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