If you have any question regarding Bobby, please read this page first to check if the answer is already printed here before writing in. The Q&A will be updated time after time. Please send your question to bobby@bobbykimball.com with "Q & A" as the subject!
Yasu:
Hi Bobby-san
How are you? I hope everything is fine with you.
Well, "Falling in between" just arrived yesterday from
Japan. It was delivered to my home in the morning
while I was at work. I could not wait until I get home
in the evening, so I went home during my lunch time
and got it. Yes, all my co-workers thought that I
was crazy! (maybe you too) I have been listening to
it with a good headphone set so that I don't miss
any sound.
I am sure you are getting a lot of praises already,
so I will not go into details, but it is definitely the
greatest music/sound I have heard in a long long time!
The album sounds carefully crafted and very detailed,
yet it sounds very spontaneous, energetic and intense; it
is truly the work of art. Every time I listen to it, there are
new discoveries and surprises. The true art like this
album touches soul, and your voice especially touches
my heart and moves me deeply. It makes me feel like
crying; no other voice does that to me. Your voice
also sounds stronger than ever (really) on this album,
and certain songs were just meant to be sung just
by you.
I wish I could go back to Japan this Spring to attend
the concerts there, but my visa status does not allow me
to leave the country for the moment although I'm here
legally; I will be stuck in here for a few more years.
Otherwise, trust me, I would not hesitate at all to
do so. My friends already bought the tickets for the
concert on May 2 in Osaka, and I am jealous. Hopefully,
I will see you later this year in the U.S.....I hope. I am
dying to hear these new songs live.
I've been reading the fan reviews on the album in Japan.
(including Barney's!) Some of them wished to hear more
"catchy - sing along" songs, but majority of them are
very impressed as I am. Also a lot of people
mention how strong and great your voice sounds -
I was really happy and proud to read them. I just
thought I would let you know.
Anyway, congratulations on your achievement and
thank you so much for the fantastic album and
the inspiration in my life even though I am not a
musician. I will try to get it heard by as many
people as possible as it really deserves to be.
Please take care.
Yasu
Bobby:
Good day to you Yasu. Thanks for all the kind words about the new
CD. We did work so hard on this one, and "we" also love it. It's no
wonder that our real fans are in love with it. We wanted to give it
"our all" and we feel like we did. We could have made a quick CD, but
that's not really the Toto style. We really do our best to carve out
the finest pieces of music we can, because we don't want the people
who pay for the CD to be disappointed. We love our fans as much as
the love they show us, and all of you deserve our very best.
I'm happy you like what we did, and I promise the live concert will
be everything you think it will. You take care my friend and please
play it for your friends who don't yet know who Toto is. Talk
soon.....................Bobby
Yasu:
Dear Bobby-san,
Thank you again for the reply. I really appreciate all the
effort and devotion you put in this album; it is such a
gift from you and the band. It is a strange way to describe
a CD, but my life is different with this great album,
and I can't stop listening to it. I love all the songs on the
album and it makes other music sound sort of cheap...it
is incredible.
Yes, I will have my friends and coworkers hear your new
CD. There are too many people who don't know Toto
in the US. I always had to explain it like "Toto is the band
that played Africa and Rosanna back in 80's..."
But I don't have to do that anymore. All I need is this
new CD, which speaks for itself and don't even have to
mention anything else anymore. It is that good.
Once it is released in the US, I will send some requests
to the radio stations. The 95.5 WPLJ in New York
plays the Toto songs regulary, and I think they have a
good taste in music....so I believe there is a chance.
I am sorry for sending you two long emails, but I am
so excited about the new album that I couldn't help it.
Please take care, and I hope to see you soon!
Yasu
Bobby:
Hi Yasu. No worries about sending a long e-mail. It's great to know
that we have people like yourself out there who are willing and able
to help us spread the word about Toto. I thank you for your efforts
and hope you co-workers love the new CD as much as you.
The rehearsals are coming along nicely, and I do believe it will be
a "Tour to be remembed". The band is sounding better than ever at the
moment, and we've very excited about playing in the USA again.
I hope this finds you well and keep in touch.............Bobby
Sebastian:
Bobby,
I have the ut most respect for you as a musician and a person. You
seem very
warm hearted and down to earth. Besides the fact that you have a
'KILLER
VOICE' (what a talent). Your probably the only musician that has made
it in
this world that actually personally answers his own emails. For that
my
friend you are the 'BEST' and I really appreciate the personalized
approach
that you have.
It's little things like this that separate the best from the rest!!
If you don't mind me asking, when will the CD's be released in North
America? Also, concerts? When, where, will you be coming to Michigan,
Chicago, or Toronto?
My family and friends can't wait to see you guy's.
I last saw you in Orilia @ Casino Rama. What a concert. I felt like
family.
Anyway, thank you for the grand performances and the wonderful music.
Talk to you soon and please don't stop making music!!!!!!!!
Bobby:
Hi Sebastian. Thanks for the kind words. I do this because I like
the personal touch. It also keeps me real and in touch with the
heartbeat of what my friends want. I can also choose to "delete
anything I don't want to deal with" so that makes it easy too. It's
like a "one-sided phone call".
We have some plans to tour the USA, but we don't have the routing
just yet. There are some strong possibilities at the moment, but it
takes time to bring everything to the table. Keep an eye on my site
and the Toto99 web site. They usually get that info before us (it's
true). You tkae care and keep in touch.............Bobby
Bjarne:
Dear Bobby
I was listning to the 5 songs from the up comming album on ARFm
yesterday evning,
what can i say ? ...... WOW ! i've been with you from the very
start (turning 50 next friday)
and i've seen the band about 20 times, bought all your albums, but i
honestly can't remember
beeing more exited than this time around, the 10 th of february seems
a looooooong way away !.
Your singing is more powerfull than ever, how many of the new songs
can we expect to hear
on the upcomming tour ?
Toto rules, stay cool guy
Kind regards
Bjarne
Bobby:
Hi Bjarne. Thanks for hanging in there with us. We're very proud of
the new CD, and we do plan to play a lot of the cuts on the new tour
that starts in London on the 25th of February. We're excited about it
to, so we'll add as many of them as possible. Stay tuned and also
check out the new "Toto Network" coming soon. It's going to be a
fantastic media portal of us to communicate with the fans live. Keep
in touch guy....................Bobby
Mirko:
Ciao Bobby,
In the last days I've seen for the first time the videos of Live in
Tokyo 1980 - Live in Budokan 1982 - Live in Vina del Mar 2004. You
are incredible! Your voice is a gift of god!
I'm waiting the next album with a great anxiety. I make every day the
count down!
I read that is in the plans of the band a new live dvd. Is it true?
I'm italian and I'm very happy of the marriage between TOTO and the
Frontiers Records. Why the Italian choice?
I'll come from Rome to Milan on march for the concert with my sixteen
years old brother and a group of friends.
I hope to know him for an embrace and an autograph. I'm a singer and
you're my idol and my mentor!
Ciao... Mirko
Bobby:
Hi Mirko. I've been talking with Serafino from Frontiers for over a
year about a solo CD, and I found him to be quite an unusually nice
guy. When he made an offer for Frontiers to distribute the "Falling
In Between" CD, I was happy about that. I'm sure a lot of people will
be happy when it comes out, because we (the band) love it. Definitely
it feels like a countdown until it hits the market. Believe me, it's
making us crazy too. It's so hard to wait for these things.
I hope to see you in Milan and of course I'll sign something for
your little brother. You take care my friend.........Bobby
Mika:
Hi Bobby! I love the song "Waiting For Your Love" and that keyboard
solo's. I want to hear this song also live in Finland, 1st march. You
played this song at Amsterdam but not key solos. Merry christmas for
you
and all Toto members.
Mika Torvinen
Bobby:
Hi Mike. The new setlist may have "Waiting For Your Love", but we've
done that one quite a bit during previous tours, and we really try an
keep it interesting by mixing the setlist with different songs each
tour. We have so many songs the fans want to hear, and we can't get
all of them, plus, we will have a lot of material from the "Falling
In Between" CD that will go into the new set. I hope we can make you
happy with the new material and keep in touch touch guy. See you in
Finland..............Bobby
Bart:
Hi Bobby!
I'm a quite young (24) and big fan of Toto and also you!!!
I enjoyed the concert in Groningen (zuidbroek) very much! Thanks for
that!
My question, you played Mushanga for a part (In Zuidbroek and
Hardenberg2004) but why not the whole number? It's a great number and
it's no problem for you, can you tell me why?
Further on, I wish you all the best and I hope to see you soon in
Holland again!
Bart
The Netherlands
Bobby:
Hi Bart. We had a great night in Zuidbroek with our Dutch fans.
Thanks for coming out to enjoy it with us.
On Mushanga, we added it to a medley of songs, as we only have a
certain amout of time to get finish the set. We decided to make a
couple of medleys so that the fans could hear several pieces of music
as a reminder of the previous CDs. We would love to play everything
we know at all concerts, but I don't think anyone would like to sit
through a "10 hour concert" (just joshing with you). I hope you still
enjoyed the concert, but like I said, it's impossible to get to, and
play, all the songs. Sometimes we're left with having to play pieces
of music that get to the punch-line fast and move on to another
piece. Besides, we like the medley versions of the songs. You still
have to CD, right?
Hope to see you on the tour starting in February of 2006. We'll be
covering a lot of ground in Europe during that first run. Stay tuned,
and keep an eye out for the very new "Toto Network" coming soon to
subscribers. It will hold a lot of secrets that were previously
unavailable to the fans, and it will be an open eye on the total
story of old and new things that are happening with the band.
Take care Bart....................Bobby
Eirik:
Hey Bobby!!(my HERO)
I am a boy on 16 from Norway!! What a Fantastic concert TOTO had in
Fredrikstad!!! You are fantastic!!
You Bobby are a GOD!! I love you!! The best singer ever, in the whole
world!!!
On the concert in Amsterdam when you are singing "english eyes" its
amazing!!You almost gave me a heart attac when I listen to it...I can
play
that song in many hours! Thats so amazing!!! Arent you agree??
My question is...How many solo albums have yoy done?? I cant find any
of
them here In Norway!!:(
Can I buy them on your website???Or on another site maybe??
Please help me!!!I love yor voice!!Its amazing!!!You are a God for my
ears and my eyes....!!
From Eirik (Norway)
Bobby:
Hi Eirik. Thanks for the compliments. I've done about 5 solo CDs,
but I haven't had a chance to get them on my site yet. I plan to do
that as soon as we get finished recording the new Toto CD. I'm going
to add a few songs to a compilation CD that consists of my favorite
songs fromn all of the CDs. Then, I plan to record a "piano/vocal" CD
to release on my site. It will be just me on keyboard and vocals, but
I love the songs.
You take care guy..............Bobby
Muzz:
Yeah I remember the Grammy night. I believe you guys held the record
for 1 year before Thriller topped it. Regarding the giant step
backwards, I guess that's the difference between critical acclaim and
popularity. They don't always go hand in hand. In fact I think many
punters (those with no musical background) don't get how technically
proficient and innovative Toto's stuff is. I have no doubts that's
why
you have a huge following of Muso's. You guys always had the
reputation
(particularly with David, Jeff and David H. coming straight out of
the
Silk Degrees success) but translating that to airplay doesn't always
happen. I know in Oz you guys don't get nearly enough airtime,
especially the new stuff, and you can't sell CDs if people aren't
hearing your stuff. The problem is (and probably always has been)
that
the charts are full of mass produced crap that's marketed well and
appeals to the masses. You'd have pretty good sales thru Europe and
Asia
wouldn't you? I know when I was in France in June this year in the
Virgin Mega Store in Paris you guys had about 4 times the facings of
most other bands. I took the opportunity to replace a few scratched
CDs. How many sales do you get for a new CD in say Europe compared
to
US and Asia?
~Muzz~
Bobby:
Hi Muzz. It's difficult, at best, to define what makes people tick
musically these days. There is a lot of crap on the radio, but I'm
proud to say we're not part of that. The standard is set by business
guys in suits that have no idea about the reality of good music. It's
all about the money, right?
Our sales in Europe and Japan mammoth the sales in the States. We're
doing our best to turn that around, as soon, we'll be working with an
agency that can get us booked on more shows here, and we'll get heard
by a lot of people that are potential CD buyers.
Also, we're opening the "Toto Network" on the internet. This is
going to be an awesone new method of music delivery in today's
market. We're going to put everything we've ever done on this site
and offer it to the subscribers. There will be very little left to
the imagination about Toto on this network, because we plan to have
the people in the room while we record, while we tour, while we write
(last week Luke, David, and myself wrote the lyrics to a song for the
new CD on camera for the network), online discussions, teaching
(classes) from the band members, vocal lessons, rare pieces of music
from the band, old rehearsal CDs, sound-check CDs from the beginning
of the band, and a lot of other things you would never imagine us
putting out.
We intend to embrace the internet, in our own way, to make it work
for us. Toto will be the "Pilot Band" for this new technology, and
we're very proud they asked us to be part of the genesis of such a
fantastic system. Of course we'll also make CDs for those who are not
on the network, but being on the network is going to open a lot of
doors for our listeners.
You take care big guy and I'll talk to you soon..........Bobby
Tom:
Dear bobby.
I was surfing on your website, and I saw that you're answering a lot
of mails : it's so very nice from you !! Perhpap's you'd have the
time to answerthis one.
My name is thomas, from paris france. I first want to tell you that
I'm a great Music-lover, so obviously a big fan of toto !
The evening I saw you back in the band in Paris ("le reservoir",
1998, totoXX tour),I went crazy when you sang tale of a man !! I'm a
musician too (guitar player), and I play in this place every month
with my funky band : there's not a show whithout thinking about this
evening!
I read somwhere that you've studied medicine !! I'd love that you
tell me about how you managed to progress in your singing while doing
those big studies ? In fact, i'm just finishing my physics studies,
to get my ingeneer graduation, and I'm gonna begin a professionnal
pilote training next september; but without music, I couldn't do
anything of that... I think that flying plane is a fantastic way to
get the inspiration...;@) And I've got to tell you, man you're a boss
! medecine man, and get into one of the biggest band in the world,
and beeing one of the most incredible singer in the world... I REALY
mean it !! realy...
Thanx again for giving us so good moments, in the bad times AND the
good times of my life ! :#]
Tom
Bobby:
Hi Tom. Thanks for the compliments guy. I studied medicine for 5
years, but I was always playing music. I came to a crossroad where I
had to make a choice between medicine and music. Guess which side
won? I couldn't imagine not singing anymore, so I chose to live the
life of a musician. It was a tough choice, but one I had to make. No
one wants a doctor who's just come in from playing a gig doing
surgery on them. Even if he could sing all the way while he was doing
the cutting, it wouldn't impress anyone who's dying.
You take care guy and thanks for writing me...........Bobby
Guineami:
dearest mr kimball,
i was 10 years old when i first heard "you are the flower" i sat
in my room with a playschool phonograph and listened to it over and over
for months. the chord progressions were so mystical to me at that time, the
modulations described a rising in my spirit, it was how i learned that music
flows like chi between the spirit and the body. around the same time my uncle
brought me to his studio in miami where "what you won't do for love" was
being recorded. between you and bobby caldwell i learned that white
people COULD sing!
10 was a very big year for me! since then i have sung anonymously
for many national acts, whose names i will resist dropping, although it is
tempting because i want you to know what you helped create!!!! i copped
every stevie wonder/earth wind and fire/ marvin gaye/ etc, etc, vocal riff there
ever was and i'm telling you sir, there's a few licks in "you are he flower"
which i still havent quite mastered. i glanced on something that mentioned
you are from louisiana, ah, well, that would explain some....anyway, i
hadnt heard the cut in 20 years, till my baby cousin came down from b'klyn with a
copy of the cd. how do kids turn on to this stuff? went right to track 5.
my, my, what a sweet old friend that song. hasnt lost one bit of its
mystery, and as im sure you know, those old 70's sounds and arrangements sound
fresher than anything now. still trying to cop your vocal riffs in the
out....now that im old the beauty seems more directed at god than at a lover. so i was
just wondering mr kimball, is that song as deep for you as it is for me?
can you tell me anything about where you were when you wrote it? was it
fast? or did it nearly kill you? im not as much interested in the inspiration,
which was obviously sublimely delicate, but more the process. untill the
company talks you into producing my next record, yours in respect and admiration,
guineami
Bobby:
Hello Guineami. It's so great to know that anything I've ever done
has inspired someone to sing, or be a musician. I was writing one
night (in the middle of a break-up with someone), and the song came
to me in about 20 minutes. It ended up being my audition for joining
Toto. I think we did 2 or 3 takes on it, and I sang it live. We did
very little overdubbing on that song, because it was difficult to
beat what happened when we first cut it. That may have been Luke's
2nd solo take, but as I said, very little changed from the original
take-one. I was amazed at how precise and flawless the guys could
play, so I was trying my absolute best to impress them. They made a
good song into a great one. I'll always love singing it, and I still
do it in the same key. Lot's of singers are lowering the keys of
their songs to help them through the night, but I think something
gets lost in the key change.
Good to hear from you and maybe someday you'll tell me who those
bands you played with are. Take care and thanks for writing to
me................Bobby
PS: If you see Bobby C., please say hi to him for me.
Tom:
Bobby,
First, let me say that I live the USA, not Europe. Yes, you DO have
fans here in the States (in spite of what the media has tried to do
to you guys through the years).
You guys ROCK...and you personally ROCK!
Anyway, my question is this...how is your relationship with the band
these days? Especially with Luke. I am hopeful that you will be
with Toto for the foreseeable future and that you all will continue
to make the incredible music you do!
Thanks for making the hairs on my arms STAND STRAIGHT UP! I just got
the 25th Anniversary DVD and I watch it every night...man, I am in
awe.
Rock on Bobby!
Tom (USA)
PS Please, come to the "heartland" of Fort Wayne, IN and play!!!!!!!
!!!!
Bobby:
Hi Tom. We're all getting along very well indeed. I think this is a
really big part of making music together, as it's more of a family
vibe than anything else. We're in the studio at the moment recording,
maybe, our best CD since the Toto IV effort.
Luke and I are getting along great. He always knew I cared a lot
about him and all the guys in the band, and vice versa. Sometimes
things get out of hand and gets blown up bigger than they really are,
so it may seem that the problem is a big one. Once again, it's a
family thing, and surely everything is forgivable in that kind of
atmosphere.
We've never gotten along better, and the band is playing at maximum
potential now.......................Bobby
Daniel:
Hello Bobby,
first of all I hope you're doing fine!
My name is Daniel, I'm seventeen, german and a huge fan of TOTO...
especially of you and your incredible voice. Although I have only
listened to your first 4 albums, I think that you're one of th greatest bands
ever (and you're one of the most blessed singer ever)!!!!!
Bands like TOTO (though you're unlikely compareable to any other
bands) and singer like you have motivated me to start singing and playing keyboard. Class-mates
said that I had some talent and so I began to take singin' lessons to improve my voice. By that time
I realized that I was a much worse singer than I thought I would be. So, after some lessons - when my teacher said
that I'm never gonna make it a pro singer - I broke up. First I was really disappointed. But now I really don't
know what to do. On one hand I love singin' - it sets me free.
On the other hand it seems like I'm not blessed enough.
So I wanted to ask you wheter you had phases in your life when you
didn't believe in you? And can you give me some advice
how to handle this situation?
Looking forward to your new album...
All best wishes
Daniel
Bobby:
Hi Daniel. First, let me say, everyone that sings has had phases
when they don't believe in themselves. This only serves to make you
stronger and more determined (or should). Through this determination,
your practice and work skills improve, therefore helping your
confidence level.
The other thing, please don't judge yourself by what others think.
Singing is a world unto itself and you are the judge in that one.
I don't necessarily sing to please others anyway. I've been doing it
all my life, and the main person I'm trying to please is myself.
Everyone else is a spectator to that, so don't worry so much how
others perceive your vocal skills, just make yourself happy with it
and have fun.
I hope this helps, and stay the course. Everyone has a song in their
heart just waiting to get out...................Bobby
Josh:
Dear Bobby. My name is Josh Voivodich and I live in Adelaide,
Australia. I am 18 years old and absolutely adore Toto and your
music. My Dad has owned Past to Present for ages now and about a year
ago I discovered it. Since then I have fallen in love with so much of
Toto's music. I have a question about Toto IV and Steve Porcaro.
Track number 5 'It's A Feeling' was written by Steve and I love the
song. I also read somewhere that one of the reasons that Steve left
Toto was because he felt that he wanted more of his songs to be put
onto albums. If this is true, how come more of his songs weren't
included if they were similar in quality to 'It's A Feeling'?
Bobby:
Hi Josh. I was not aware that Steve left the band under those
pretenses, but I suppose it could be true. Not likely though, as I
thought he left to pursue a career in film scoring. That's what he
does now, along with doing a lot of work on the new Toto CD. We still
consider him "in the band", actually, just not in the touring band.
As do we all, he probably had his own good reasons for leaving the
band, but being a member of Toto is like "Hotel California",......you
can check out anytime you want, but you can never really leave.
Josh:
A second question I have is are Toto going to tour Australia ever
again, because one of my dreams is to see Toto live in concert.
Bobby:
We're looking into a possible Australian run later in this year. It
will have to make financial sense though. That means finding a
promoter there that's willing to take a chance with us. So far, it's
been difficult to connect with the right promoter, but our guys are
working on it. It would be my first trip to OZ, as I was not in the
band when they toured there before. I'm Jazzed about the idea of
going there, and I share that dream with you.
Josh:
My last question is about the song 'We Made It' on Toto IV. In the
first couple of lines particularly (but also in the whole song) your
voice has an amazing sound to it like i've never heard before and it also
sounds higher. Was this songs vocals higher compared to others?
Bobby:
I think the key may have influenced the sound of the vocal, but
it's not really any higher than most of the things I sing. Almost
everything I sing with Toto is in a very high range. We keep
everything in the original key live as well. A lot of bands lower the
keys to make it easier to last the night. Unacceptable with Toto.
Josh:
PS: My favourite song ever is Girl Goodbye, what inspired that song?
Bobby:
David wrote that one, but it started the very same day we were all
in the same room for the first time. It was a jam-song that turned
out great. I have a cassette of Steve Lukather (19 years old) doing a
solo on the jam track on that day. It remains one of my favorite
guitar solos to this day. I kept very good records during that time,
as I have most of the studio out-takes, live concert sound
checks/jams, rehearsals, and a lot of other things a Toto fan would
slash their wrists for. I've been offered a lot of money for these
tapes, but I would never sell them. It's a great "private collection"
that we may use at a later time, possibly on a new medium called "New
MBC". Watch for the software, because we're going to be the
pilot-band for the introduction of the software later this year.
Daniel:
Hi Bobby.
It's been a while, and thank you for answering my mails, being that
occupied with work in studio and live in concerts.
Have I told you about the blues band I applied for? A couple of years
ago I felt an urge to come out and play. This blues band wanted a
bass player, and I called the guitar player/lead singer to talk. We talked
about everything and nothing, and being a tech-head I asked him about
his gear. He gladly told me and then asked me the million dollar
question "what bass do you play?". The only bass I owned back then
which worked ( I had a 5-string in pieces too....) was my trusty 6-string
Status bass, and I told him so. Guess who wasn't welcome even to
audition, hahaha...! If it ain't a Fender, you're not welcome. Funny
guys playing around here...
A guy I know told me today "If you'd only let people tread on you,
you'll be doing gigs every weekend!!"......Now, can someone rewind
the tape? Why would I want that?
If playing means being disrespected, well, then I'll go back home to
my boys and play some gigs for free and enjoy their company. No matter
if I don't get paid as long as we're having a good time. Yes, I know it's
idealistic, but one of my remaining dreams when it comes to music is
to play with a bunch of people respecting each other, and showing some
love. If we have peace within, then we can be honest without hurting
each other. Some times I've been into that magic playing, where the
music is bigger than me. I'd gladly retire now, but on the other hand
there are still tunes to be done. You must have a lot of experience
in this area, you'll be in that music magic every night with those guys
in the band. What a thrill to have Greg Philliganes onboard too.....
Next week has a meeting in store with one of the Bishops of the
Lutheran Church of Sweden. Think of me, Bro, if I eventually cross your mind.
Please read the little word "if"...It's not spelled "I demand you
to", as I'm in no position whatsoever to demand anything from you or no
one else. Next week is a challenge, so is a three piece meal I'm
preparing for some friends at work the first week of the vacation. Holla if
you're hungry, man.
Thanx for peace, love and support. Best wishes Daniel Lekardal
PS: Why do you spell my name Danial? It looks rather funny.......
Bobby:
Hi DaniEl! Sorry about he misspelling of your name. It's the
traditional way we spell it in English. I keep forgetting this is an
international "World Wid Web" and the rules sometimes change in that
arena.
Secondly,
every musician goes through what you just experienced with the people
"treading on you". You have to know that it's not OK with for them to
do that "in your heart". By doing this, they hurt themselves more
than they do you. It's nobody's place to make anyone feel smaller
than they already are. The world is a tough place, and only the truly
wise will choose to ignore the short-comings of an individual and
look into their soul to find the "real qualities" that exist there.
It's the weak and anxious that overlook the things like "what kind of
bass you play" and not listen to the music in your heart. What if Joco
Pastorious couldn't afford a great Fender Bass and was forced to play
a Stratus Bass. Would he be any different than you? Sometimes life
sends strange messages to us and we must accept them as they are. The
repercussions are in the hands of a much greater power than we
possess here on Earth.
Don't let it bring you down my friend...............Bobby
Lisa:
Wow, it's great that you really answer the messages from the fans!
You almost gave me a heart attac! Well, a good one then
Well, U really do make me happy! I've been trough a lot of illness
and many more bad things over the past few years. And it happens really often
that I'm listening a Toto dvd or cd and I'm really feeling a lot better!
You, and toto, give me so much power, with your music, your voice, but also
with who you are on stage...!
I already told you that I'm also a singer in a rockband, and we are
all fans of Toto, and we all grew up with your music..! We try to play a few
songs of Toto, but that doesn't work out really, haha! We don't have that kind
of backing vocals, which are, really, really great!
I'm looking forward to your next cd! And I hope that I'm going to see
Toto or you soon in Holland! I think that I'm going to see Steve Lukather
on 2 july at Bospop! I'm going to meet him there =)!
Thanks for your reply on my message and, the most of all, giving me
the energy to hold on..!
Lisa
Bobby:
Hi Lisa. Glad to hear you're listening to some good music. We all
appreciate your your admiration for the band. It's the reason we go
on making music. If it gives you energy, makes someone smile, makes
anyone fall in love, makes someone's day a little better, then we've
done our job and we can be happy about that.
Thanks for writing back and I hope you get well and stay around a
long time to check out the new things Toto is doing for the coming
years. All my best to you................Bobby
Pasha:
Hello Bobby,
I'm a singer in a cover band in Moscow. Thank You for Toto and great
vocal. You're one of the best! Also thanx for inspiring me for
improving my voice. Good luck!
P.S. Pity that there's few people knows Toto well and I never saw and
hear you and Luke live
Pasha
Bobby:
Hello Pasha. Thanks for visiting my page. One of my dreams is to
play in Moscow. All of the band would love to do this as well.
I hope your singing is going fine for you, as I know the passion it
requires to make the vocals great.
Hopefully we'll be able to make it to Russia after the new CD comes
out in the Fall. I wish you well and come back and visit
soon.................Bobby
Nato:
G'day Bobby mate!
Hmmm...there's not much i can say about urself, or Toto for that
matter that hasnt been said before a thousand times...
...so BUGGER IT!
You and all the guys are absolute bloody champions! Sure, i might not
love every song on every album, or have collected every "side"
project u guys have ever done (like some die-hard ppl out there
have!), but man, just from me to u, u guys have a gift. From God,
mind you.
You guys are MU-SI-CIANS...u write and play MU-SIC, and what u guys
play is more REAL than an unfortunately large storm of crud that ppl
are being brought up on out there.
I might not love u guys enuf...but i respect u guys for being
musicians, and that u guys have persevered as a REAL band playin REAL
music for as long as you's have, in a world filled with 'plastic'.
U guys are the real deal. Am REALLY enjoying the lead-up to this next
album, man, seriously. I actually personally am very glad to hear
that u guys are sort of veering from the 'pop-rock' sort of thing
(most of ur truest fans probably love u for that though, haha!), but
me, im really glad to hear that u guys are pushing urselves to the
limits, and maybe going a little more pro-gressive. NICE. That is
awesome. Man, all u need is a bit of faith, bro, and u guys will HAVE
NO LIMITS, muhahaha!!
Boundaries are there to be pushed, hey.
Here's to no boundaries! (mate, age...never a factor)
It's great to see u guys fully get into what u do, even after all
these years. I'm young (18) and am supposed to possess all this
energy...and i dunno what im gonna do with it...u guys sure give me
some ideas though. Hehehe.
Question: is there anything u can tell me about the overall sound of
what u guys are/have recorded so far? I know it's gotta be awesome
stuff, whatever it is, but are there any bands u would maybe have
drawn comparisons, and/or inspiration from when creating? I know u
guys are updating us on ur websites and stuff, n' thats cool, really!
I'm just keen! heh
Oh, u know a Brian Paull thru e-mail...
...he is my father...
(lol!)
Datz all i got right now, bro.
So, back to da studio with ya!
Haha!
Peace bro.
-Nato
Bobby:
Hi Nate. You're so right about the new CD being much different from
all the rest. I can even go you one better, it's different from all
the CDs out there period. I can't even compare it with anything,
because nothing out there is even close. It's a complete departure
from the "normal Toto sound", however, it's definitely Toto due to
"the usual suspects" playing the music/vocals. That's the nearest I
can come to comparing it with anything out there at the moment
(including the former Toto CDs). I've spoken to your Dad a few times
and he's a great guy. You come from good stock and I'm happy to see
you're a musician too.
Thanks for dropping by the page and I look forward to hearing from
you soon...................Bobby
Pasha:
Hello Bobby,
I'm very glad that you've found time to answer me. Thank you
so much! it's still hard to believe :)) I have to say if Toto
will come to Moscow it would make one of my finest dreams come
true.
Please give best regards from me and my band to Luke, David,
Mike, Simon and the other guys. By the way, our drummer came to
Simon's Ziljian Day Performance last year in Moscow.
I'm mpatiently waiting for you soon here! Good luck!
Pasha
Bobby:
Hi Pasha. It's a dream of ours to come to Russia and be with the
people there. I've gotten many requests for us to come there, but
most promoters have an agenda that doesn't include Russia on the
list. Also, until now, it's been very hard to expidite equipment in
and out of there. Maybe some things have changed and we could look at
doing some concerts in Moscow. I can only hope that it works out.
I look forward to seeing you in your home land, and please keep in
touch...............Bobby
Billy:
Bobby,
I was wondering if you had ever worked or been a part of a production
with Producer David Foster. Also, have any of the other band members
worked with him on anything. If so I was wondering what the
experience was like and if you or Toto would consider working with
him again. I realize the new album is probably localized to just the
band members but to gain exposure in the states or elsewhere for that
matter perhaps a song written or produced by David would help pay the
bills. I know he penned some of Chicago's largest hits but I also
realize that those were some pretty overproduced songs mostly on
Chicago 16, 17, and 18. Nonetheless, I admire his work almost as
much as I do your's and Toto's in general. He brings quality to all
that he does and I feel that his talents could only compliment
Toto... What do you think?
Thanks
Billy
KY, USA
Bobby:
Hi Billy. I guess you could say that David Foster was one of the
mainstays in the early days of Toto. Not only did we have the
privilege of his friendship, we all worked with David at one time or
another. One of my most memorable moments working with David was the
day I sang all of the background vocals on "She's A Beauty" on the
Tubes CD.
We all know and love Dave and, of course, think the world of his
talent both on keyboard and writing.
Thanks for asking though....................Bobby
Bryan:
G'day once more Bobby!
I just finished reading the transcript of the March 20 chat from the
TOTO99 messageboard.... very absorbing and love the humour! I am not
so sure about you telling me previously that you've never graced our
shores downunder mate.... I reckon you'd be just 'one of the boys'
where me and my mates are concerned... certainly no worries about us
lot not getting you & Luke's humour/banter!
Gotta keep it fun I say, otherwise you may as well be doing something
else!
Must admit to feeling more anxious about this next album than I have
about any of the others... that is not to say I didn't have a certain
feeling of anticipation about previous albums of yours.... I still
vividly remember playing your debut cassette to my fellow senior high
school buddies during a 1979 bus-trip marking the end of our school
days (some dug it and some would be choking on their flippant
comments these days!).
I can recall the excitement of first playing the 'Livefields' set on
the home stereo! I was blown away, it was night and I had hardly any
lights on, and it was played LOUD, and it was at that time, I think
when my young lad Nathan (nearly 19 now) first started taking real
notice of your stuff, before he 'discovered' your earlier material
amidst my music collection....he is one of the latest generation who
was startled to realise that rock music actually has been around
prior to their birth!! (lol) Still, a great kid, who is quietly
busting at the seams at the thought of actually getting backstage to
shake your collective hands when you get to Oz next year!!
Keep "doing it to it" Bobby..... 2006 just keeps getting closer and we
are all sending you guys positive vibes in the hopes that you all get
the most out of your creative time together, that you all enjoy good
health (I am not aware of just what family concern is keeping Paich
off the road, but would you please be so kind as to let him know we
are praying for all his family?), and that life continues to bring
you all the very best!!
Cheers mate
Bryan Mackay
Queensland
AUSTRALIA
Bobby:
Hi Bryan. We've just finished 4 dates as of yesterday (most of them
right around Los Angeles). We had a great time and, once again,
proved to ourselves that it's great fun to go out and di it live. It
only makes the tour in 2006 "more awaited" by us as well. With new
steam in the engine, and a lot of hungry fans/Ifriends, we'll
certainly be geared up to do our best for you all down under. Now the
management team and the promoters down your way need to get their
acts together to make that happen.
One of our concerts this past week was in Las vegas. I was amazed
that one guy was there from Australia. I had a chat with him after
the concert and he was wondering when we might be out your way. I
wish I could give you some definite answers, but it's in the hands of
"the-powers-that-be".
Thanks for keeping in touch and I'll talk to you soon...........Bobby
Chrissy:
Hi Bobby!
I caught an amazing Toto gig in 1982 at the Hammersmith Odeon in
London with
Cliff Richard, Fleetwood Mac members in attendance! You had your leg
in
plaster as I remember and spent most of the time behind the
keys...how did you
come to have your leg in plaster and what happened?
PS I think the song "Cruel" is very much in the vain of the old Toto
back
catalogue..wonderful stuff..do you agree?
Bobby:
Hi Chrissy. I broke my leg onstage in Nashville, Tennessee during
the last song of our show there in 1982. We were in the middle of the
tour (we still had Europe to do) but we never missed a show. I was
trying spring off a monitor speaker and it moved which caused me to
bend my left leg out to the left snapping the bones and knee-cap. Not
recommended for home-time-fun. I got surgery a few days later and
joined the band again in NY. From there it was a great tour with me
sitting behind the piano and singing.
I love the song "Cruel". It is more like the original material. We
had about 5 sets of lyrics to the music, but the real one's came to
me on a plane flight and I wrote them on a napkin. It's one of my
favorite songs to sing with Toto.
You take care and stay in touch.............Bobby
Desmond:
Hi Bobby,
Happy Birthday !! I hope I've got the date right, I saw it on the
TOTO website calendar abit earlier. I guess you'll be celebrating with
the boys rom the band this year as you'll be kicking off four shows on the
east coast tonight. Best of luck with that and have a great night !
Good luck also with the new album. It's really exciting to be kept
up-to-date with it through that new section of the website. Very
cool !! Like TOTO fans all over the world, I am eagerly awaiting the release
of this new album and yes, it does sound like it's going to be the best TOTO
album ever, and probably even the best album ever in the history of music.
The band is indeed getting better and better as time goes by.
It's also good to know that it's so exciting for you guys to be
writing and recording new music, and it's great to hear Luke say that it's most
unlikely that it's going to be the last TOTO album. Hard to think of anything
that all us TOTO fans dread more. I personally think that, despite of all
the changes in the music industry today, there is still alot of meaning
in writing and recording new albums. It's the most honourable thing to
do and very much a challenge to everyone in the band. And when it comes to
a band like TOTO, it serves to remind us how rare it is to find such highly
distinguished musicians - all playing together in ONE band ! It's
just unbelievable !!!
It would be so good to see you guys performing here in Hong Kong on
your 2006 tour. It's most likely that you'll be in Japan, so do stop by
and I'm sure fans in other parts of China will be flying down to see you.
One stop in Hong Kong could pretty cover the whole of China (if the venue is
big enough that is) which makes it more than worthwhile.
Anyway, Happy Birthday again ! Do take care on the road and I'll be
looking forward to more news on the new album. Keep in touch !
Best,
Desmond.
Bobby:
Hi Desmond. Thanks for all your kind words. It's Birthday time again
for me. I try to ignore them, but they just keep on coming. I'm happy
with my health, at any rate. That's a good thing.
The band is definitely playing better than ever now. With this new
effort, there's a lot more intensity to the mucic, and everyone is
contributing, therefore, more energy. I think you'll like this one.
Hong Kong woudl be a nice place for us to be on this next tour. I'm
sure our agents will be looking hard at it, as we know there is a
good market for Toto there.
Here's hoping to see you there soon...........Bobby
Nathan:
Hey Bobby!
Name's Nathan, and im from Australia...
...G'DAY!
Mate, i left a friggin great big message in the guestbook, and added
a question at the end...to realise i put it in the wrong place! Sorry
bro!
Anyway! My question i would love for u to answer...
Is there anything u can tell me about the overall sound of what u
guys are/have recorded so far? (eg: what bands u may have drawn
inspiration from, or would compare the sound of it with.
If you HAD to, lol!)
Yeah, and i know u guys are updating us fans on ur websites on how
progress is, and thats really cool, too!
I'm just keen, man! haha!
Anyway, ill leave ya alone now, mate.
Get some good rest!
(if u'r not recording anything right now, of course!)
Prayin for ya's!
Bobby:
Hi Nate. It happens.
All I can really devulge at this time is, the new material is being
recorded live in the studio for now, and that lends itself to a
harder edge than you would usually hear from Toto. We're loving the
sound and the feel of really stretching our wings on this CD. We have
no one standing over our shoulders on the production, the time it
will take to finish, the material content, or any other aspect of the
CD. It's going to be "pure Toto" this time, and we believe it to be
one of our finest efforts to date. We've become a product of the
times we live in, so you can expect some real fireworks on this next
effort. We're all involved in the writing on the CD as well. This is
a historical moment for us all, and it makes the project very
personal and sort of "in our hands alone".
We haven't really drawn any ideas from any other source but
ourselves on the recordings. I can't really compare it to anything,
as it's new territory. Just look for a very "updated" version of Toto
to hit the market in the Fall. We have plans to begin a World Tour
about February, depending on the release date of the CD. As of right
now, we really don't have the info on where and when it will all take
place.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch. Hope to see you somewhere
"down-under" and you take care............Bobby
Randy:
Dear Bobby,
Hello. I am finally glad to find a way to write to you after all
these years. My name is Randy Drewel with Complete Music-Lincoln, NE.
I am a DJ here. I have played your music around the Midwest for
years, where country music is the norm here. Anyway, thank you for
making me very happy. You voice and your music has always helped me
smile through the bad days you know, thanks. Why did you leave back
in 1984? Why won't you ever tour the states here? You guys have had
more hit's than Kansas, for example and they tour here all the time.
I mean you guys play Vegas some, but not around here anywhere. Do you
guys miss playing, and touring, the good old USA? Look at Styx, every
summer they tour with a different band, REO for example, would you do
that kind of thing? Toto did a small USA tour for Kingdom of Desire
1993, but no where around here. I would like the chance to see you
guys and meet you before we all go. Any chance of touring here? It's
been since Toto 4 that you have played the Midwest? Thanks for your
time. Thank you for the great music that makes me smile on the bad
days Bobby.
Take care, Randy Drewel/Complete Music DJ Company-Lincoln, NE.
Bobby:
Hi Randy. Believe me, we'd like nothing better than to to tour
everywhere we can. Unfortunately, there has to be a market and a tour
that makes financial sense before we can venture out to any area. Our
new Agency, ICM, is working on getting us a lot of work in the USA.
Maybe your area is on that list. If you want, you can e-mail their
company and let them know of any interested parties in your area who
may want to book Toto. We'll go almost anywhere, so don't be shy.
We've been researching the package tour idea for a while, but
haven't come up with the right one yet. Anything's possible.
Thanks for writing and I'll talk you later................Bobby
Muzz:
Hi Bobby,
How are you? What's going on - any news? Hoping the CD is coming
along nicely. Any favourite tracks yet? No chance of a UK/European tour
in May or June I suppose? Out of interest what is that bit you sing at
the tail end of "Lorraine". It's in the background of the last chorus and
is a kind of improvised adlib bit. The first part sounds like run down
the scale and the next line is a kind of aggressive background
scream/growl around one or two notes. It's just low enough to make the listener a
little uncertain as to what it is. Hope you know what I mean. I
love those improv/fill in bits you seem to chuck in. They fit so nicely.
There's another one you throw in in the background of the chorus of
"Good for You".
Muzz.
Bobby:
Hi Muzz. Do me a favor,.....check your speaker cable and see if it's
loose (just kidding!). Everything we do has some kind of ear-mark on
it, whether it's a little drum-fill, a guitar goodie, a bass-slap, a
little keyboard cookie, or vocal layer. If we were that clever, we'd
do it on purpose, but I think you're picking up some pretty
"nit-picky" things in our music,...........don't let me mess with
your head though, it's really there. Things get kind of buried in the
mix sometimes on purpose. It makes you "have to listen for them".
That's what I like about a lot of our mixes, they keep you guessing.
It's far better than "getting it on the first listen", because that
means it's not very deep, musically. People have come to expect the
perfections from Toto, but occasionally notice the imperfections as
well. These are the moments we live for. It means someone has taken
the time to dig out the "gum beneath the table" in the mix. Thanks
for studying the band.
I'm in the middle of writing some lyrics for the next Toto CD, so I
really don't have the time to dig out those CDs and tell you what we
DID. I have to work on what we're doing now. It's always an uphill
battle trying to outrun the band on lyrics. They're creating music so
fast and so cleverly, I have a ton of work to get to. Sorry, but
now's not the time to stop and check those songs out. If you'll write
me again, sometime after June, I may have the time to inform you of
what those fills were. Take care and thanks for dropping
in...........Bobby
Alex:
Dear Bobby,
My name is Alex from Chile, I´m 21
and huge fan of yours and Toto. I would like to say thanks
for the great concert offered on Feb. 2004 in Viña del Mar, I had
never seen such a great and powerful performance by any other group
before in the festiva, the gig in La Serena was also great!
Bobby you have a great voice, you sound the same throughout the
years. In the festival de viña you guys had
finished the show and the crowd called for more.
When the band came back on stage, were the songs played
planned or were they really improvised? I´d also like to know
if the band is planning on coming back to Chile on any
tours? Toto is always welcomed in Chile!!
Thanks
Alex
Bobby:
Thanks Alex. At the show in Chile, we had planned to play a certain
number of songs, but we always have more if the audience wants to
hear more. It's one of the earmarks of a good band to hold back a
little more music just in case the audience, like the one in Viña
del Mar, wants more. Toto had a great time there, and we all hope to
return to your fantastic country soon. You take care guy and keep in
touch.............Bobby
Emily:
Hello Mr. Kimball,
My name is Emily, and I am 14 years old. After listening to Africa
and all of Toto's other hit songs countless times, I have been blown away by
your voice. It is clear to me that music is your passion and it reflects
in your singing. You have truly inspired me! This leads me to my question.
What is your vocal range? I hope you and the band will tour the east coast
sometime soon, because I am anxious to see you peform live!
Thanks & all the best
*Emily
Bobby:
Hi Emily. Thank you for your compliments and I'm happy, at 14,that
you're listening to some good music.
About the vocal range, it's a little different everyday. It depends
on how much sleep and vocal rest I've gotten the night before. I tend
to have better days about 4 or 5 days into a tour, as I start to
clear off my vocal cords of anything that might keep them from
sealing off a high tone. The cords should fit together tightly for
high notes and they must be very strong to sustain one. If you listen
to the Toto CDs, you can pretty much discover the high range I sing
in, as we push my voice about to the max.
Thanks for writing and we have a new CD coming out soon. Stay in
touch..............Bobby
Billy:
Bobby!
I am so excited to hear the news about you guys finally heading back
into the studio... I'm even more excited about your comment in a
previous letter about generating national and international interest
in the band again... I really really wish you guys the best in this
endeavor because it's been far too long since the american public eye
has been turned your way. My friends always wonder why Toto is my
favorite band... They're just plain ole fools! All I can say is that
you've been giving me so much great material for so long and every
song on every album is a solid work of art and a pleasure to listen
to... I can't say that about too many groups if any at all. I know
you guys will do the best work of your lives this year and all I can
say is that however long it takes... it's so worth the wait!
I know you will "Rise Up" to the challenge man. Go get em!!!
Billy in KY, USA
Bobby:
Hi Billy. You can bet we will. We will have a lot of material to
pick songs from, as each one of us writes and we all have songs ready
to go. However, we do plan to have "whole-band" writing sessions in
order to make it a true collective effort. You take care and thanks
for listening..................Bobby
Maurice:
Bobby,
It's great to have you back were you belong. I have followed you for
sometime and have tried to pick up some of your tracks with other
players that you have been as a guest vocal. The West Coast Allstars was a project
that I enjoyed very much as well and having you with Bill Champlin, Joseph
Williams, JasonScheff and Tommy. Any future projects of the same style ? Any
future Blues ?
I recently had the opportunity to listen to some of your Ray Charles
Tribute cd. It must have been a real honor to carry out those tunes you do
so well. Any time soon TOTO will be in South Florida ? We miss you guys down
here much !
All the best,
Maurice
Bobby:
Hi David. Most of my time is spent taking care of that very thing.
Since the voice is the rendering of how well you take care of the
whole body, I start out by working out in the gym to make the body
healthy. I try my best not to do anything that would abuse my ability
to sing. I drink lots of water, I sing a little everyday (even when
wer're not working), I warm up before I go onstage, and I try to stay
with a proper diet that excludes a lot of dairy products (dairy
causes phlegm in the vocal cords). It's mostly common sense things
that work best. Since I work the muscle every day, I find it easier
to hit those notes now, not harder.
David:
Dear Bobby,
I was watching the TOTO 25th Anniversary DVD again this evening (you
know how boring CNN gets) and was struck again at how tight you guys
are, and the wonderful sound quality on the DVD.
Could I abuse your kindness, and ask you a couple questions?
How on earth do you manage to keep hitting the high notes? Your range
seems to not have suffered at all over the years, incredible! I
realize you work hard at it, like any professional vocalist, but it
is rare to preserve a powerful voice like yours.
Bobby:
Hi David. Most of my time is spent taking care of that very thing.
Since the voice is the rendering of how well you take care of the
whole body, I start out by working out in the gym to make the body
healthy. I try my best not to do anything that would abuse my ability
to sing. I drink lots of water, I sing a little everyday (even when
wer're not working), I warm up before I go onstage, and I try to stay
with a proper diet that excludes a lot of dairy products (dairy
causes phlegm in the vocal cords). It's mostly common sense things
that work best. Since I work the muscle every day, I find it easier
to hit those notes now, not harder.
David:
Secondly, Are you having as much fun as you appear to be having while
on stage? I appreciate that everyone gets tired, has a bad day or
whatever, but it is really enjoyable to watch such a talented group
of gentlemen,
who seem to be enjoying what they are creating. Unfortunately, when I
have seen TOTO live, I am always quite a ways back (I am too old to
fight the up-front crowd, and the sound is better) to catch any
facial expressions etc.
Bobby:
No. We're having "more fun" than it appears. We always have a
great time onstage, even in the worst of times, but playing and
singing in front of a packed house that of people really into the
music is about as good as it gets for us. The back seats are best for
the sound, but the front ones are for those who would rather see the
band up-close-and-personal. You should try that sometime.
Thanks for writing and thanks for being a fan. We love you
all.............Bobby
Christopher:
Hi Bobby,
Great that the band is writing again. The Hardenberg gig was awesome!
Great voice you had there, you sounded much better than on the 25th
tour in Zwolle (the IJsselhallen). What's the reason why you sounded
much better?
And,
I have toughts that the next Toto album will be a great, new,
succesfull album and I have a question about that following tour of
that, if you're planning the make a new, big and fresh tour, will
Toto have a bigger show on stage, like lights etc. than the 25th
tour? like a big stage when you play in big avenues? I know you guys
are paying attention to your music more of course.
whehe, I'm emailing from my dad's e-mail adress I'm a big fan and
just 14 jears old sow, sorry for my english. tnx, Christopher.
Bobby:
Hi Chris. There could be many reasons that the sound was better (or
worse, for that matter). Sometimes the venue doesn't allow for a good
sound, and it really throws the band off too. I've had only a very
few nights when it was hard for me to sing, as during a tour, a voice
can be stronger on some nights, then a little rougher on others. No
excuses, as I don't know what it sounds like in front. The sound is a
tricky thing, as it may depend on where you were standing at the
concert, as well. Some spots are better than others.
The new CD will be a very good one, as we've promised ourselves that
we won't release it unless it is one of our best efforts. Hope to see
you at one of the concerts, and if you can do it, try and sit close
to the mixing board. That's where the sound is best, because that's
where it's being coordinated. Also, if the vocal is too low, you can
always go over and tell the mixer to turn it up (just kidding guy).
You take care and thanks for taking the time to write me.
Later...............Bobby
Matt and Lucy:
Dear Mr. Kimball,
My name's Matt, I'm 22 and a huge fan of you and Toto. I was
introduced to your music at 18 by a fan of Toto's when we were both studying music
at College in the U.K.
I have been collecting Toto's albums and 'Solo' Albums for quite some
time now..... and still collecting!
My girlfriend and I finally got to see Toto at The Royal Albert Hall
- 28th June 04. I read many, many compliments about Toto's performances and
can I please just add to the numbers and say, it was absolutely fantastic.
The standard of musicianship and professionalism was outstanding.
I do have many questions I would love to ask you about the band and
your career, but I understand that you're a very busy man...so i've just
narrowed a couple down: !
I know that the original members of Toto were (are?) Session
Musicians, can I ask how you actually formed Toto please? How you met and so on.
Finally, can both my girlfriend and I ask if you are going to perform
in England in the future?
Thanks so much for your time, may I finish by saying that your
version of 'House of the Rising Sun' is, in a word, superb. Your Vocal is truly
inspiring and at most times...totally unbelievable.
Please never stop making such beautiful music.
Cheerz to you,
Matt and Lucy
Bobby:
Hi Matt & Lucy. Thanks for writing.
I met David Paich and Jeff Porcaro while I was playing with my first
band in LA. They were called "S.S. Fools" and we recorded only one
CD. Most of the guys in Toto grew up together in music, but I was the
only real outsider, as I came from Louisiana.It was a great pleasure
to meet these guys, as they had been involved with a lot of the music
I listened to at that time. When they decided to put the band
together, they almost could have asked anyone to sing with them, as
they were the best players anyone could imagine (all in the same
band). It was like having a "hit factory" wrapped up as one unit.
Lucky for me,they asked me to join in and the rest is history.
At the moment, we're beginning the next venture in the studio. We
have a meeting this coming Monday, and we'll decide on a starting
date for the recording, and a lot of the strategy for the coming year.
As far as touring, we always do after a new product hits the streets.
We feel the need to get out and stretch our wings a bit on the road,
plus it's great fun to play the new material live. It's very
refreshing. I'm sure we'll be coming to the UK, as it is one of our
favorite places.
You both take care and thankd for writing me...............Bobby
Roberta:
Dear Friend, it's been a long time that I don't write to you,I would
tell
you so many things and ask you so many questions but I don't know
where
to begin! It's a particular moment of my life, I've to take care and to
be
near my family 'cause my father-in-law is seriously ill! A lot of
troubles
in the world right now, man and all these negative things makes me
feel so
sad! So....it's better to change argument, let's talk about
music.....how
about your new
solo cd? I look forward to hear it! I've seen you were in german tv
station
for Tsunami's victims, I've always knew that your heart is bigger than
all
the world! And tell me, what's news about new Toto's creature?You said
that
this new album it's a way to
really talk to the world, for the lyrics, for the music.....! I'm sure
it will
be a great album! I've never been disappoited about all Toto's
album, even
if my favourites are "Mindfields","Throught the looking glass" and
the live
albums! Great Bobby I also hope that in your tour plans will be a date
for
Rome, I'll be very happy to see you again!
Have a great time, Bobby!
A big hug!
ROBERTA
Bobby:
Hi Roberta. I'm just getting back to LA now and the trip was long
and tiring, but worth every minute. I pray for the victims in The Far
East and I hope what little I did is going to help someone.
The new Toto CD will be underway soon, as we're writing for it now.
There's so much to do and so little time to do it in. I'm certain it
will be one of our best efforts though, because as you said, there's
so much going on at the moment and it provides a lot of things to be
said about the goings-on in the world right now. I'm sure Roma will
be on our touring plan for the next CD, as it would be foolish not to
go there. It's such a beautiful city and so interesting.
Please keep in touch and I'll talk with you soon.......Bobby
Mirko:
Hi Bobby,
some questions for you:
1) In the future, is in the plans of the band an unplugged live
record? My opinion is that it would be magic listening your voice
without the power of electric instruments.
Also in the last tour, the volume of instruments was higher than
Your and Steve voice. It's a shame!!!
2) In the 1989 you recorded with the band the single "Goin' Home".
Why did you left the band again? What happened?
3) Do You know the real reason why Steve Porcaro left the band? I
know that we all are great friends of him. Is it possible a return of
Steve P. in the future?
4) Except Simon, what are the differences, artistic but not only,
between the band of the years 1978 -1984 and the band of today?
5) Are you already in the studio recording the new album? And Elliot
Scheiner is still the sound engineer of the band?
"You are the flower" and your voice is always in my heart!
Mirko
Bobby:
1) Hi Mirko. I'm back. As far as I know, we have no plans to do an
unplugged CD with Toto, but I have about 20 songs that I'm going to
pick from to possibly do a Piano/Vocal CD with. The demos are just
piano/vocal and I enjoy listening to them in that state. As you said,
it really brings out the lyrics and the vocals well.
2) I did record "Goin' Home" then, and I had high hopes of getting
back with the band. However, Sony records had already made plans to
hire Jean Michelle Byron to sing with Toto. I really didn't find out
about these plans until after the recording. I was very dissapointed
at this news, but life goes on my friend. I was very happy to get the
phone call when Toto asked me back into the band. I feel all of us
are much better off together than apart.
3) Steve Porcaro had a great opportunity to write music for movies,
and took it. I'm not sure he was into touring that much anymore
either. He has a beautiful family and wanted to be with them. He's
been very successful at the movie and television music scoring
business, but we love him very much and miss his playing, writing,
and humor. By the way, he still records with us on almost every CD.
4) I think we've all become more mature in our thinking as far as being
a unit goes. We were "kids on fire" in the beginning, now we play
with more of a sense of purpose. We remain the perfectionists we
started out being, only now it's more of a guided effort than a shot
in the dark.
We all miss Jeff deeply, but love Simon on drums now. There couldn't
have been a better choice in my opinion.
5) It too early to know if Elliot will be involved with this CD, but as
practically a member of the band, he more than likely will be in on
some aspect of the recording. Simon will do most of the initial
engineering, however.
Re "You are the flower": I wrote that song for my daughter, and it's always in my heart as
well...................Take care Mirko.........Bobby
Desmond:
Hi Bobby,
Hello again and how have you been ? I hope you've had a very happy
Christmas, I realize that TOTO is taking a short break from touring
and
that's great as it'll give everyone time to spend the holidays with
their
families and get some rest in the meantime.
I wish you a fabulous and rewarding 2005 ! Best of luck with the
upcoming
shows and definitely with the recording of the new TOTO album ! You
have
no idea how exciting it is to know that you guys will be going into
the
studios again and the kind of anticipation for us fans is just
over-whelming. By the way, which label will this album be released
on ?
And do you know roughly when it will be out ?
As always, please please please do let me know if TOTO has any plans
of
playing here in Hong Kong and please please please try to count us in
on
your next tour in Asia. Wishing you also the best of health and
happiness
for 2005 and always !
Best regards,
Desmond.
Bobby:
Hi Desmond. You ask some of the same questions we end up asking
ourselves. After the 24 year trek with Sony Records, we decided to
open Toto Records to release our products. It works out well, as we
retain the rights on the product, and though we license the music out
to any label to release a CD, we own the product for future use.
We're not sure who we'll be using to sub-license the finished product
yet, but we will make a deal with a label (one that must be truly
interested and financially sound).
On when it will be released: We haven't started recording it yet, so
the release date remains a dream to us all. I guess I could tell you
it will be released when we feel it's the best we can do. We want to
make a monumental effort to put forth our "best" on the next CD, as
we're trying to build our National & International fan-base. This is
exciting to all of us and I know we can pull it off. Look for some
great music and stunning instrumental work on this one.
Thanks for keeping in touch and I'll talk to you
soon...............Bobby
Roy:
Hi, Bobby!
How's it goin'?
First off all, I'm a huge fan of Toto and of your singing! It's
wonderful how you keep in touch with the fans. You are truly one of
the greats!
And your show in Oslo Spektrum was Awsome!!!
Most of what I wanted to know, I found answers to in other posts, but
there's one thing...
...when you're on tour, travelling around in various climates and
temperatures, how do you avoid getting colds, and if you get a cold,
how do you cope with it?
With such a powerful and demanding vocal style, is that a big
problem?
At the same time, I figured I'd send you an mp3 of one of my own
songs. If you find the time to give it a listen, I would Love to get
a little comment from you. (I sing and play everything on there).
Keep Up The Good Work!
And I hope there's some more Toto- and solo-stuff from you out there
soon, I can hardly wait!
Best Wishes,
Roy Bratbakken,
Oslo, Norway.
Bobby:
Hi Roy. I've found that the best way to take maintain your vocal
abilities is to maintain your health the best you can. I exercise,
get lots of sleep (a necessity), I warm up before I sing, drink lots
of water, don't do the drugs, stay away from alcohol as much as
possible, and sing a lot. These things will keep your voice in top
form and allow you to sing every night at your best.
Thanks for listening and and there's a new Toto CD coming soon guy.
Keep checking the page for details..........................Bobby
Eric:
Hi Bobby, I m not a musician, I m just an eye doctor from Norway (37
y o). I saw you and the other Toto guys the 2 last time you
performed in norway (spektrum & Larvik) + of cource the dvd from Amsterdam.
You are all such good and wonderful players. I want to tell you how
impressive singer you are to me. How can you push your voice like
that in 2 hours? It must be extremely demanding! It seems to be
physicaly impossible to me (I try when hearing the Amsterdam CD
driving my car ). Do you bring it from the stomac or from the
throat? I realy look forward to see you and Toto on stage again!!
Eric
Bobby:
Hi Eric. I sing from my diaphram (the upper stomach area). If I sang
from my throat, I would lose my voice within about 2 songs. The
stronger of the muscles is around the stomach, and the throat is only the guiding point for the pitch.
Thanks for asking and I hope to see you at another Toto concert soon....................Bobby
Ed:
Hello Bobby! My name is Ed and I'm a 52 year old blues/guitarist from
Jackson, Tennessee. I have been a big Toto fan from the beginning,
and was very upset when you left the group. In my opinion, you are one of the
greatest vocalists of our generation. I love the intense soul and passion you
communicate with your vocal delivery. My absolute favorite TOTO songs featuring your
vocals are.....You are the Flower....Hold the Line.....Waiting for Your Love
(gets my vote for most underrated)......and "Mama."
I have been looking all over the web for sound samples from your
solo albums and can't find any. Is there a link or two you could share
with us to enable us to hear some of these?
Thanks for the opportunity fo talk with you.
Ed
Bobby:
Hi Ed. Thanks for writing and I appreciate your compliments. Just
about everything out there where you can get a CD off the internet,
is someone stealing the music and selling it for no profit to me. I'm
trying to set up a place on my site soon where you'll be able to find
everything I've done, and some. I'm going to make it all special by
adding bonus tracks and things you won't get when you buy from the
internet sites that are stealing from me. I'll personalize everything
with something special and hopfully it will be a success, as I would
love to be able to get some product out and recoup the money that was
spent to make it.
Soon, there will be an announcement on the page with that info,
offering a lot of things that may interest you, so stay tuned, OK?
You have a very happy Holiday and I'll talk with you
soon............Bobby
Mirko:
Dear Bobby,
Sorry If I abuse of your kindness.
3 Questions for you:
1) What do you think about Toto in the last years have more success
in Europe and Japan than in USA?
2) The next album will be on the Mindfields style? My opinion is
Mindfields is the best and various album from TOTO IV times and your
voice is really hughty.
3) Who is the Toto's member with wich you prefer writing music?
I wait for Toto's concert in Italy. The last italian performances in
Milan, Rome and Modena are printed in my mind.
Thank you very much and sorry for my scarce grammar and language.
Mirko
Bobby:
1) This is because we've built a fanbase in Europe and Japan and we've
been supported by the record company in these areas. We are now
working with ICM Booking Agency in the USA, and they already have
some dates for us. This is a beginning point for us in the States.
2) Thanks for the compliment, but I can't say what style it will be
until we start getting more into the writing. This will take a while,
but we all do understand that it will be one of our best efforts, or
we will not release it.
3) I actually have no preferrence as far as a writing partner. The
whole band is very capable at writing, and each of us brings a
different element to the table. Therefore, I like to write with
everyone in the band.
Daniela:
Hi Bobby. How have you been? It is the first time I write and
I would like to know if you have thought of touring after the
release of your solo CD, and show your new songs in a very special and unforgettable
concert.
Apart from my asking my question, I want to tell you that your voice
is marvelous, as well as tell you, I’m very happy because you are in
TOTO again. One way or another, TOTO’s always been present in my life,
since I remember some song pieces when I was five. But I have been a
TOTO official fan since 1999. To be honest, Joseph Williams sang
excellent. However, as Chris De Burg says in one of his songs: "If I
ever had to choose, love is my decision" I say: "If I ever had to
choose, you are my decision!" When a friend of mine heard I’ll
Supply The Love she thought you were a black singer. She was really
impressed because of your keys. I think it doesn’t matter the color
of your skin. Everyone of us is meant to receive an unusual gift that
makes us different and unique... I love you a lot, Merry Christmas
and a terrific 2005.
Bobby:
Hi Daniela. When I finish my solo CD, I do plan to make a tour, but
I'm not sure where the market for such a project will be just yet.
Thank you for your kind words, and I'll do my best to live up to all
the nice things you said on my solo and the Toto CDs. Thank you for
writing and please keep in touch...........Bobby
David:
Dear Bobby,
I do not want to sound sycophantic here, but your doing something for
the tsunami victims is a fine human gesture. I was working in Dubai
when the disaster struck. simply shocking in it´s scope.
As for your "personal touch" answering fans, well, I do not normally
write (read bother) people; as I said, the best way I know to show my
appreciation is to buy the products. Watching the Toto Amsterdam DVD
again tonight with the family, they were very surprised when I told
them you actually answered my email. Looks like you have a couple of
new fans (my little ones: 19, 9 and 6.)
I suggest it is rare for an artist to be so attentive, but possibly,
that is the reason you are like you are. I only wish more bands were
like Toto, with real musicianship. Talented artists, not "flavor of
the month" fads.
I am reasonably successful in my career, and will admit to enjoying
kind comments from my students and colleagues, I only hope you get
the same satisfaction from your fans.
One question though, Don´t you get psycho stalker types bothering
you?
Being a nice guy is one thing, but there are some odd folks out
there.
If you ever end up in southern Spain, drop me a line, it is a lovely
place, and I can throw in my wife´s outstanding Paella (Spanish rice,
like a latino Jambalaya.)
Enjoy yourself in Germany, and thanks again for your music.
Best regards,
David Olson
Bobby:
Hi David. Thanks for writing, and know, there are a lot of people
out there that would rather do harm than good when it comes to
personal contact. That's why I love to get the e-mails myself. This
way, I can chose to answer or not. It does, however, allow me to make
personal contact with the people I consider the upper rung of
humanity. There are a lot of psychos, but many more level-headed,
warm-hearted, compassionate, and reality-based people that really
would love nothing more than have a good informative conversation.
That's why I have this page and this is why we're talking right now.
The TV Show in Berlin was a pleasure for me. At the moment, Toto is
talking with a promoter in Jakarta about going there to play some
concerts for the relief fund as well. We're all trying our best to do
our part. This world has given us many gifts and now it's time to
repay in any way we can. Time to show come compassion and pay the
piper.
You take care and please keep in touch....................Bobby
Richard:
Hi Bobby,
My name's Richard Barclay, I'm 18, and I live in Scotland UK.
Unfortunately I suffer from cerebral palsy which has affected my
mobility and speech, and has generally given me an uphill struggle
in life. I have always been keen on good quality ‘real’ music, and
over the past few years have formed a strengthening bond with it,
both in terms of listening and playing (I play bass guitar). In
fact, music is what makes me carry on in life!
I’ve been a fan of Toto for many years though it wasn’t until
seeing the Amsterdam DVD that I fully appreciated just how
good and special you guys are. I soon became you’re number
one fan, and when I heard that you were coming to London I
went ecstatic! I didn’t care how much it would cost me to get
to London - nothing would stand in my way of seeing you guys
live!
The concert on 28th June 2004 in the Albert Hall was literally the
best night of my life - all the struggles I have gone through in my
whole life seemed worthwhile just to hear you effortlessly blast
out the chorus to Africa, live. The sound that night was
breathtaking - I was almost in tears........
I’d always wondered in amazment how you managed to get such
a unique enveloping sound in that chorus (especially after
experiencing the magnificent Amsterdam DVD in 5.1 Surround
Sound DTS!), and hearing it on that night ultimately proved to me
just how good a singer you are. You are god!
You can probably tell that Africa’s my favourite song! I play it
near enough every night (alternating between the Amsterdam DVD and
original Toto IV CD). I know, I’m sad, but I’m obessed with quality
sound and those two recordings give the best sound over any other
album by any other band on the market! - I would be amazed to
learn how you guys produced it so well.
I know you said in a previous response that you equally enjoyed
singing all of the songs, but tell me, how does Africa rank?
Now for the long anticipated question. Do you plan on coming
to the UK again? - it would be a dream come true to see you
guys live again.....
PS - That day of the concert I heard that the band were due for
arrival at one of the secret exists so I waited with my Dad for the
chance to see you in person, but it turned extremely cold so I had
to go inside (I get ill very easily). During the concert, I noticed
that the guy sitting in front of me had your autograph on his
jacket - he was one of the lucky ones who waited long enough
to see you arrive. I offerred him $250.00 for it but still he said
no! - Crazy! I still kick myself for giving up the opportunity of
meeting you in person..........
It would be a dream come true if I could meet you guys the next
time you come over to the UK and get your autographs, as you
are the guys I look upto and respect the most in terms of
musicianship.
Anyway, I hope I haven’t bored you too much with my story.
Take care, keep rockin’, and I hope to see you (in the UK)
soon!...........
All the best,
Richard
Bobby:
Hi Richard. I've sent your letter to all the guys in the band. It
had to be shared, as it's like a Christmas present to read such
e-mails. I'm very sorry about your condition, but I'm truly happy you
came out to see us. Let me say, if we do happen to make it to the
U.K. anytime soon, all you have to do is write me an e-mail and I'll
personally make sure you get your wish. Thank you for writing, and
may you have a great Holiday Season this year. God bless
you................Bobby
Bryan:
G'day from 'downunder' Bobby!
I have been a TOTO fan since way back in my high school days when the
band was first releasing LP's.
In a country like Australia with so few people for such a vast
landmass, it is just so frustrating & disappointing to admit that we
may never get to see you guys play live down here. 2004 has been a
great year for me personally and for many other fans of what I like
to call REAL BANDS who can actually translate proper melodies and
lyrics into terrific live events, sound-wise and performance-wise
(enthusiasm rather than going thru the motions). For example, managed
to see Fleetwood Mac & The Eagles this year and was not disappointed.
My eldest boy (18) is a fair-dinkum TOTO fan, thanks in part to my
incessant playing of your entire catalogue of stuff! I am actually
quite proud of his musical taste (TOTO, your solo stuff, Sherinian)
in a time when so much so-called 'music' & so many 'bands' are
manufactured, and replaced seemingly every 6 months by more of the
same.
With maturing bands like TOTO (includes me at 43 now), who have
family and other responsibilities to consider aside from music, can
you say if there may ever be a tour of Australia?
I pride myself in continuing to 'turn' mates, colleagues, relatives
into serious TOTO fans, particularly once they have seen your 25th
anniversary concert DVD! I hope that you and the guys continue to be
blessed with your gift of musical talent & inspiration, and I
sincerely hope you continue to love what you are living!
Cheers
Bryan Paull
Queensland
AUSTRALIA
Bobby:
Hi Bryan. I think you single-handedly, completely made my day with
your e-mail. What a nice thought it is to think that Toto has
affected people there. I have to tell you I'm always surprised about
the younger fans too. Our crowds in Europe and Japan (and lately in
S. America and the Far East) have been weighing in at about the
average age of 25 years old. That's truly amazing to me. That makes a
lot of them around 15 years old. They're the children and
grand-children of our original fans who are being turned on to the
first music Toto made. I find that a little fascinating, but very
nice.
Now something nice for you,........we're working on a tour
"Down-Under". I've been hearing rumors about us going there after the
new CD comes out. We go into the studio in January, and we don't
leave until we have to real "fireworks" for all the Toto fans. We're
taking this new CD a lot more seriously than any we've done before
it. This is our chance to really speak to the world again, as there
are so many things to be said about what's going on in today's
political climate. We know the best translation tool will be great
music, and great lyrics, so there's lots to be done now.
We have dates already booked for S. Africa in April, so I assume the
next dates they'll be working on will be the Australian dates. You
can stay updated on my page, or the Toto website. "www.toto99.com"
Thanks again for your mail and please stay in touch. I'll talk with
you soon guy..................Bobby
Scott:
Bobby,
First off, you are one hell of a singer -- I cannot believe the notes
you hit and how well your voice sounds to this day! Amazing. My
question, or request is : could you share your favorite Jeff story? I
am a drummer who idolizes all things Porcaro and Toto and am still
crushed that I never got the chance to see him live (started playing
in 1992). Thanks Bobby, any chance in hell that if Simon were to
leave -- would you guys just grab someone via recommendation or would
you have an open audition? People tell me all the time in Phoenix
(play in cover band that does Toto tunes!) that I should be in Toto,
which warms my heart to no end! Can I dream, or should I move to LA
and wait to bump into Luke at the baked potatoe? Thanks Bobby for all
the inspiration, glad to see you guys are kicking more ass than ever.
Sincerely,
Scott Landucci (who dreams of laying it down for you guys nightly)
Bobby:
Hi Scott. Thanks for writing. There are so many stories about Jeff,
it's hard to know where to start. He was one of the greatest guys you
would ever want to meet, and a very cool personality. Everyone loved
Jeff, not only for his talent, but there are some people you just
want to be around because they're just cool,......know what I mean?
One funny thing before I let you go,....
Jeff always brought his water-color pens and drawing pencils out on
the road tours. One of his favorite things would be for him to get
his hands on a picture or piece of art in the hotel and augment the
subject matter, characters, action, or whatever came to his mind.
Some of the funniest things I've ever seen were amongst these
augmentations he rendered. The fun part of it all was, you didn't
really notice the difference unless you really looked closely at the
picture. He was really talented at it. I often wonder if some of his
works are still in those old hotels we stayed in. Surely I would love
to own some of them today.
Take care Scott and thanks again for writing...........Bobby
Jamie:
Hello Bobby,
My name is Jamie and I'm from Hawaii. First of all, I'd like to thank
you and the guys of Toto for coming to Hawaii in May to do a
two-night gig. It absolutely ROCKED! You guys are my favorite band of
all time.
My question: Is there one particular Toto song that you enjoy singing
Live? And why?
Thank you for the years of great music. Have a great rest of the tour
and take care.
Jamie (aka: Toto Maniac from Toto99.com)
Bobby:
Hi Jamie. I guess you could say I'm the other Toto Maniac. I love
to sing so many of the songs the band does, it hard to pick just one.
I wish I could express how great it feels to be onstage with the band
and letting my soul fly into the music. I suppose the only way to
know how that feels, is to be there. thanks for visiting my page and
I hope to see you again in Hawaii. I love it there............Bobby
Bryan:
G'day again Bobby!
Mate.....if I helped make your DAY just that little bit better, then
how do you think my 2005 will be, knowing there may be even a slim
possibility of seeing you guys LIVE down here??????
I don't care where you end up playing, if you do indeed make the
trip, but you can rest assured that me, my brother-in-law (a very recent fan of
yours!!), my eldest son and a few other mates of mine (aged between
45 & 52) will be there (and it's a damned spreadout place I can tell you)!!
Of all the 70's bands I grew up listening to, and being influenced by
(and you're spot-on about music being the ideal carrier of
messages/feelings), there are only a couple that I would have done anything to get to see
live....and TOTO is at the top of my list!
I am continually excited, and I guess a little envious of people like
yourselves who are able to live life enjoying what you do, and
bringing so much pleasure to so many others. My eldest son looks like becoming a
drummer (something I always wanted to do, but never pursued), and my 12 year
old daughter is learning electric guitar after playing keys for a couple
of years off & on.
On the home front Bobby (sorry for rambling a bit but I love knowing
what makes musos tick...I would like to think I may have been one in
another life!), are you comfortable with commenting on your family makeup
(kids, careers?) and how they handle your travel schedule?
It would be a huge honour & privelege to be able to appreciate your
gigs live and, who knows, maybe shake your hand mate and say "well
done!"....have a SUPERB day!!
Cheers
Bryan
Bobby:
It's a bit tough being away form home so much, but it goes with the
territory, ya know? I guess until they come up with another method of
bringing in bands "live at the scene", this is it. I do enjoy going
on the road though. there are so many great people out there to meet
and places to see. Otherwise, we may not have anything to write
about.
That's about all I'm willing to discuss at this time, but I do hope
to see you and your friends down there. Actually, I wish it were
sooner than later, as it's pretty cold up here at the moment. You
guys are enjoying the sunshine about now, right? Possibly too much.
You take care Bryan and keep those cards and letters
coming............Bobby
Rich:
Bobby,
2005 U.K. please please!!.
Missed you last time round. Didn't know you guys were still doin' it.A
search on Google one night in August has changed my life around
completely. Have worn out live in Amsterdam dvd..have played it to my muso friends and have
ordered 4 more. Need to see you guys live. If the dvd is anything to go by it will be
a fantastic experience. Being a pro musician, I wondered how important
the band takes interest in the output sound and balance to the hall. I have been to
one or two concerts that have been spoiled by over enthusiastic mixing by
the desk guys. Where the balance has been ruined.One time was in Birmingham
u.k. The Doobies sound was great but were followed by Foreigner and although
the band were superb it was spoilt by ear splitting bass drum..we had to leave
early..it was unbearable. My point is that the band had no way that the sound
the crowd were hearing was nothing like their stage balance.. and am sure they
would have been pretty concerned if they had known. The guys out front
mixing are the most important in the scheme of things..a few incorrect tweaks of the
knobs can completely ruin a show.I'm sure you are aware of that,
Is what we hear on the dvd roughly the same as we would hear if we
were actually there?If so I can not wait to experience it.
Take care you guys.and Bobby your voice is still amazing..Still has
the freshness and pureness..could be 20+ years ago..sound the same.
Rich (U.K.)
Bobby:
Hi Rich. It's true, the band is onlky as good as the people that
run the outboard sound. We play the music, and he translates it to
the audience. If there is a breakdown in communication between the
two, it comes out very bad to the crowd. We are very fortunate to
have some of the best of the best working with us to make certain
this doesn't happen to us. There are, however, bad nights where the
sound people cannot strike a balance in some halls, but it's very
rare.
The Amsterdam DVD was a "one-shot deal" for us nad we had only that
single night to get it right. There a no vocal overdubs, so what was
recorded was the real thing. We wanted to take a few shows and try to
patch them together, but that was not a possibility. I'm very happy
with the outcome though. I'm glad you like it and if you get a chance
to co,me down to a show, I'm sure we'll top the Amsterdam thing for
sure. Thanks for your comments and I hope to see you
soon................Bobby
Bjarne:
Hi Bobby
I'm happy that you're singing more and more Toto songs that you
did'nt record such as Pamela, Home of the brave e.t.c, so i was very disapointed
when you didn't sing Out of love on the Reunion tour, I've got a cd called Classic
Toto hits, where you sing a killer version of that song, any chance of you singing it
in the future ?
Regards
Bjarne, Copenhagen
Bobby:
Hi Bjarne. We're not really doing that song at the moment. We have a
certain amount of time to do the songs we can, then the concert's
over. It may make it into a setlist in the future, but not at this
time. I would love to sing it, as I love the song, but Luke sang it
last time we did it, so that might be the case if it gets
reintroduced into the set. Take care guy and thanks for
writing......................Bobby
Chris:
Hi Bobby,
Me and my two other brothers, are well into TOTO and all other
projects and bands related to the session guys like yourself. (Interestingly, My
brothers Name is 'Simon Phillip' Davies-and he's a drummer!!)
Just wondered why you guys dont concentrate on the US and UK more, we
are from Brighton in UK and went to your Royal Albert Hall gig this year
and thought it was great. Is it because you get a better response from Mainland
Europe and Japan etc?
Best Regards from the Sunny South Coast of England!
Chris
Bobby:
Hi Chris. It is because we get a better response, (which means we
would be able to continue to make revenue to keep on touring and
recording), that we play mostly Europe and Japan. Recently we
enlisted the aid of an agency here in the USA called ICM. They have
promised us we will be working in the USA very soon, so we're kind of
excited about that notion. They've already started to bring in some
dates, but I won't disclose them, as the contracts have not been
signed yet. Meanwhile, we'll be recording a new CD in January, and a
tour is sure to follow the release. Hope to see you in England and
thanks for writing............Bobby
Luis:
Hi Bobby...How are you..???? Good???.....
Bobby is commented that they would come to Chile in
December........will truth be?
Already I believe that I am dreaming of seeing them again.........
I live at 5 hours of Santiago (in La Serena) for which I must be
prepared.
I was in the festival of Viña and in La Serena with you....
Thank you
Look after yourself
Regards
Atte. Luis Guerra Otarola - Chile
Bobby:
Hi Luis. We are not coming to Chile in December, even though we all
wish it were true. We had the best time there and the crowd was
fantastic. We begin the new Toto CD in January and I'm sure Chile
will be on our menu of places to tour in the near future (after the
recording). You take care guy and keep in touch..............Bobby
Kirk:
Hi Bobby-
I have always thought Toto sounded best when you were singing the
lead vocals amidst the other "vocal colors" that Luke and Dave added to
the mix.
I hope you guys will play in the states sometime soon and I get the
chance to see you all live. Here are my questions God Bless!!
My question's are:
1. Do you take vocal lessons when your not touring with Toto or in
the studio to maintain and keep you vocal ability in tip top shape?
2. What do you exactly, to warm up before a show? and how do you cool
down afterwards....IE drink warm liquids ect?
A huge Fan
Kirk Merritt
Bobby:
Hi Kirk. Thanks for your kind words and I'll try and answer your
questions now.
1. Actually, everyday I try to sing a bit. It helps me to stay in
shape vocally. You have to clear the pipes almost each day to keep a
good confidence level. I have to know that the notes are attainable,
so I sort of test myself each day. I do not take vocal lessons,
however, if you're a singer, I wouldn't say that would be a bad
practice. It always helps to know more about what it is you do.
2. Both Luke and myself have a vocal warmup CD we sing to before
every show. It's a great vocal tool, in that, it helps to clear the
vocal passages and also brings up the confidence level of being able
to reach the notes. It's one of the most important things before you
go onstage.
By the way, I'm entertaining the thought of doing a vocal
instructional DVD soon. I have some interest in this, so I'll put it
on the board when I make that decision. You take care
Kirk..............................Bobby
Nick:
Hi, Bobby, I've been hearing that you have been starting to work on
your next solo album. Well, I'd like to know this. When will it be
released? Also, do you think you might do a solo tour to support
that album? If so, who do you think you might use for band members?
Would original Toto bass player David Hungate be an example? What
towns do you plan on touring? I really hope to catch you in concert
soon.
See you later,
Nick Wells
Bobby:
Hi Nick. I started on the solo project some time ago, but I feel
like I'm just beginning it now. I've had some other things in the way
lately, so now is the moment I have allotted to get it going again.
It has some great songs and very personal music on it.
Hungate could be on it, no problem. I love his playing and he's one
of the nicest guys in the business, for sure. He innovates a lot more
than he imitates. I always loved that about his playing. I've
e-mailed him and he said he would definitely play if I wanted him to.
This was good news to me, indeed.
As far as touring, I would definitely want to play the music live. I
can't say what towns I would tour though. That's a little too much
prognostication for me. I would love to know that myself. If we do
get out there, what town would be the closest to you? Maybe I can try
to hook something up. You take care Nick and I'll be in
touch..............Bobby
Tony:
How has the tour with TOTO be going? How many shows
have you guys done already?
Bobby:
Toto has been on tour for the last 3 years now. We have about 7 more
shows, then we plan to take about a 6 month break to "reload" and do
a solo CD.
The tours went fantastic. We found that we have a lot more fans than
expected. Most of our fans reside in Europe, Japan, and South
America. We normally play to crowds of 5000-20,000 people in those
areas. Our USA touring schedule is very limited, as we got no push
from our label for about 24 years. We recently signed with ICM
Booking Agency, so things may pick up for us here in the States. I
would love to come off tour and not have to go through customs (our
normal proceedure).
In the end of 2003, we played "Night of the Proms" in Europe. This
is a concert series that comprises an 80 piece orchestra, a 50 piece
choir, and several rock bands. We headlined the event for 54 dates
from October-December. In October, we played about 30 dates in a row,
and it was written up in Billboard as one of the biggest grossing
shows of 2003. We played to about 750,000 people in 3 months. Quite
an accomplishment.
Tony:
Aside from touring. Are you working on the follow
up to your brilliant debut, 'Rise Up'? If, so can you
tell us about it.
Bobby:
I am working on a new solo CD. This one will be very personal, as
most of the songs were written over a 20 year period, and about those
I love most. I've been in the studio most of this week trying to sort
out the material so I can get started on the master tracks. The good
news is, I've found that I have way too much material for just one
CD. This will maybe be 2 CDs, but not at tghe same time. I'll be
working with some very good musicians on it, and some of the CD will
be more personal, as it will be just me on keyboard and vocals. I'm
going to try some of the material out by doing some concerts by
myself and another keyboard player. I'm very excited about it.
Alwin:
Hi Bobby,
how are u?
I wanna ask u, what do yout think of bootlegs in an non-commercial
way? For example I heard Livefields and found it so great, but my wish was
to get a full show of this tour, so I traded a bootleg. What do you
think?
Best whishes
Alwin
Bobby:
Hi Alwin. I'm not sure what you mean by "traded". Did you trade your
copy of "Livefields" for a bootleg of the show, or did you just buy a
bootleg of the show?
My opinion of bootlegs in general is that they are hurting the
industry as far as quality of music goes. We, as musicians, are
trying to record the best possible products to put on the market, but
it's very difficult to do so when the product is being stolen and
copied without us making a profit. We have to finance the product,
then again, we also have to make a living at the same time. If
someone takes the product and cuts our living wages and recording
budget out, it makes it impossible for us to record bigger and better
products for you to listen to. It's true, that a lot more music gets
to the listener, but it bypasses the part where the musician and
writer get paid, thereby eliminating the incentive to write and
record quality material (an expensive process). If you would like to
help music become a greater influence, buy the records the musicians
are promoting and stop the piracy dead in it's tracks. The whole
market suffers due to piracy.
Thanks for your questions and I hope this is an answer that rings
throughout the market in years to come. Take care guy............Bobby
Doug:
HI, BOBBY, I 'm DOUG, still from FRANCE, I want to congratulate
you about the singers' corner, who else has ever did it ?! for sure
nobody else, you are a great guy, conscient of what you can bring to a
life's musician, that's great man !
I'm always searching for some instrumental tracks of TOTO¹s songs,
so tired of midifiles and you know why !
Do you know if there is a place we can find good ones ?
Thank you BOBBY ...
In a friendly way, DOUG .
Bobby:
Hi Doug. What a great idea. I have no idea where they might have
instrumental tracks of Toto material, but let's throw it out on the
web page and see if anyone else muight know. Anything's possible
these days. I waish you luck, as I wouldn't mind getting some of
those tracks to rehearse with. You take care and thanks for
writing..........................Bobby
Tony:
I believe it was after TOTO IV or ISOLATION that
you left the band. What happened?
Bobby:
It was after the Toto IV CD that I was "asked to leave the band".
There was a lot of confusion going on, as far as people keeping their
heads on straight. I can't say it was all my fault but I'm not
blaming anyone else for their actions. It was just a mistake and I'll
leave it at that. It was a very enlightening event in my life, as I
was doing harmful things to myself and now that's over. The band is
better than ever now, and no one is happier with it than me. Everyone
is getting along fine (and that takes some doing). Let's suffice it to
say, it was a good thing I was asked to go, as it saved my life. Now
being back is making my life better than it's ever been.
Nick:
Hi, Bobby, I've heard that a couple of month ago that Toto did a
concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Was this Toto's first
time playing onstage with a real orchestra? Were you and Toto
excited? Was the concert a blast? Will that concert ever get
released on C.D., DVD, or home video? Do you think you guys might do
another concert with another orchestra?
Thank you,
Nick Wells
Bobby:
Hi Nick. Let me recommend a decaf coffee for you,...........just
kidding.
We did play with the Atlanta Symphony and it was great fun. However,
we had played with an orchestra on the "Night of the Proms" concert
series for about 3 months (almost every night) in Belgium, Holland,
and Germany. All told, we played to almost 700,000 people during that
3 month period. They did record a DVD on it, but I think you would
have to go to the site: www.nightoftheproms.com to find it. It
should be quite interesting though, as they've had just about all the
great artists on that series in Europe. I only wish they would offer
that in the USA, as it is incredible.
Not long after the NOTP series, we played with the Hawaiian Symphony
in Honolulu. This was really fun, as we stayed there for about 8 days
and only played 2 of those. Incredible orchestra in Hawaii.
For the Atlanta symphony concert, we had to arrange about 8 more
charts, so it got tricky, as some of the material had never been done
with us and an orchestra. We ended up using the same conductor for
Atlanta that we used in Hawaii, as he knew the material.
I hope this answers your questions and keep in touch
guy..................Bobby
Juliette:
Hi Bobby,
I saw the band in the Albert Hall in London earlier
this year. WOW!!!
Do you ever perform 'You are the Flower'? I think
that you composed it? It is just such a brilliant
tune with great chords and a great feel.
Juliette x
Bobby:
Hi Juliette. On a couple of tours since I've been back in the band,
we have put "You Are The Flower" in the set. It was actually in the
medley part of the set, so we didn't play the song in it's entirety.
I did write that song, and it was sort of my audition with the band.
I brought the song in and we tracked it as the first thing I recorded
with Toto. What a fun night. I remember listening to it for about 3
hours after I got home from the studio,.......into the wee hours of
the morning. Thanks for writing and keep in touch..........Bobby
Robin:
Hello Bobby! My name is Robin Kulbay and you´ve answered one of my
questions before. Now I have another one =) : What is TOTO´s biggest
audience number ever? What is the biggest you had with them during
the first years you were with the band and the time when you returned
in 1999? i´d be very happy if u could answer! =)
Bobby:
Hi Robin. It's not the size of a crowd that's great, it's the
enthusiasm. However, I think one of the biggest crowds in the early
years was at The Colosseum in LA. It was a 2 day festival and we were
the only band to play both days. There were 90,000 people each day.
Since I've been back, I think the biggest crowd we've played for was
during "Night of the Proms" during the month of
mid-October-mid-November. We played to 15,500 for almost 30 days in a
row, making that about (at 28 days) 420,000 people. It was in the top
10 concert series as a record for concert attendance in 2003.
Later......................Bobby
Juan Carlos:
Hello, I am of Chile, wanted to know if in his plans this the
possibility of returning to Chile. As you saw, fans in Chile are
many.
Thanks for the musica that give to us, we are for supporting them.
Greetings.
sorry for my english.......
Rise Up...............Are here the roots of TOTO.......
According to my thought
Juan Carlos Y Luis Guerra
Chile
Bobby:
Hi Juan. I wish I could say that we're returning to Chile tomorrow,
but we're going to take some time off to record another CD before we
start touring again. Thanks for the picture and I hope to see you
soon again..............Bobby
Nick:
Bobby, I've read in a question on your website that although Stephen
Porcaro isn't in Toto anymore, he stills works on some of their
albums. Have you ever thought of asking him to play with you on any
of solo projects?
Thank you,
Nick Wells
Bobby:
Hi Nick. I have asked him to play something on the solo effort, but
really, I'm the one that hasn't had time to get around to all that
yet. He remains one of my favorite people and artists. It will be a
pleasure to have him join in. You take care..............Bobby
Mike:
Hi Bobby;
I was just wondering if Toto had any special plans for their 30th
anniversary in 2007? Perhaps a CD with unreleased tracks, rare live
tracks, the return of former members like Steve Porcaro or Joseph
Williams? I know the query is a little premature, but I was just
curious if you guys had talked about it. Thanks Bobby.
I hope everything is going well for you.
Mike Riley
Bobby:
Hi Mike. I wish I could predict the future, but if I told you that
was a possibility, I wouldn't be totally telling you the truth. Maybe
a more "today" question would be more in line. Take care
guy............Bobby
Nick:
Hi, Bobby, I'd like to know this. How did you first meet Toto? Did
you know them from auditions? Did they ever open up for your band,
S.S. Fools?
Thank you,
Nick Wells
Bobby:
Hello again Nick. I met David Paich and Jeff Porcaro while I was the
lead singer with S.S. Fools. The two of them came to a lot of the
rehearsals and I was blessed with them asking me to sing with Toto a
few years later. The rest is history. By the way, Toto and S.S. Fools
never existed at the same time.....................Bobby
Roberto:
Hi Bobby i'm a great Toto fan, i've seen you live three times in the
last year and a half. I had the pleasure to shake your hand in Modena. Can
you tell me something about the new Toto album? I've read somewhere that
the album is finished and that it will be out soon, is it true? TOTO forever!!!
Roberto
Bobby:
Hi Roberto. I only wish it were finished, but we're not going into
the studio to record the new CD until January. Everyone in the band
is a little tied up with previous commitments (Simon in Russia doing
drum clinics, Luke on tour in Japan, I'm soing a solo CD, Mike's
working on a Porcaro Bros. CD,.....etc), so the CD will begin in
January. Keep in touch..............Bobby
Charlie:
Hi Bobby my name's Charlie and I'm from South America ... I'm the
lead singer and bassist of an AOR band called Hardway ... We're currently
at the recording studio working on vocal parts and I wanted to ask you this
: how can I get more endurance ??? y'know I really admire your singing,
you've been performing those incredible songs since the eighties and in
their same key !!! I also want you to know that Toto's been a big influence to
me and the rest of the band ... Hope someday you can give it a listen and
give us your opinion !!! Ok Bobby thanx a lot and take care !!!
Charlie G
Bobby:
Hi Charlie. The best thing you can do it take good care of your
health and don't do anything that would keep you from singing at your
best. Try not to drink (too much, especially before you sing, or too
much after), don't do any drugs (if you do), and get plenty of rest
and water into you system. Water is so important, I can't stress it
enough. Guard your voice "as if your career depended on
it",.........it does. Keep a positive mental attitude, as well.
Sometimes, reaching the notes, especially the high ones, is more that
you "believe you can go there" than the fact that you can actually
achieve it. Keep yourself fearless of going to the high notes.
Practice, practice, practice.
I hope that helps. I know it works for me.
Send me an Mp3 and I'll listen to you sing. Take care
guy.........................Bobby
Unknown:
How do you explain that TOTO, a band which has been around since the
late seventies, has so many young fans, who weren't even born when
TOTO had their first hits?
Bobby:
The only thing I can imagine is, they were introduced to the band by
their parents, who must have constantly played the albums while our
present crowd of fans were growing up. It wouldn't be from new
airplay, as that has long since passed. I'm constantly amazed at the
age difference in our crowds though. I look into the first 10 or 15
rows of people and see faces that are anywhere from 10 years old to
50 years old. Most are in the 20-25 year old range.
Mostly, it's a mystery to all of us..............Bobby
Edward:
Hi Bobby, after seeing TOTO's spectacular concert at the Royal Albert
Hall this year in 2004, will TOTO be coming back to the Royal Albert
Hall again in the future? (I hope so)
Bobby:
Hi Edward. Thanks for writing. Toto will be at the Royal Albert Hall
in a heartbeat, if asked to do so again. It was truly an honor to
play there and I think a Live DVD would be great from such a
prestigious venue. The truth is, we will come if asked to be there.
Take care guy and keep in touch........................Bobby
Laurent:
Amongst your peers, those guys are my favourite musicians in their
fields... what do you think of them ? Alex Ligertwood (vocals), David
Garfield (keys), Neil Stubenhaus (bass), John Robinson (drums), Lenny
Castro (perc), Michael O'Neill and Paul Jackson Jr. (guitars) ?
"(That's a stupid question !! LOL)"
Bobby:
Funny you should say that, because that's my exact answer to this
question. I know, and love them all. You have good taste in musicians.
Anders:
Do you see it as a problem that a singers voice changes with
age..... I mean naturally your voice isn't precisely the same as it
was in the 1980's.... It still is equally as good, if not better in
my opinion....... But still not the same.... what's your opinion?
Bobby:
I guess, like anything, you learn how to achieve the things you
started with easier as time goes by. A singer has to really take care
of the voice, as it's not an instrument you can abuse and expect it
to operate the same night after night. I can still sing the songs I
recorded, all those years ago, in the same key. It's important to the
song that they remain in the original key, as that's one of the
primary elements to how the song sounds. I can hit all the notes I
did in the beginning of the band, and I constantly work on my
endurance, so we won't ever have to compromise while doing up to 8
nights in a row on tour. I care very deeply about the sound of the
band, and I do whatever it takes to make sure we will always be in
top form.
Rob:
Hi Bobby,
I'm an old fart, 49, who's been a big fan for years. I'm also an
average drummer who appreciates good songs played well. I live in
Jennings, La...(we're nearly neighbors)...and I was wondering if
there was any chance of you and/or the band playing locally, Lake
Charles, Lafayette, etc, so we could get Toto-ised again, and to let
people who don't know y'all hear some great rock and roll. Thanks for
the years of good times...you still have fans way down here in the
woodwork!! Stay cool, and take care of that voice!!
Kindest regards,
Rob McDaniel
Bobby:
Hi Rob. We've just returned from Japan where we did the Tokyo Jazz
Festival. What a great time.
As of mid-January, the band will be taking about 8 months off to do
another CD and do some personal projects we've had on hold due to our
touring for the past 3 years. I'm doing 2 other artists and a solo CD
myself, and the rest of the guys are gong to be scattered all over
the world doing other things. The new CD will begin in January, and
will take a few months to finish. Then we have plans to do a world
tour, but not before we do some dates in the USA. We've just (this
past week) gotten a new agent for America and they're very excited
about the prospects of working us here in the good old USA. Maybe
you'll be seeing us sooner than you think. I can't wait to come back
and play in my home state, as it's been far too long. The band sounds
better than ever at the moment, so get ready for some surprises.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch.......................Bobby
Unknown:
Hi, Bobby, I'd like to know this. Are you and Toto still friends
with original bass player David Hungate? Why did he leave the group?
Was it due to artistic differences? Have you ever thought of asking
him to play bass for you on your next solo album?
Bobby:
Funny you should say that, as David and I remain very good friends,
as well as all of the guys in Toto. We all have a deep respect for
his talent, wit, and the many things that make him a great guy in
general.
David left the band just after recording the Toto IV CD, mainly due
to not wanting to be on the road so much. We were out a lot, and
David was trying to spend as much time with his family as possible.
He decided that Nashville would be a good place to maintain a good
career and raise his family. I think he made a good choice, but we
missed him and still do. He comes out to jam with the band when we
play near his home.
I've asked him if he would help in my solo effort and he has given
me a thumbs-up on that. He is one of my favorite people, not to
mention one of the finest, most innovative bassists I know.
Thanks for asking and keep in touch...............Bobby
Roberta:
Hallo Bobby, I'm Roberta from Rome!
Your voice has been always amazing,I know it very well since I was
5 (now I'm 34)! It's always my dream to sing and I did it for a certain
period of my life, I made two single for a compilation too;but after married my
life is changed and my voice become different, 'cause UNFORTUNATELY I'm a
smoker! Sometimes I try to sing, everythings it's all right but not ok with
highs notes! Two days ago I bought "25th Anniversary-Live in Amsterdam"dvd
and I had goose-flash for all the concert! AWESOME!!
Tell me Bobby, cigarettes excluding, what's the secret of your
voice, always young and beautiful? Above all, when will you come here in Rome for a
concert with Toto, so I can hear your spectacular voice live?
Thanks for everythings, Bobby!
I love you!!
ROBERTA
Bobby:
Hi Roberta. Thanks for writing. I think smoling is possibly one of
the most harmful things you can do to your voice, so that would be
the biggest threat to your voice. After that, not getting any
exercise, not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol, and
not getting enough sleep would be the other things that can harm your
voice the most. Really, your whole body is your instrument as a
vocalist, so you have to watch out for everything in order to
maintain the voice.
We would love to come back to Rome soon, but I think we'll be taking
some time off to record a new CD in the studio now. We spent 5
incredible days in your beautiful city the last time we were there. I
learned so much about it and now I can't wait to return.
I hope this helps with your voice and keep in touch,
OK?.................Bobby
Laurent:
Any particular memory from recording "Forgotten Child" with Paul
Shortino for his album "Back On Tracks" (1993) ? I just LOVE this
song.
Bobby:
Paul is a great guy and we had a lot of fun recording together. He
had a rehearsal studio when I had my solo band. I was always around
laughing and joking with him. He's one of the nicest guys in rock,
and if you write to him, you can tell him I said