD is being written by all of us, and everyone has to be vigilant about doing their part. I love this approach, as we end up with something created by the whole band, and we each have a thumbprint on everything. Each of us has a specialty, and now we're getting to use each one of those to it's maximum potential.

Moderator

Excellent, excellent. During his live interview, Luke called the new record "a combination of Isolation and Kingdom of Desire on steroids." Both of these records, when looking at Toto's work as a whole, have a much harder edge to them. Would you classify this record as having a much "harder" sound??

Bobby_Kimball

First, let me say you have to know the softer side of things to understand the harder side. This CD will have some tender moments, without question, but it definitely has a harder edge than what you would expect from Toto. We're happen to be living in a "harder edge" climate these days, and though we're not really influenced musically by what you might hear on the radio, we've just become a product of the times i.e.....war, economic fears, ecosystem breakdown....etc.
We've actually created a new flow-chart for our music. It's the way the world makes us feel right now. I think, when you hear what we're doing, you'll believe it's much harder edged than the previous CDs. Musically, and I reiterate, we're all writing this one, and there's a very new feeling about the whole atmosphere around the songs. We're making each one of them our very own, in our own way. Emotions run high, and the "idea pool" is deep.

Moderator

You said that the record would have a harder edge because you all have just become a product of these harder times with war, economic fears, ecosystem breakdown....etc. Does that influence your lyrics as well? Do you sometimes get that angry about the things you see on TV or read in the papers that you feel the urge to express your reaction in song lyrics or do find it unfitting to combine music (that in the first place is made to entertain people) with problem-laden lyrics?

Bobby_Kimball

We're all a product of our environment, and changes in that environment seem to affect everything about our actions. I get angry about injustices, especially those that cause lives to be lost, those that do harm to this planet, those that tamper with the well being of whole nations at a time, decisions that cause more problems than they solve, .....etc.
From the moment poets/musicians first began to discover they could influence the masses, there has been controversy about the subject of their material. True enough, our initial intention is to entertain and make people feel better about their lives, but it would be dereliction of duty not to mention the inequities thrust upon the existence of humanity by our leaders when a wrong needs to be righted.
We should not only look at our own problems, but be more like a barometer of how the world is changing due to the strife inflicted upon it. Every life is connected in some way, and therefore every injustice is related to us all. It's the poet/musician that ends up being the messenger. This is not a meek position, so sometimes you have to seek the truth and tell it like it is.
I see no problem with being angry with a situation,..........the problem begins when one refuses to do something about it. We all love to entertain, but our moral obligation is to inform those who exist in the dark, about issues and possible solutions.

Moderator

How has the addition of Greg Phillinganes in the studio changed the dynamics of the recording?

Bobby_Kimball

Greg has been a Godsend to us all. David Paich suggested Greg when he was unable to tour, due to some problems with the health of a member of his family. Greg, for many reasons, is the perfect guy for us, because he plays "first chair" keyboard amongst the very best.
Not only that, he's one of the classiest people we've ever met, and he's a wonderful addition to Toto. We all consider him as "in the band", and he's become a great part of the writing and playing on this new CD. It's really fun to watch Greg and David play live together. They make each other play at twice the conscientiousness level they normally do. It would be like having your greatest hero (whatever it is you do), standing over your shoulder watching your every move. You really try to out-do yourself in these situations.
As far as the dynamics Greg has added, his ideas bring another dimension to what we would normally do. From the very first time he played with us, he added "Greg Phillingaines-logic" to the band. That's not such a bad thing. It's a little different from Dave, but sometimes a little change can give a renewed energy to a band as strong as Toto.
Either way, hearing Dave and Greg play together is like being near something omnipotent. We love and appreciate both Dave and Greg, and feel very comfortable with any situation that comes about with the keyboard section.

Moderator

You said that you all consider Greg being "in the band" these days. Dave and Greg are playing together on the new album, so you will have 2 keyboards again on the record just like in the 80?s. We all know that Dave is unable to do a lot of touring these days but are there any plans to do live shows with both of them? Or is it either Dave or Greg performing at the concerts? I think the fans would love to see and hear two keyboardists of this quality live on stage.

Bobby_Kimball

Dave, as one of our founding members, will always be considered our main guy to a certain extent. We all love and respect him for what he's done in, and for, Toto. Had it not been for his writing abilities, we would have been just another band of great players that got "average notice" in the public eye. As the writer of most of our original hits, Dave will live on in Toto no matter to what capacity he intends to participate.
Since Dave and Greg are both participating in the recording of the new CD, we now have 3 keyboardist making this project happen. Let's not forget the original guy, Steve Porcaro. He will play a big role in the sound of the new CD. We still consider him and his talent deeply involved in the music of this band. Though he's not touring with us, he shows up occasionally to give us a thrill onstage, and he'll be putting his parts on the present project as well.
If we do have a situation where Dave and Greg play together live, it would be around the LA area. It's a lot more convenient for Dave to come to these. However, for the most part, we look to Greg to cover the tours during Dave's absence.
It may very well be just that in the future, as Dave finds it more and more difficult to leave LA. We're blessed with Greg's presence onstage, and he's made significant attachment with us all, musically and otherwise. In a perfect world, we would do a tour with both Dave and Greg, but it's not really necessary to do this. There would be no need to double any part that either Dave or Greg plays, as we have a fairly definite sound, and it requires only one player with magnificent capabilities. Two, would be too much of a good thing. It does work in the studio on the creation of the new material though. It's very fun to watch two of the best technicians in the business playing together. Their ideas compliment each other and I love the way Greg brings out the best in Dave, and vise versa.

Moderator

At this point it seems like Toto is going to be busy for another 2 or 3 years between touring and recording and producing the new record. How will this affect your latest solo effort?

Bobby_Kimball

In any instance, my solo work will always come "after" the Toto work. There is such a strong bond we have musically, and after all, Toto is a driving force for us individually. It's the seed from which we all grow, an entity that is appreciated by others, as well as ourselves.
It makes my solo work possible, and I don't intend to forget that. However long it takes to become aligned with all the work on the Toto project, (recording, touring, promoting) I'll be there to do whatever I can to make this our best work possible. I love the fact that we "can" do solo CDs, and my songs are there to be done, however, the issue at this time is the new Toto CD.

Moderator

This last question comes from a fan who couldn't be here today. I heard a rumor from a former member of Chicago that back in the late 80's you came on stage during a Chicago concert and did guest lead vocals on "25 or 6 to 4" did that actually happen? Is there any chance that Toto would ever tour with Chicago?

Bobby_Kimball

It happened, but not in the 80's. I think that was only about 5 years ago while I was visiting NYC for Thanksgiving. Chicago was playing at the Beacon Theater in NYC (I was there, so I had to go), and Jason Scheff and Bill Champlin asked me if I would come up and sing on something with them.
Chicago has always been one of my favorite bands, and it didn't take a lot of persuading on their parts to get me onstage. I was as excited as I could have been, to be singing with some of my heroes.
I celebrated Thanksgiving this past year at Jason's house. Bill Champlin and Verdine White (Earth, Wind, & Fire) were there as well. Thanksgiving has a brand new meaning for me these days. As far as a Chicago/Toto bill, we would more than welcome it.
I actually talked with the guys from Chicago and Verdine during Thanksgiving about an Earth, Wind, & Fire/Chicago/Toto bill. I'm not sure that would ever happen, but I know the crowd would be absolutely wrung-out by the end of that concert.

Moderator

Now.... even though Bobby's fingers are falling off -- we'll open questions to the fans.

musicien83

Do you have also any wonderful ballads on your new album?

Bobby_Kimball

We have a couple of songs that are possibilities. However, they are intermeshed with up-tempo pieces of music. Also each one of us individually has quite a few songs to introduce to the band at some point. But this will be after the fact -- after we finish the experimentation that we're doing. This experimental recording process is reaping a LOT of fantastic rewards.

Sarlic

Would you say it's similar to Angela?

Bobby_Kimball

No they're real, full ballads. Luke started playing a piece and I started writing some lyrics. We've come out with a really decent piece of music. More than a few. But like I said -- we have the individual songs we need to introduce. But they won't all necessarily fit on this CD. We'd rather have more material that we need rather than not enough.

bassman

What's your approach to lyrics? Do you have a favorite subject to write about?

Bobby_Kimball

My approach is to find a subject matter, put a title to it, and begin the process of making some kind of rhyme scheme and getting together, especially double entendres, and try to keep the lines cleverly written.

Sarlic

What do you like to do when you're not writing lyrics or music?

Bobby_Kimball

One of my favorite things to do -- we're doing a lot of construction around my house. I'm a handy guy. We a koi fish pond, so I work with that a lot.

Faris

Do you think the new album reaches out to younger listeners, or will be in the charts?

Bobby_Kimball

It has a lot of different moods. A lot of moods for our original fans, and it bleeds over into the younger market. Since our fan base seems to be between 15 years and 60 years old, we have to play something for everyone.

Tina

Do you have jazzy tracks on the new album?

Bobby_Kimball

Actually, most of the things we've recorded at the moment are coming up with a bit of a jazz flavor so they kind of blend right on down into a funk or real hard-rock groove.
It's really difficult to describe it -- you can't really lump it into anything in particular. Each one of the songs has a varigated feel to it.

Sarlic

How old were you when you started singing in bars in New Orleans, that you mentioned in your most recent interview with Will?

Bobby_Kimball

I was about 12 years old when I first sang in a bar. I had to carry a note from my parents! I was 8 years old when I had my first band. So by the time I was 12, I was singing in the bars.

bassman

What's your opinion about all this bands coming out from the MTV generation, and the fact that their aesthetic side is more important than their effective musical skills and personality?

Bobby_Kimball

It's really obvious that they haven't spent the time training themselves on their instruments or vocally. And, some of them are very effective aesthetically, and they're very good at making MTV-type videos, possibly even having a producer make a great CD for them. But how that translates to the stage -- live -- is a different story.

NIftynili

Do you guys, while recording, keep in mind that you have to play the songs live as well and try to keep them live-playable at the album itself? Or are you gonna re-arrange the songs for the tour after the cd is finished?

Bobby_Kimball

We ALWAYS keep in mind the live aspect of things. We try not to record things that we can't translate live on stage. We always put some things in there that make it a little impossible to visualize -- such as horn and things like that -- but these things can be handled on the keyboards.

l20l3

some of us members here were wondering bout what girls name would get the honour to be a title on the new album...... which is a nice toto tradition in my opinion

Bobby_Kimball

Davida. Luketha. Michelle. Salmonella. Bobitra.

Brett

If you ended up with an enormous amount of material you were all really happy with would you consider putting out a double CD?

Bobby_Kimball

Actually, we're not considering doing a double CD. But we are planning on putting some material back in the can so that while we're out touring, we won't have to stop the tour and take a year off to record. That way we would only have to break for a month to release a new CD so we can get back out on the road to keep the momentum going. We're going to try and put 25-30 songs in the can.

Dave_the_Rave

When you left the band back in the 80's did you just try and forget about Toto or were you watching things with one eye and judging how the Isolation album sounded?

Bobby_Kimball

Fuck that, I was watching with BOTH eyes. I've always loved Toto and I always will.

Dave_the_Rave

When you are walking down the street as a regular guy, do you get recognized or can you enjoy the sunshine?

Bobby_Kimball

First off, I wear sunglasses. And I always get recognized, but it's usually as someone else.

Tina

What was the reason why you became a singer and musician? Did you have an idol?

Bobby_Kimball

RAY CHARLES, RAY CHARLES, RAY CHARLES! The first time I heard him, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. He was an inspiration from day one.

Sarlic

Did you ever get to meet him?

Bobby_Kimball

Absolutely, I sang with him on a CD for a guy named Charles Veale.

Benjamin

Is it only you doing the lead-vocals on the new album?

Bobby_Kimball

Absolutely not. Steve Lukather, David Paich, maybe even Greg Phillinganes, as well as myself, will all be doing vocals. We're thinking about doing a song with all 3 -- Steve, myself, Dave/Greg -- singing lead vocals. I think you'll see a couple of more duets between Steve and myself.

Christian

Has the way of recording a Toto album always been the same? If not what is different from the recording of previous albums?

Bobby_Kimball

First -- the obvious -- now we're recording with Pro Tools. Secondly, the editing process is totally different -- cutting and pasting as opposed to slashing the tape with a razor blade. Up to this point it's been a situation where someone brings in a song or an almost finished song and we work it up from there. However on this CD, we're in the studio as a band writing and recording at the same time with very little preconceived notions and we're recording pieces of songs and putting the pieces together.

TOTOMEXICO

in comparison with others albums what is the most similar to new album

Bobby_Kimball

Tough answer! But I would have to say Isolation and Kingdom of Desire to a greater elevation. Then again, due to the song content and the lyric content, I really can't compare it to anything we've done before.

Dave_the_Rave

What's your favourite song that you've sung on/written on with Toto?

Bobby_Kimball

Singing would have to be Make Believe. Written on would be Waiting For Your Love.

mark_ridout

Any chance one of the new songs will be sampled at one of the upcoming concerts?

Bobby_Kimball

Mark, you asked that question 2 weeks ago to Luke. The answer is still the same -- unfortunately no.

Scott_Henderson

Are there any friends playing on the new album? Like Miles Davis playing on the Fahrenheit album

Bobby_Kimball

Yes, Miles will be on this one too! In all seriousness, we will bring in Lenny Castro on percussion. However, it's too early to make that call -- we're still in the writing process.

Dave_the_Rave

Have you ever recorded a vocal track that you simply weren't happy with?

Bobby_Kimball

Yes, all of them!

tototim

hello bobby, how did your comeback feel for you in 99?

Bobby_Kimball

Maybe the greatest feeling you can have with your clothes on! I felt like everyone had matured a lot, including myself, and we were ready to get about the business of making some great rock n roll music.

bassman

Is Mike Porcaro being more involved this time writing music for the new CD?

Bobby_Kimball

Absolutely. Everyone is equally involved in writing the new CD. This makes it more interesting for all of us and makes everyone work twice as hard.

Tina

Have you thought about the idea of having an own record label with TOTO?

Bobby_Kimball

Too late, we have it! Toto Records was the label we released Livefields on.

totoman

How much will Steve Porcaro participate on the album?

Bobby_Kimball

Steve usually comes in near the end of the CD to sweeten up everything and add the "special fairy dust" on all of the songs that makes them glitter.

Robin_89

What tour have been the most fun one?? The Mindfields tour in 1999 or the 25th tour in 2002??

Bobby_Kimball

I would have to say the Mindfields tour -- the Reunion Tour. We were doing almost a 3 hour set and getting readjusted. It felt like a brand new band, it felt so strong. And we were all in just great shape musically, and we were playing nonstop for so many concerts. The band just kept getting better and better.

Brett

A couple of years ago (at least) there was talk of your All I Ever Needed CD being revised and released under the title Back in Spades - is this still on the cards, if you'll pardon the pun?

Bobby_Kimball

That's definitely still a possibility. I haven't ruled it out yet. But I have close to 20 songs that I want to record that I want to record that are very personal to me and I feel much better than All I Ever Needed. These songs are All I Ever Wanted!

Sarlic

Any advice you would give to up and coming vocalists?

Bobby_Kimball

Run!! Seriously, if possible get training. Don't do anything to your body that would cause your voice to not be at its maximum potential. Sing often. Practice songs that you enjoy singing.
Try to find an element to sing in that you REALLY enjoy so that it makes you continually happy to sing.

cowbella

Bobby, what bands/artists have you been listening lately?

Bobby_Kimball

Toto, Toto, Toto! We're recording a new CD and that's about all I get to hear!

-kos

How about Tony Spinner? Is he still playing with you? I hope!:)

Bobby_Kimball

Absolutely! Tony's become an integral part of this band. A fun guy to be around, and a very talented individual. And he gets our jokes!

eddymeuwese

Bobby, do you read reviews about the albums you are on?

Bobby_Kimball

Yes, but we don't believe any of it!

Tom_Verboven

What do you think about the fact that recording songs is becoming easier, faster and mainly cheaper? - home recording - does it affect the quality of the songs because of lack of detail and discipline?

Bobby_Kimball

Depends on two things -- the talent of the individual playing and the talent of the individual recording. Fortunately in Toto, we have the best talent base in playing and vocalizing that we could possibly ask for. And, with Simon Phillips behind the board we have one of the best engineers that we could ask for. So we're kind of a closed unit when it comes to making things easier, faster, and cheaper without compromising the quality.

Sparrow

What else would you like to become if you couldn`t be a musician anymore?

Bobby_Kimball

Doctor.
Gynecologist.

kristinaschildren

Is West Coast all stars going to make new CDs? I love to hear you and Joseph sing in same CD.

Bobby_Kimball

At this time we have no plans to do that, even though it was a really fun project -- both of them.

-kos

Any instrumental songs on the new CD?

Bobby_Kimball

Possibly. But we're trying to write lyrics to almost everything.

-kos

Where is your favourite concert place in the world?

Bobby_Kimball

Too hard to answer! Too many choices! They're all wonderful, and for so many different reasons

Dave_the_Rave

Of today's younger rock groups, are there any that have caught your eye?

Bobby_Kimball

I like Cold Play.

totoman

What is your best memory about Jeff?

Bobby_Kimball

When the band first started, basically I didn't have anywhere to live in LA. Jeff took me in, and I lived there for 3 months. He was one of the nicest guys I could have possibly wanted to meet at the time.

Steve_Lukather

I'm BACK! Dr. prostate check! haha

Bobby_Kimball

I just popped the glove on, Steve.

Steve_Lukather

hahahah
I am moist and waiting.. Oh Yeah baby.. hahaha

Christian

Do you think you will release a single from the album?

Bobby_Kimball

Yeah we will, but I'm sure whoever we go with as far as distribution will have suggestions as to what that will be and how they want to handle it.

Woodstock

Bobby, I saw you playing Hold the Line on German TV lately. Why aren't you playing a song on keyboards in a Toto concert?

Bobby_Kimball

Because Greg Phillinganes / David Paich are a couple of the best keyboard players in the world, and why would I want to tarnish that.

Steve_Lukather

Tarnish?? Leave your underwear outta this! hahaha
hahaha SORRY , cant help myself. haha

Bobby_Kimball

Yeah, you never could!

Steve_Lukather

Does Bobby type naked?

Bobby_Kimball

You should see what I have in my hands.

Dave_the_Rave

Did you guys know that Africa was going to take the musical world by storm or did you think that it was just ok?

Bobby_Kimball

Actually, we didn't think it was one of the better songs on the CD. There was a moment where we were considering not even putting it on the record.

Brett

Was the 'face' logo of the Turn Back cover ever intended as a dig at the critics who'd labelled Toto a 'faceless' band? If not, what was behind this concept?

Bobby_Kimball

No, but that's a good explanation! The concept was just one of the artists from CBS who thought it was a clever way to make an album cover.

Kim

Might the room for some stretched out intersections between songs that Luke spoke about also imply a possibility for some more instrumentals on stage, like at the time of the Toto IV concerts. Loved the keyboard solos buily in between the songs...

Bobby_Kimball

Yes! Absolutely, this whole new CD so far has taken on the characteristics of becoming Medley Heavy.
So yes, it's Heavy Medley Music

Sarlic

Other than the anecdote from your recent interview with Will, do you have any other funny touring experiences you can share with us?

Bobby_Kimball

No, but I'm sure Steve can definitely add a few.

Steve_Lukather

Ask about "Bobby Kimball was here"! haha

Bobby_Kimball

Steve, I could be Good For You

Steve_Lukather

I could be good for YOU too! haha

Bobby_Kimball

And have been.

Steve_Lukather

you said you would NEVER tell! hahaha

Sylvester

You're talking like this will be the next classic Toto album... Are you going to bring the sword and the rings back to make it a genuine classic TOTO album?

Bobby_Kimball

Anything is possible at this point. We have no concept of what might be the logo. The sword was always a good one.

Steve_Lukather

Ok..all jokes aside Bobby is the coolest most well read, articulate soulful cats of all time! Not to mention that voice he has. Nothin but love !

bassman

I saw that on your web site there's a section called "Singer's Corner". Do you personally listen to all the demos they send to you?

Bobby_Kimball

Yes, definitely. I appreciate everyone who sends them in.

cowbella

Is there any chance of having a horn section on this album, maybe have Lenny come in for some congas?

Bobby_Kimball

Scroll up for the answer!

LUKEMAN

What kind things do you enjoy doing when you are own your own time?

Bobby_Kimball

Scroll up for the answer!

masterboy

The great song Going Home from XX is to me a mystery. It was intended for the past to present album but at that time nether you or Joe Williams (doing background) was member of Toto. What's the story behind this song?

Bobby_Kimball

It was recorded for Past to Present, but at the time Sony Music pushed Byron on the band, so the song was put in the can and didn't get released until XX.
GREAT song. Written by David Paich and Joe Williams.

Steve_Lukather

Bobby, do you have "sex" with your Coy fish??

Bobby_Kimball

It's spelled Koi. The other kind are very sexual.

aorfreak

Are u considering taking in a symphony orchestra for some of the songs like you have done now and the on your latest tour?

Bobby_Kimball

We plan on doing some more symphonic concerts. Hopefully at some point there will be a whole series like Night of the Proms in Europe. Right now we're just concentrating mainly on getting the CD finished. But we'll have to have new charts written for any orchestral venture.

Steve_Lukather

Koi-BOY.its all the same. haha
Big lips. big trips. hahah

Bobby_Kimball

Bright Red Lipstick, baby
High heeled sneakers.

-kos

Bobby! How do you train, warm up your voice before concerts?

Bobby_Kimball

Both Steve and I listen to a 10 minute warm up CD that we both go through. I sing along to Steve's voice. It's a vocal warmup tape. It loosens up the voice and gets us ready for the stage. You never want to walk on cold. The exercise was created by a guy named Roger Love.

masterboy

There is a rumour about that you have recorded the whole Isolation record before you left. We know that you have done some background vocals (so says the inlay to the album). How much did you record for the Isolation record?

Bobby_Kimball

More than half, a lot of which I have copies of. Hopefully some day we can take a little time and actually use those tapes. It would be a real gas to do that.

Danielwantsgroove

are you glad to have control over the album, rather than have cbs/sony/whatever tell you what to do?

Bobby_Kimball

No we really fucking love the whips and chains!
Of course we're happy to have that kind of control. And it's showing in the recording itself. The songs are coming out much more alive and it seems they are more thought out than in the process we previously used.

MARK_w-

Is there any more stuff in the vaults that might be released in the future?

Bobby_Kimball

We'll always have things in the can and by the end of this CD, we'll have 1.5 CDs of material extra.

FlinuX

Do you have a secret when singing in studio? I find it much harder to get a good sound when you don't have the respons of an audience

Bobby_Kimball

Close your eyes, and the audience appears.

TOTOMEXICO

TOTO changes the look for new album. (cut hair, dress,)

Bobby_Kimball

David is wearing a miniskirt this time with longer hair.

Sarlic

That's hot.

Steve_Lukather

WE are SOOooooo HOT! hahaha
It takes HOURS to stuff an Armadillo in your pants!

Bobby_Kimball

Only you would know that!

Steve_Lukather

yes I would! haha

Scott_Henderson

Is TOTO with the upcoming album a potential grammy-winner?

Bobby_Kimball

That's hard to really say, Scott. Steve wins all the Grammys.

MARK_w-

Do you ever have a disagreement in the studio when someone thinks a track is great but someone else thinks its crap and if so how do you come to a compromise?

Bobby_Kimball

No, but a 45 pistol would help!!

bassman

Are you going to make available to us fans some cool photos and video clips from the studio?

Bobby_Kimball

At the moment we're in the process of arranging to have a "DVD Cam" setup in the studio so that the fans can see what's going on and how record. Soon, Scott Page who is a very good friend is setting up his subscription-only site which will allow people to "visit" us in the studio live.

Scott_Henderson

is Simon Phillips doing ALL the mixing/engineering or will Elliot Scheiner be involved also?

Bobby_Kimball

We're not sure who will be doing the final mixes, but until that point, Simon is in control of the pre-mixing. At the moment he is in control of the engineering as well.
We all have our say about what we want to bring up or turn down, but Simon is physically doing the engineering.

FlinuX

Is there any chance of you guys making a re-recording of any old tunes?

Bobby_Kimball

We don't have plans for that at the moment, but it could happen.

Anne71111

have you thought about selling your music directly through a download on your homepage?

Bobby_Kimball

We have plans of doing something very similar to that, which will be through the Toto99.com page and directed along with the thing Scott Page is doing.

mark_ridout

Will this cd be available in sacd or dvd audio format

Bobby_Kimball

We're recording it in 5.1. But I'm not sure if it will be in the other formats. We're not there yet.

uj

what about all the fans who cant afford to subscribe?

Bobby_Kimball

We're talking less than $10 a month, but it's not only showing us live in the studio. It's an entry into each individual. It's going to be much cooler than AOL or anything like that. You'll be able to make phone calls on this, communicate with millions of people at once, with video completely live. It has numerous applications too vast to describe at the moment.

-kos

Will the new Cd have multimedia parts ( studio shoot, etc)?

Bobby_Kimball

Still to early to make a call on that one.

LUKEMAN

Do you ever get Stage Fright after all the years on Stage?

Bobby_Kimball

I get stage fright FROM all of these years on stage!
I feel more at home on-stage than off stage, however.

MARK_w-

I really enjoyed the extras on the live in Amsterdam dvd. Was there any amusing bits omitted or that could not be included

Bobby_Kimball

There was only so much we could put down, and we had to do a lot of editing on the B-roll footage. So yes, there were a lot more moments in the extra section, but it couldn't all be included.

Benjamin

Do you guys have some kind of thing you just have to do before you enter stage? One of the guys in the band I play in has to shit for like 10 minutes before we play

Bobby_Kimball

Same with all of us!
I hate redundancy.
We also throw up.
Of course, I have a little Koi action first.

mark_ridout

Will there be a DVD of the 30th aniv tour?

Bobby_Kimball

I would imagine there will be a 30th Anniversary DVD.

tamboe

how long have you lived in germany, in which city and can you speak the language?

Bobby_Kimball

5 years, Frankfurt, Bensheim, Heidlberg, Munich, and Weinheim
And I understand more of the language than I speak

mark_ridout

Will the new cd be released later this year or in 2006?

Bobby_Kimball

We're looking for a fall release if we can finish recording by the end of June. We plan on touring by February 2006.

Moderator

Okay we have time for 2 more questions. So please submit them now if you have something you'd like to ask.

Leon

How long will you continue?

Bobby_Kimball

The tour will probably last a year and a half to 2 years.
Then we'll go in the studio and finish up the stuff we have in the can, release it, and hit the road once more!

Moderator

Last question:

Steve_Lukather

Is your sac chaffed??

Sarlic

That's SOOOOOO hot.

Steve_Lukather

Do you use a pipe cleaner for your Urethra ??

Bobby_Kimball

I'm on the fucking floor man!
And yes, I'm chaffed

Steve_Lukather

Not the first time! haha

Dave--39-s_
Gone_Surfing

How is the current songwriting partnership with Robert Lamm coming along??

Bobby_Kimball

Dave -- I was writing with Jason Scheff, not Robert Lamm.
We have finished a couple of songs that are being submitted for the new Chicago CD.
Which by the way, is going to be an incredible CD!

Steve_Lukather

I gotta go, my nipple clamps are starting to bark back!

Moderator

Okay, Post Interview Last Question -- Do we have anything more from Luke, Petra?

Steve_Lukather

Bobby, is it safe to say that at your age you can FLOSS with you fave nut bag hair ??

Bobby_Kimball

Yes, but not yours!!!!

Steve_Lukather

hahahahahahahahahahaha

Moderator

Okay, thanks to everyone who helped make today's event a success! Special thanks to Bobby Kimball and Steve Lukather for taking the time to chat and to Petra Regemann for handling the queue!!
We hope to see you all next time!

Steve_Lukather

Sorry, thought I was smokin tobacco
ahahha NOT..kidding!
NOT!!!!!!! Sarlic. hahaha

Moderator

Thanks again everyone!