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 that.

Anders:
I presume that you follow the musical scene, and especially the rock and pop-scene of today.... I know that there are a lot of "trash" that comes out of the music industry today.... But what bands of today do you think are good??

Bobby:
No comment.

--- End of latest update ---

Laurent:
Would a "duet album" be an option for you to record ? If yes, which singers would you like to sing with ?

Bobby:
A duet CD would be a very fun thing for me. If I had my choice, I would love to sing with Elton John, Bruce Springstein, Mick Jagger, Billy Joel,.......etc. But my favorite singer, Ray Charles, just passed away. I thought he had more soul in his voice than anyone I've ever heard in our time.

Anders:
My personal favourite toto-sound is of course with you in the band. It gives the band that unique original sound that was established from the very beginning. But still the band has done many records when you weren't in the band, some that are quite good actually. For instance, I liked the Sevent one album with J.Williams..... That was a great melodic album....Alson K.O.D with Steve L handling the vocals, I thought was great.... ( a bit different)... Also the Tambu-album had its moments with a couple of beautiful ballads..... I would just wonder if you would like to comment a bit what you think of some of the albums, that was recorded without you in the band? I will make a little list here....
1. Isolation (should have been sung by you, I know)... What do you think of it?
2. Fahrenheit with J.Williams
3. Seventh one, dito
4. kingdom of desire
5. Tambu

Bobby:
1. Isolation: I did most of the vocals on this CD before I was asked to leave the band. I thought it to be a really great CD, and I was honored that the band kept my background vocals on the CD when it was released.
2. Fahrenheit: This CD took me by surprise, as Joseph is, and will always be, a world class singer; and the band,.........well, the band will always be Toto, and that's really not a bad thing. Good CD with some nice songs.
3. Seventh One: Some very good material on this one. We get a lot of requests to do songs from it. The band was in very good form on this CD.
4. Kingdom of Desire: A. departure for the "regular Toto sound", but a great CD, none the less. I thought Luke handled the vocals very well and the CD is more rock oriented than ususal for a Toto CD. A couple of my favorites, "Jake To The Bone", and "Gypsy Train" are on this CD.
5. Tambu: I really loved this one. I remember listening to the CD while I was living in Germany at that time. When I heard "I Will Remember", I felt it was one of my favorite songs from Toto. A very classy effort by the whole band.

Brad:
Hi Bobby! How's it going? Haven't heard from you in a while. Are the plans for Toto & Kansas together on tour still be happening soon? I sure hope so. Keep me posted. Take care. Brad Smith

Bobby:
Hi Brad. As of this writing, we still have plans to contact Kansas about a tour, but nothing has been carved in stone yet, as we're interviewing new agents for the USA. Hopefully we'll have that in place in the next couple of weeks and we can move ahead with some dates in our homeland.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch.............Bobby

Laurent:
When you look back at the period when you were not in Toto and going through some more difficult times, how do you feel ? Do you think you behaved like an idiot and/or do you think you "had" to get there in order to grow as a person ?

Bobby:
I don't think I behaved any worse than anyone I was working with. It was just a very unfortunate thing for us all, as it set us back progress-wise, and could have been avioded easily.
Do I think I behaved like an idiot?......for sure, taking drugs and trying to act like anything but an idiot just doesn't work. It's the nature of the substance to deflect your thought processes, so I was not thinking rationally, nor was anyone else around me. This is the reason for the "progress delay". When you're thinking more about trying to replace a missing part to something, it makes it difficult to think about creating new ideas to make whatever it is a better machine.
I must confess, it did a lot of good for me to hit the bottom for a minute. It gave me back the sense of being grounded, and therefore helped me understand that what was influencing my life during the bad times, was not the direction I wanted to go. It took time to readjust, but I feel so much better about myself these days, and I know exactly what I want, and how I want to achieve it.

Anders:
My second question concerns the musicianship of the band. How would you say that the band differs from when you all started in the late 70's until now... Do you think that the guys are better musicians now than they were then? Are you a better singer now than then?

Bobby:
Everyone has matured a lot since we started the band, and you can only learn from experience, the things that make you grow into a better musician. We've become closer, and we each feel where the music is going, even if there is a mistake, we recover easier from it. I can't say we're better players or singers now, we're just doing what we've always done, but it seems to be easier because we've had the experiences that teach us how to do "our bit" easier. We've gotten over being nervous about going onstage (like in the beginning) so we feel several steps ahead when we take the stage.

Laurent:
Do you consider that your lyrics are "love words" or is there a deeper meaning (not that talking about love is not deep) ? What are you basically trying to express in your lyrics ?

Bobby:
What I begin to try to express in a song, sometimes is radically different at the end of the session, than where I began the thought process. I sometimes start out with one idea, and end up with another, not that it's a bad thing, but the lyric writing process, more or less, takes you where it wants you to be. You have to let yourself go and feel free to write whatever comes out in the moment.
What comes out when I write a "Love Song", is whatever I'm experiencing at the time. I try to relate it to something that is happening to me, os someone I'm close to (such as a friend or another couple). I think it would take a good psycologist to figure out whether there is a deeper, more profound meaning to anyone's lyrics. One might say one thing, and in the back of their mind, they maen something drastically opposed to what they wrote.

Anders:
My name is Anders Nele, and I am a great fan of yours and of Toto since my early childhood-days. I am 25 now, so as you can see you have played a major part of my life. Now, I have a couple of questions for you.
1. Can you give us any hints about the direction/style of the next Toto-album? Will it be softer pop a la Toto IV, or more of rock-oriented album?
2. How will you share the singing-responsebilities on the new album?
3. I have been following the band really closely especially since you've returned (thank god for that as you are so talanted). But one thing that really struck me is the amount of energy and committment you put in on stage. How do you do it? You must be fit and healthy like a 20 year old.
!!!!Best regards and keep rocking!!!
Anders

Bobby:
1. I can't really divulge that information, as it doesn't exist at the moment. The style & direction of any of the Toto CDs is determined after we record a good bit of the music. We try very hard to pick the songs that fit together to make a complete picture of what we're about on any particular CD. If I had to guess, it's going to be closer to the Toto IV CD, as that's the essence of the sound of Toto. However, the rock element will be strongly present. You can look for some things to come out about the middle of 2005.
2. We also try very hard to use all of our best recources when picking the songs and the singer that will perform it. Mostly Steve L. and I will do the brunt of the vocals, and if we can talk him into it, we'll try and get David P. to sing at least one song. This serves two purposes; It gives me relief onstage from the high vocal pounding, and it gives the band another place to go for attitude changes musically with Steve's silky voice. I love the difference in our voices, and singing "with" Steve is another option.
Once again, the songs have not been decided on, so it's hard to say how the vocal responsibilities will be split up.
3. Since your health is the determining factor to make the vocals happen right, I try my best to keep fit, and I do whatever it takes to protect my voice during and after a tour. The whole body is the instrument for a singer, so that's what has to be taken care of. It's not a bad idea for anyone though. I get lot's of sleep, try to eat the right foods, and avoid the big parties.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch..................Bobby

Michelle:
Hi Bobby,
Hope all is well to you.
May I ask you a question?
One of my friend told me that you played Rosanna keyboard solo between Luke and Dave in Morioka, Japan, in 2002 tour. I've never seen your keyboard solo, and is this sometimes happen, or guys in Morioka were so lucky?
Take care and see you soon!
Michelle, from "Hot"Japan

Bobby:
Hi Michelle. I do play keyboard, and did that particular night.
Luke and I were just having a little fun and I decided to join in on the keys after Luke. I think it only served to show everyone that I'm not that great on the keyboard, but I do have fun at it. It's the instrument I normally use to write on.
I love the internet, as normally this would have gone unheard of. Thanks for writing and we'll be in Tokyo on the 19th this month at the Tokyo Jazz Festival. Should be very interesting. Hope to see you there.........................Bobby

Unknown:
Dear Bobby, I am wondering if you will continue to work with John Zaika? I think he did a brilliant job with you on all i ever needed. i have recently heard some other material that he had produced & written it was incredible , kinda unsung hey?

Bobby:
John is not only a great writer and very motivated toward the music, he's also a very good friend. I enjoyed working with him on the "All I Ever Needed" CD and hope in the future we'll be able to do another project together.
The big problem we had is, another party (from Germany) step in at the last minute, after the music was finished, and stole almost all of the money gained from the sales of the CD. It was the biggest major set-back for us, as we would have one, maybe two more CDs done by now. It was a good lesson learned, but very bad for the progress of the writing team.
John is full of ideas and a load of fun to write with. My wish is that we can do more work together, as we make a pretty good team in the writing department.
What else did you hear from John? He's also done work with Mickey Thomas from Starship, so he's very versitile. Do you know John? What's your name?
You take care and keep in touch...............Bobby

Takako and Kiko:
Hello Bobby.It'll soon be the day of Tokyo Jazz Festival. We're excited about the concert,with our hearts beating. We're looking forward to seeing you and listing to your songs. Let me ask you a question. Will you have an opportunity of singing in Japan by yourself?(I want to say;"Bobby's Sole-Concert".) Simon Philips played this summer in Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival,didn't he? And Steve Lukather will come to Japan in this November. In Japan,there are many fans that want to see you,Bobby.We hope our dreams come true for the future. TAKAKO and KIKO ,from JAPAN

Bobby:
Hi TAKAKO and KIKO. I'll be talking to the people from the "Blue Note" while I'm in Japan, about possibly doing a couple of weeks there with a great band from LA. If so, we'll be recording a Live CD at the club and you can come out and join us. Thanks for asking and maybe I'll see you there........................Bobby

Laurent:
Lyrically, do you feel that your writing has changed a lot since the early days of Toto ?

Bobby:
It still comes from the same source, but there's a lot more information to draw from. I've had so many more experiences (some of which could be harmful to thought-clarification) since the early days of the band. Let's just suffice it to say that I find it easier to write lyrics these days, as I've had more practice at it. It's become a deeper well, and the use of "double entendries" and the like, make for much better lyrics.

Benn:
Hi Bobby,
Firstly I personally think that you and your voice should up there with the likes Plant, Daltrey and Mercury etc in terms of originality, power and overall aceness!!
Perhaps a bit of odd question, I am not a singer (partly due to lack of confidence) but i do like to write songs or at least have a part in writing, but i am wondering when you are writing lyrics do you always set off with a particular theme or subject of what you want the song to turn out, and does it sometimes develope and turn out to be something quite different? Thanks!
All the best
Benn

Bobby:
Hi Benn. It's the absolute truth, that once you start lyrics on a song, the lyrics begin to take you where they want you to be. I always start with a preconceived notion of what I want to do, but I always end up getting fooled by where the words take me. I've started happy songs that ended up sad, emotional songs that ended up being light hearted,....etc. The best thing is to let yourself go and enjoy the ride. Also, keep a lot of great reference books handy to get you through the tough moments when you can't find the word you're looking for.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch............Bobby

Desmond:
Dear Bobby,
How are you ? I am a very big fan of yours and TOTO from Hong Kong, China. In case you've never heard of or about Hong Kong, we're on the southern China coast and we were a British colony for 150 years until 1997.
I realize that you and TOTO have toured in Japan many times and also in many parts of Asia, but you guys have always skipped Hong Kong. It's a great pity because, like myself, there is a significant group of long-time TOTO fans here in Hong Kong. Like in other parts of the world, many are professional musicians who really look up to a band like TOTO. In fact, I sing and play the piano myself though I don't do that for a living. I started playing when I was five, classically trained.
TOTO's records have sold well here for the past many years, including your latest, the Live In Amsterdam cd and dvd. The company that manufactures the dvd for the south east Asia region is actually based here in Hong Kong. But we do also get direct imports from the US and that version of the dvd was available here just about a week after the US release.
We have various world-class venues of different sizes here and numerous legendary artists have perfomed here again and again. For instance, Elton John is returning this month, so are the Eagles and Duran Duran. Newer acts like Norah Jones and Alicia Keys have played here. Santana and The Rolling Stones have been back. Oh, and Sting will be returning next year. But my all-time favourite concert in Hong Kong so far has to be Eric Clapton.
It would truly be a thill for us to see TOTO playing in Hong Kong. There is a very exciting live music scene here and as for the city itself, you guys will absolutely love this place. It's a very cosmopolitan and westernized city, but still retaining it's unique oriental characteristics. Some friends of mine visiting from New York thinks that the pace of life in Hong Kong is actually faster than it is back home. It truly is a city that never sleeps.
Before I go, I'd just like to say that it's really great to have you back as the front man in TOTO. You truly are the voice of the band. Those who are born to sing can only get better and better in time, and you're one of the best examples of that. I can't help to think that if you had never left the band, TOTO would be way more popular in the US and that will still be the case today. But I guess things happen for a reason and frankly, it's their (the US audience's) loss.
Very much looking forward to TOTO's new studio album. And of course to TOTO finally performing here in Hong Kong. I wish you and TOTO the very best for your upcoming gig at the Tokyo Jazz Festival. Do take care and keep up that superb singing. You and TOTO are truly one of a kind, nobody-else comes even close !
Best regards,
Desmond Ho.
A long-time TOTO fan from Hong Kong, China.

Bobby:
Hi Desmond. If memory serves me correctly, I think the guys in Toto mentioned that they had been to Hong Kong once while I was out of the band. I'll check that info and let you know.
It is my fervent wish to visit your country, as I've never been there. I hear so many great things about it from everyone that has been there. I read about Hong Kong and it's many historic sites, so I only have to go there now to make a few of my dreams come true.
Thanks so much for writing and I'll pass your mail on to our managers as a reminder that we need to go and visit "the real city that never sleeps". Take care and please keep in touch........................Bobby

Murray:
Hi Bobby,
I can't believe I can send an e-mail directly to my singing icon and get a response in around two hours. I really appreciate how down to earth you guys are (including the rest of the Toto players - thinking about my poolside chat with you and the rest of the guys in New Caledonia) especially considering you guys are arguably the best in the game.
Anyway, getting serious for a second - I am about to purchase a wireless mic system. Any advice? I have been using Shure SM58's for vocals since I started performing live and have grown used to them. What sort of wireless system do you use and what inserts do you have in them? I notice you endorsed AKG for a while. Do you still like them or was that more of a financial arrangement with AKG? Are there any hitches or drawbacks I should consider? We play pretty small venues - pubs and clubs mostly, almost always less than a thousand people so it's not like we are playing big arenas or anything.
Also, how much warming up do you do before a show. Honestly now!!! Do you ever miss a warm up if your stretched for time??? Do you find it makes that much of a difference? I must admit I am pretty lax. I tend to do it in the car on the way to the gig or not at all. I must admit the way pub and club gigs are structured in Australia (3 x 45 minute sets, half hour breaks) the first set is usually pretty easy stuff that doesn't stretch you and I tend to use that as my warm up. Pretty slack, I know, but that's how it goes when your rushing between your day job and the Friday night gig. I must admit that if I'm doing three nights straight say Fri, Sat and Sunday I notice the benefits of the warm up around the last night.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Cheers,
Murray

Bobby:
Hi Murry. The mic. What I'm using at the moment is a Shure Beta 58-A. I really didn't endorse AKG, but I used one for a brief period, as well as an Audio-Technica wired mic. Audio-Technica has now come out with a very compatible wireless microphone. I'll be talking to the managers of that company about a possible endorsement in January. I would like to try an array of different mic.'s in a live situation to do a comparison study in a single arena. That way it'll be fair for the best comparison possible.
At the moment, my money's on the Shure Beta 58-A.
As far as the vocal warm-up, I consider it a very big part of beginning the concert, as we hit the stage with our two hardest songs on this particular setlist. I have to be ready like a "rider coming out of the shoot" in a rodeo. The main thing is that you don't injure your voice in the opening moments of the concert. It's all downhill after that if you do. The warm-up gives you voice a chance to slowly work into the upper level of your range, so it is important, especially if you sing any high songs in the beginning of the set. I have gone on without warming up, but there is that moment of fear that you're hurting your voice when there's no pre-vocalizing. We usually do a soundcheck, and when we do, I get in a fairly good warm-up, but I still do the 10 minutes before I go onstage. It really doesn't matter about where you do this warm-up, but I highly recommend you're doing it before hitting the stage.
I wish you luck and take care of that voice....................Bobby

Doug:
Ouah ouah ouah, can't believe what u say !!!!!!!!
Hope 2 see u real, of course !!!!
I go, listen to "waiting for your love" for the one million time and still wondering "damn how does he catch these notes ?????????" But I understand, with the heart and the experience !!!!
Thanks BOBBY.
DOUG

Bobby:
Hi Doug. I wrote that song for my daughter, so it comes from a very deep place in my heart. No problem hitting the notes..................Bobby

Randy:
Dear Mr. Kimball,
To see you still singing with so much authority is divine. I am a 34 year old professional singer / keyboardist who has been inspired by your voice since I was 10. I have always been amazed at how pure your upper register is. The way you soar to high E during the out choruses in Africa, or nail C# repeatedly in I’ll Supply the Love are just two examples of the type of singing I appreciate. Singing along with you in the car and performing several TOTO tunes in my show have helped me get some killer chops. I find myself recently out of a gig and am trying to get in with an established group like Starship, Foreigner, Styx, Journey etc. I really need a contact in the industry. Listen to the attached mp3 of one of my tunes if you wish. I think you’ll agree, I have the capability to handle a front-man gig with a reputable group. It would make my decade if you were to respond! Thanks a ton.
Musically,
Randy Wight

Bobby:
Hi Randy. What a pleasure to hear a great voice out there. I was shocked at your range and clarity. I'm going to put your mail on my page in hopes that you will be read by some interested party and fulfill your dreams. I know that Starship, Styxx, Foreigner, and Journey have their lead vocal spots filled, but there are many other bands out there that should appreciate a vocalist of your caliber. If you want, you should send a picture and possibly another song and I'll put them up on my site.
Thanks for that offering and I wish you the best of luck with everything guy..................Bobby

Warren:
Hello Bobby,
Hope you and the band are doing great.I am really looking forward for the chat service on Toto99 site.
I wrote to Steves best friend Arend Slagman and he wrote back saying that Toto did not even start with the new album.
Take Care and Is Simon free at the moment?
Warren

Bobby:
Hi Warren. That's correct about the new CD. We'll start in January on the new project, but we're already working on the songs so it will be a lot faster when we do start.
Simon is never free, as he is always working on something. He's one of the busiest guys I know, and he works on several things at once.
You take care and keep in touch......................Bobby

Wells:
If you plan on making another solo album, are you going to cover any classic duets? If so, which songs do you think you'd cover and who might you ask to sing with you on them?

Bobby:
I do plan on making another solo CD very soon. I have many offers for duets with various artists, but at the moment, I'm trying to concentrate on the songs more than the delivery system. I may, in the future, consider doing a "duets only" CD, as I have a lot of singer friends that would make for a very fun body of work.

Jafet:
I would like to know what kind of music do ya listen for inspirate your soul or about you influences.........
jafet

Bobby:
Hi Jafet. I listen to many things that cause me to feel different ways about things I write and ways I interpret my vocals. Ray Charles is a great place to begin, but I listen to many of the soul singers, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and voices that most fit my voice. I also like gospel singers, as they deepen their spirit by singing to "the supreme being". I listen to a great variety of singers though. I think it's important to keep up with today's music, as a lot can be learned by keeping your ear to the pulse of the music industry.

Douglas:
Hi BOBBY I did a remix of "supply the love", tell me what you think about it !!!!!
Some friends of mine (DJ'S) play it and love it.
could it be a good idea of making a commercial version of this remix ?
Thanks for your answer or the simply the fact that you listen to it .....
Ps : did you work your voice on the SETH RIGGS technique ? Like LUKE and JOSEPH did ?
For me your voice is a mistery , you didn't seem to want to talk about vocalizing , but for a young singer it's so curious the way you reach the high notes especially on "waiting for your love" and "you are the flower", did you have a good teacher or you simply "connected" your voice by yourself ?
Thanks again and again for the GOLD you left in my ears when I first heard TOTO ..........
DOUGLAS

Bobby:
Very interesting Doug. I think that would be a cool idea to have a "Dance Mix" of I'll Supply the Love.
I didn't really study with a lot of vocal coaches. I got most of what I do from working with club bands in the 60's and 70's. I learned all the songs and styles I could, then as time progressed, I began thinking more about doing things my way for a change, as opposed to copying others. I don't discount learning from professionals though, as I really had the best of teachers just listening to some of the best singers of my era. Thanks for writing and keep in touch.............Bobby

Sebastian:
Hi Bobby, I'm the oldest son (17 years) of a family full of Toto- Fans. And I checked the whole q & a - Section and no one ask you about the Man Doki Soulmates. What is your opinion of this "Band"?
What do you think about Leslie Man Doki himself?
And is there a new projekt planned?
Sebastian from Germany

Bobby:
Hi Sebastian. Leslie and I go a long way back. He comes from a more Euro-Jazz type of feel, and I really come from soul roots. The SoulMates project has a lot of great musicians involved, and I have a lot of fun just being there with them. The band is fantastic.
As for Leslie,.....he's my friend and I'm also an extended member of the family, as I love his wife and childred dearly. I just got back from spending a little time with them, as a matter of fact.
You take care and keep in touch.............Bobby

Nick:
Hi, Bobby, this is Nick Wells again. I'd like to know this. Were you and Toto ever approached on being on any PBS shows like maybe Austin City limits or maybe Soundstage?
Thank you

Bobby:
Hi Nick. To my knowledge, we have not. Of course, being a Texas born and raised in Louisiana kind of guy, I would love to do any of those shows, as it would definitely bring out the best in me. If you know someone that could pull that off for us, please let me know. Keep in touch guy...............Bobby

Warren:
Hello Bobby,
Hope you are doing fine.I am O.K.So how is the album turning out? Hope everything goes well.
So Bobby do you have a chat service on your web site? When ever you are free we could chat about your self, me and Toto.
Take Care and have a cool day
Warren

Bobby:
Hi Warren. At the moment, there is no chat site on my web page. It could happen in the future, but I spend a lot of time writing and recording, so there's little time to chat online. A new software company is coming out soon that will allow me (along with all of Toto) to chat with the fans. Look for that to happen about January.........................Bobby

Rob:
Hey Bobby,
Great to see the website is becoming a real success, I think the regular updates and the time you take personally to answer Q & A separate this from so many other sites !! PLEASE keep up the good work!?!
Just a quick question....
What has happened to John Jessel?? Is he ok?? I was lucky enough to catch you guys at the RAH gig in London earlier this year and I suddenly realised that J.J. wasn't with you after so many years. I hope all is well?
Take care and my best wishes to all the TOTO cats..... come back to the UK soon!!!!
Rob

Bobby:
Hi Rob. John Jessel is still "very much alive and well" working with the likes of Eddie van Halen on the road, and David Paich in his studio. I'm sure he also does many other things I don't even realize, but he's doing fine out there. He helped the new keyboard tech get his act together to replace himself and he remains a good friend of mine, musically and otherwise. I miss his humor and the hang with him, but things change. He's always there in spirit with me. Take care and thanks for writing............Bobby

Nick:
I read in an answer that none of the toto concerts won't be shown on MTV or Vh1 but are there any chances of them being shown on maybe HBO, cinemax, or maybe Showtime? I'd really enjoy that?
Signed, Nick Wells

Bobby:
Hi Nick. The Live In Amsterdam concert was shown on HBO for a while. It's hard to say, but there is a chance HBO or Showtime would pick up another DVD when we make one.

Brinke:
Hi Bobby-
Quick question; I just saw Chicago with EWF last week- a great combo show. Think a Toto-Chicago bill could ever happen? So many similarities among the bands!
=bg=

Bobby:
That would be a dream come true for all of us. Chicago has been one of my favorite bands ever, as well as EWF. Either combo would be very welcome.

Alex:
Hi Bobby,
thank you very much for answering me in the first mail I send you, I really apreciated, and that just confirmed what I already know, you really are light for us, as man and as singer.
I can't find a store or anything else where I can buy "West Coast All Stars" CDs, or your tribute to Ray Charles.
Can you give me suggestions? I can buy on line too, but no way to find a store, 'cause they seems to be rare CDs...
Thanks anyway Bobby.
Alex.

Bobby:
Hi Alex. The "West Coast Allstars" project, as well as the other CD, "Naturally" can be found at: www.horipro.com, the Japanese label that financed the CD.
The Ray Charles has been out of print too long, so I'm not sure how you might obtain a copy of it. I will soon be offering all the CDs I've sung on from my website. I'm trying to obtain all the rights to do so. Keep in touch, and visit the page often for news on that. I also am working on a compilation of songs that are "my favorites" to be offered on the website. You take care............Bobby

Sylvester:
Hi Bobby!
First of all i want to thank you and the rest of the band for great music and entertainment. Will Toto ever comming back to sweden (Stockholm)?
Best Regards / Sylvester 18

Bobby:
Hi Sylvester. Thanks for writing, and it would be hard to imagine Toto never returning to Stockholm. It's like our second home, so, of course we'll be coming back. We love it there.......Bobby

Rick:
Hi Bobby,
Just received the Toto Amsterdam live DVD.Truly amazing. I have played keyboards in bands professionally for years and used to play a lot of Toto music.
Sadly in U.K. we do not get a broard choice of music on the air waves and it is inevitable that contact is lost with a lot of the great music that's out there.....Prime example, I decided the other evening to do an internet search for Toto and was re awakened to the music I used to listen to. I said to myself .."its still out there...thriving."This dvd is absolutley incredible. Your vocals the overall sound quality etc..It was like actually being there. There were a few 'tingle up the spine moments' and I havny had them in a long while. Will make efforts to find out about your next u.k. venue. If only the publicity machine would flag you guys up in England because so many of my friends assumed Toto was not around anymore..CRIMINAL! I didnt know about your 2 gigs in uk this year.!!
One question...The sound of you and the band is so rich and harmonies are full blown quality to die for. Surely you have some added help from click tracks etc.. There seems to be a drum track rolling at the begining of Africa. Oh God I hope I havn't insulted you but the thought has to cross a musicians mind.
Thanks for making your music....we need you.
Rick from Coventry in U.K. (Sorry its so long)

Bobby:
Good evening Rick. Don't be totally fooled by "anything" these days. On Africa, we start with a "drum loop" (as we don't really bring the 4 drummers it would take to attain that sound). We use those when needed, and not any more than what is needed. I think everyone in the business is probably using something to prop themselves up, but in a lot of cases, they didn't do the original track, or they just can't handle the parts. We do all we can to duplicate the CD live, but we're actually playing the songs and singing.
Thanks so much for your complimentary e-mail on the quality of our sound. We work very hard on just that, and as accomplished musicians, we appreciate a great listener.
I hope we get the chance to vist England again soon. The crowd there was awesome, and it was very fun to play to an "English-speaking" audience for a change. Sometimes our humor goes right out the door on mis-translations. Thanks for writing and keep in touch..........Bobby

Warren:
Hi Bobby,
Nice to hear from you,how are you doing? I am doing great. Never mind about Simon.
It's really good to listen to many great musicians you get a lot of ideas from these guys.
I like the music of the good old days, like when I was young I listend to many great jazz lengends like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong and many more in different categories as well. The new generation kids find me very strange since I listen to many old songs, but for me there are great and will never die in me.
Tell me Bobby how come you suddenly left Toto? and then after some few years joined them back? It was like a missing link in the band.
Take Care and do keep in touch.
Warren

Bobby:
Hi Warren. There's nothing wrong with listening to the classics. A lot can be learned from them, thus, the reason they call them classics.
I really didn't have a choice when I was asked to leave the band. I had some growing up to do, and it really helped me focus on myself, in that, it helped me become more mature in my attitude toward others. I think it's something we all go through in life, but mine just stayed a little longer than most.
Neither here nor there, I'm back and the band feels better than ever to me. We're having more fun now, than before I left, so I guess it all works out in the end.
Thanks for writing guy and keep in touch.............Bobby

Peter:
Hi, Bobby, it's Peter from Bulgaria again. I write this opinion about your band, because I want to explain my feelings about your music. I'll start with this, that i'm graduated a high music school and talk to you for the music honestly. OK, I love yes, dream theater, elp, pink floyd, genesis, rush, rachmaninov, shostakovich, debusy, stravinsky, steve lukather, jordan rudess, toto, mozart, shopin. I want to know all my favorite performers,because I want to explain my feelings better, when I heard for the first time toto. it was:wow what is this! you present your music perception very simple like a melody, but with very rich harmony and poliphonic structure, with all this orchetra, horns (I won't hold you back), vocal and percussion stuff. your sound is like a big orchestra on this insrumental-child's anthem-simple melody (i rather to say genius melody), but great sound. all instruments sounded like a orchestra. when I heard dune, my mind is blowing-very shostakovitch structure, but the theme is yours and I think, that no one film composer can't approach your nearly classic soundtrack (exept john williams, he is the best). I think, that toto is bigest band and i'm seriuos,biger than beatles, who I love,but that is my opinion. and to the end I want to what ask one question: what is your favor classic composer? thanx, that you suffer my letter

Bobby:
Hi Peter. Thanks for your great mail. I appreciate a good listener. I like your choice of musicians in this mail, as this is also a lot of my choices as well.
You asked what classical composer I would chose? "Mozart". Why? He was an Austrian composer, among the greatest and most prolific in history. Mozart's over 600 works include 41 symphonies, 27 piano concertos, 16 operas, 19 piano sonatas, and other orchestral and chamber works. As a child prodigy he toured Europe with his father, (Johann Georg) Leopold Mozart (1719-1787), the composer of a renowned violin method. None of these are the reason I choose him though. The real reason I choose him is because, if he were alive today, I think he would be in Toto. He was a classic rocker in disguise. Talk to you later guy.............Bobby

Nick:
I'd read in an question on the Toto99 website that you sometimes play the piano. Well, I'd like to know this. How old were you when you started playing the piano and how old were you when you started singing? Did you ever enter any talent shows when you were in grade school, junior high, or high school? Were you in any bands before you joined toto?
Thank you very much
signed,
Nick Wells

Bobby:
Hi Nick, or is this Glenda? I started playing piano at the age of about 4 years old. I played to amuse myself and to write. I started singing about the same time, but not professionally until I was about 12 years old. I had a band in Louisiana from then, and I've been playing from then until now.
I was in some talent shows in high school, but there was nothing at that time to rival the talent searches that are going on today. I wish that would have been true, the media has taken the artist out of the dark into the light with shows like Star Search and American Idol. I was in so many bands before Toto I can't remember them all. It's been a fun ride and it continues on to this day. you take care and keep in touch................Bobby

Jafet:
I just want to know about your next tour in Mexico with toto please tell me details I was in Veracruz when it was the toto concert I really admire your work and I wanted talk with you that night to meet ya but I couldn't. please tell me if toto come back to Mexico thanks a lot

Bobby:
Hello. I can't say exactly when we'll be back in Mexico, but the promoters will determine how long it will be. I think, if enough people ask for Toto, we'll be back very soon. We had a very successful tour in your beautiful country, and it would be an honor to return. Thanks for your mail.....................Bobby

Murray:
Hi Bobby,
I flew to New Caledonia last year from Australia especially for the shows and had the pleasure of meeting and talking with you and the rest of the guys before the press conference at your hotel. We were lucky enough to get signed photos, one with my wife (see attached shots), VIP front row seats for both gigs, pre-show cocktails, meet the band - the whole deal, (thanks to Sylvie from Flying Fox). It was definitely money well spent. Just gotta say, without sounding too sycophantic (if that's possible), I'm in total awe of your range and expression. I am the front man of a working band called "the Urge" and have modelled my singing style on yours since I first heard you guys in 79 when I was in my early teens. I went to the Toto gig in Australia in the early 1990s (just after Jeff passed away). It is one of my biggest regrets at the time that I missed seeing the band with you and Jeff in it. At least I can say I've seen the band with you back in it. I'm sure I'll have heaps of vox related questions for you in the future but for now my question is - Is it true that touring Australia is never going to be financially viable for Toto and that is why you guys haven't been back? If so do you plan to play New Caledonia again? Because I can safely say that's a trip I could do every year..... sun, surf, the tropics and Toto. What a combo!!!! Keep rockin' Bobby.
Yours in music,
Murray Roach

Bobby:
Hi Murry. I first, have to thank you for your flattering comments. It always amazes me that someone so far away from me would pattern their style after mine. I've done the same thing with all of my heroes in the vocal field; however, I never got the chance to thank them personlally for the help they sent my way. Thus, the webpage with a personal address. I want to communicate with my friends out there.
The offers for us to come to Australia have only been "fairly suitable" for us to make the trip, and very little to pay expenses. We even considered going there on one offer (just after the New Caledonia concerts), but the deficit we would have suffered was too great to make financial sense.
I've never been to Australia (even though Toto has graced your country several times, so I'm most interested in going there. I even have a relative there, so it would be nice to visit her. Mainly, I would almost give anything to be there and share a Toto/Australia joint experience. Why don't you start a poll, and if you get a good response, send it to the promoters. I can speak for the band, in that, we all want to go and enjoy some great times with the Australian fans. How about a Toto/INXS Tour?
Thanks for writing Murry, and keep in touch. I hope your next mail includes info on the poll that has a promoter willing to bring us "Down-Under" to visit you all. Talk soon, OK...............Bobby

Lee:
Hi,Bobby, I'm one of Toto's biggest fans. From the first time I heard "Hold the Line", I was hooked on you guys. In my opinion Toto is Toto again with you back in the lineup. I just love your voice! My question concerns touring. I live in Kentucky and would love to catch one of Toto's shows. Any plans of touring nearby? It would definitely be a dream come true! In any event, "thanks", for all the great music and I look forward to much more in the future. REgards, Lee Browning

Bobby:
Hi Lee. Thanks for writing. There is a chance we could go to Kentucky, but a promoter would have to get involved to make it happen. If only there were promoters as loyal as our fans, we'd be the one of the biggest bands in America. It would also be a dream come true for us as well. You take care guy............Bobby

Warren:
Hey Bobby,
Hi I am Warren de Melo, age 15 from England and just love the way you sing, I got your Toto 25th Anniversary concert Live in Amsterdam DVD and you were fabulous, your voice really filled the hall. Well I am not a singer but drummer and really trip on Simons drumming. I wrote to Simon but no reply from him as yet but if you meet him tell him to check his mail. So Bobby how long did voice training take?
Take care and have a nice day
Warren

Bobby:
Hi Warren. I saw Simon today at a band meeting. Sorry, but I got your mail after that, or I would have told him to check his mail. I'm sure, as a drummer, you must be enamored by Simon's playing. I know the whole band loves it when he picks up the sticks. I've seen a lot of drummers in my day, but few with the confidence and reliability of Mr. Philips. He's a perfectionist in every way.
The vocal training,.....I had a little in high school, but only a couple of times did I actually take any lessons from a real vocal coach. For the most part, I learned what I do by doing it night after night in clubs down in Louisiana and Texas. I copied so many singers, (some to a fault) that I couldn't really tell which one I was drawing on at the time. My voice is a conglomerate of many singers, music eras, and songs from many genres. I learned a lot from Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, The Who, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zepplin, The Animals, Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night,.....etc. Far too many to mention them all. They're all there inside my voice. I call them up from places deep inside my heart, and use their wisdom to make our music. Hope this helps answer your question, as I'm now starting to see things better too. Funny how you can get a better picture of what you do from someone elses questions. Thanks for asking and keep in touch.........Bobby

Michael:
I saw for the first time TOTO in Luxembourg, July 4th, and sorry but I didn't know the band so much before. I discovered that you are so much more than Africa Rosanna and Hold the line (sorry for the delay). I love the combination of your voices on stage and you had a very good sound!
So, here are my questions:how define you the place of a singer in a band? I mean, do you think he has to be an entertainer or just a guy who sing the songs? How do you feel regarding the (music)buisness today?
Thank You
Michael

Bobby:
Hi Michael. The place of the singer, or anyone on the stage, is to be where (and to do) what is most needed for the band. I can only speak for myself when I say, we have an MC in our band, Steve Lukather, who is very brave in the face of an audience and I admire that very much in him. He's funny and talented as well, so he has my respect too.
I sing most of the songs, so I guess my place is behind the microphone, where I can be most effective. I do very little talking, but no one is denyed the freedom of speaking anything they want to say. We mostly feel better just playing our music and leaving the talking by the wayside. That's the kind of band we are.
The music business is changing rapidly, as you may well have guessed. The internet has been a burden to most, but I think in the near future, it will become a tool that is unequaled by any measure we've experienced so far in this business. I think you should be seeing some drastic changes starting about January of 2005. Just a wild guess.
You take care guy................Bobby

Johannes:
Dear Bobby!
First of all thank you for being such a great source of inspiration to me as a musician and vocalist. You are one of the main reasons I decided to become a singer and trying to make a living as a musician myself. I play in a band called "Pedestrians of Blue", and we are in the middle of recording an album. We have no record deal and are doing everything in different home studios self financed. Here´s the question I would like to ask you: We are wondering if we should record, mix and master the whole album and then shop for a deal, or make a 3-4 song demo and shop it around. The problem is that we don´t have the money it will take for a really good mixing engineer to do the whole album right now. Is a demo still good enough for the labels?
Our website: www.pedestriansofblue.com
Sincerely,
Johannes S.

Bobby:
Hi Johannes. I think the best approach would be to try and perfect the demos (3 or 4) so the label can get a rough idea of what you're trying to do. Then, if they want to make a deal with you, they'll have to pay you enough money that will make it comfortable to finish a great CD. Don't force yourself to go broke over the recording, as that would be the responsibility of the label, should you decide to sign a contract with them.

Petri:
Hi Bobby!
Concerts in Finland this year?
Keep on rockin´...
Petri Kiviniemi

Bobby:
Of course, we're working on that. I think most of the rest of this year will be spent putting a new CD together for the next tour though. Thanks for writing.............Bobby

Robin:
Will u guys ever make another world tour? I mean after taking a break and regaining your power back? And do u have plans for coming back to Sweden ? (possibly Stockholm =D)
All the best to the best!!!!
/Robin,15

Bobby:
Hi Robin. We will be coming back to Europe on the 18th of August for a couple of weeks. Sorry, but Stockholm is not in the plan for this run. We will, of course, be coming to Scandinavia soon though. We need to record another studio CD, as we need product to promote while there. We plan to be in the studio about January, so be looking for a new CD not too long after that. Also, you will see us in your area not long after the release of the CD.
Thanks for listening and keep in ouch.............Bobby

Nick:
I'd like to ask you about the 20th anniversary tour back in 1998. This was your first tour with toto after an hiatus of about 14 or 15 years. Well, I'd like to ask you this, During the first few shows, were you excited to be playing with them? Were you a little nervous? How did the fans react to your comeback? You must be lucky to be working with a great band.
Signed,
Nick Wells

Bobby:
Hi Nick. The tour was the '99 Reunion tour, and yes, I was a bit nervous, but only because I hadn't worked in front of so many people in a while. I'm sure the band felt the same, as it was a new awakening for all of us at the same time. And you're right, I am lucky to be playing with such a great band, but I wouldn't be here if I couldn't deliver the goods. We all look each other "eye-to-eye" on almost everything, which is one of the most important things about a successful band..................Bobby

Edward:
Hi Bobby, I live in London and I went to see TOTO at the Royal Albert Hall. You guys totally rocked! Do you know if there will be a dvd or cd release from any of the new TOTO tours in 2004?
Thanks, from Edward

Bobby:
Hi Edward. I don't think there's any question about it. It's the main medium for bands to make a living at the moment, and not as tainted as releasing a CD (where the piracy thing is rampant). Look for one in the future from a live performance. It's a whole new set list now................Bobby

Christophe:
Hi Bobby,
No dates in France this year?
BUT WHY ??? (tears...)
Take care,
Christophe

Bobby:
Why indeed! We would love to come there, but we have so many thing to finish first. We plan to do another studio CD, so there are a lot of things in the works that make tour successful, and a new CD is most important now. Take care................Bobby

Peter:
Gidday Bobby,
As one of Toto's many deprived fans in Australia, is there any chance that you guys will tour here SOON?
Peter

Bobby:
Hi Peter. You're not the only one deprived. I've never had the honor, nor pleasure of visiting your country. The closest I got was in New Caledonia earlier this year. Toto has been there, but without me present. I've always wanted to go there, as I have quite a few friends from Aussie land. Some of them in one of your "big" local bands, INXS. I thought, what a great tour that would be in Australia, Toto and INXS.
There have been some rumblings about us going down-under, but I'm not sure if the dates are solid just yet. Keep in touch and I'll talk to you soon.............Bobby

Rob:
Hi Bobby,
Great to see that you take some time to answer the questions of your fans.
I have a 2 questions: reading the Toto-forums, many fans love to see that you and Joseph Williams will do something together on the new Toto album, like a duet or some background vocals. Is there a chance that will happen?
The summer 2004 tour has a hell of a setlist, one of the best ever I think. Will there be some recordings to buy (mp3) either from your site or the Toto site? We all know you're perfectionists, but I think just a soundboard recording, without all the long time/high costs for mixing/editing, would be great, it's Toto at their best.
Take care!
Rob van Hoften

Bobby:
Hi Rob. Thanks for writing. I don't have a set time that Joseph and I will record, but I know it will happen. He's such a great singer, but he's even a better friend and I have a lot of respect for him and his abilities. Truly one of the better talents in music today. I would love to tell you the project will start tomorrow, but we both have a lot on our plate at this moment, so give it some time.
I love the setlist for the 2004 tours as well. A lot of time was spent by Luke and Simon on putting this one together. My hat's off to them for that effort. I know there will be an offering made of the songs on CD, whether it's a live CD, or something in the studio. Either would be fine by me. We're still touring until the end of August, so some decisions will be made after that time. By the way, Toto is always at their best in my books. Please keep in touch guy...................Bobby

Doug:
Hello BOBBY , I¹M DOUG from FRANCE , I'm a toto fan and I'd like to know if you got background singers on stage (I never saw you on solo tour) and if yes , if there is a possibility to audition for you, thanks. I sold some cds in my country, I¹m a professional of course ...... You and TOTO have influenced my career, thanks.
DOUG

Bobby:
Hi Doug. We do actually have background singers onstage. While I'm singing, Steve Lukather, Tony Spinner, and David Paich sing the backgrounds. If Luke sings, I'm added to the other combination, and so on. There are always 3 of us to sing background vocals.
We try to keep expenses to a minimum, which can make or break a tour, so I think that's about all I can tell you. Thanks for asking though..............Bobby

Nick:
I'd like to know this. In some of the concerts that Toto perfoms, are there any songs where you do vocal harmonies with either Steve Lukather or David paich or maybe both of them or do you guys take turns doing lead vocals?
Thank you,
Nick Wells

Bobby:
Hi Nick. It depends on the song. On Rosanna, Steve and I share the lead vocal, as do David and myself on Africa. We all sing background vocals (Steve, Tony Spinner, David, and me).

Brad:
I still need to know if Toto would ever come to KC for a concert? I know the Ameristar Casino has had bands like The Doobie Bros and Kansas recently play there this year. Any possiblity for Toto at all? Tha would be great. Please let me know about that. I'm not trying to be pushy about it (Sorry if I am).I just need to know. Also I hope you appreciate the compliments I have given you as well. By the way, my most favorite Toto song you sing is "I'll Supply The Love". Just wanted to let you know. Take care Bobby.
Brad Smith

Bobby:
Hi Brad. Perhaps it would take someone like you to ask the people at Ameristar Casino is they would want to book Toto. We've been booked many places based on some fans going to the arena or club and asking for us. We would love to play there, so give it a try.................Bobby

Albert:
Hi Bobby!
Just two quick questions:
1. Does the band ever experience to do unplugged concert or appearance? will it be possible available to do it and probably recorded it on the cd?
2. Why is it that David is mostly out of some of TOTO's tour/concert (thanks GOD he's present in Manila Tour)?
regards, albert

Bobby:
Hi Albert. We have, on occasion, played a few songs "unplugged", but it's not our usual element. We really like the power that Toto generates playing with our instruments live and "plugged in". I'm not sure there will ever be anymore moments we play without our instruments, but one can only hope. None of these were ever recorded as far as my memory serves me.
David has "family health problems" and misses a lot fo concerts, but we're very thankful that we have one of the best replacements in the world, Greg Phillingaines. Greg was Music director for Michael Jackson, plays with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder,.....etc. That is, only to name a few. He's is one of the best. David played the last few concerts of our last tour in Europe, by the way. He comes out as often as he can. You take care guy...............Bobby

Nick:
Hi, my name is Nick Wells and I'd like to know if you and toto ever decided to some more work with Joseph williams who sang on the Farenheit and the 7th one albums, would you consider or would you ref use?

Bobby:
Joseph is a very good friend of mine, and I would absolutely welcome him to come and sing with us. I don't really think it would be up to "just me", but I wouldn't mind at all. I'm not sure if he has the time to do very much more than he's doing though. He's got a new solo CD out, and he works with his Father on the new Star Wars project. Take care Nick...........BK

Simon:
Hi, Bobby! Saw you with ToTo in Malmoe, Sweden this year at "Kulturbolaget". WOW! I know you weren't suppose to come to Sweden this year but I'm glad you did! I've seen you three times before, but that was without a doubt the best consert of them all. Even got you to sign my piece of paper! If you ever got the time (which you probably don't) I would be the happiest man alive if you could give me some advise about how to use the voice, specially in high parts. I know you can't teach me by writing, but maybe a few tips so I can experiment for myself... I'm a singer and guitarist my self and I would be great to learn from the best! Take care, Simon

Bobby:
Hi Simon. I considering putting a "members only" section on my page that is a "teaching area" for vocalists. I would love to help anyone I can, be it ever so humble as it may, with all that I know about vocalizing. If anyone is interested, we may do a poll and see if there is enough interest in putting it on the page. Thanks for the visit and I'll talk with you soon..................Bobby

David:
Dear Mr.Kimball
My name is David and I'm a great fan of you and Toto from Germany.
I would therefore be very pleased if you could mail me the address,where I can send you a picture for an autograph. Many thanks in advance for your kindness.
Yours sincerely
David Hannah

Bobby:
Hi David. You can send your correspondence to our office:

Fitzgerald-Hartley Management
34 North Palm St.
Ventura, CA. 93001

They will forward everything to us. Later.............Bobby

Brinke:
Hi Bobby;
Quick questions!
1) Will ISOLATION get rereleased with your leads? (I have read rumors).
2) You referenced writing to a Paich page but I don't know of such a thing- and also, why won't Dave sing more?
3) I have heard about a Toto Box set--will that happen?
Thanks! You're great, met you @ Slim's/SF in 99.
Brinke Guthrie SF CA USA

Bobby:
Hi Brinke. I can't say, with absolute certainty, the Isolation CD will be re-released with my vocals, but there was some talk about that. Personally, it seems kind of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic to me, but I do, very much, like the CD, and I would be honored if it did happen.
I don't think Dave appears on any other page than the Toto99 website on a personal basis (you might check that info though); and as far as him singing more, he pretty much sings the songs he wants and leaves it at that. We're more than happy to accomodate him in that manner, as he was one of the "founding father's" of Toto.
There is still a plan for a "Toto Box-set" in the works, but as you may have noticed, we've been touring almost non-stop for about 3 years and there's been little time for anything else. Dave has been dealing with some family health issues lately, so plans for the "Box-Set" are on hold for the moment. We hope to get that underway, as well as recording a new Studio CD, as soon as possible. We're planning to go into the studio about January to do the new CD, so brace yourself. It's going to be a great piece of work.
I hope this helps and keep in touch. Nice to meet you at Slim's. Later....................Bobby

Peter:
hallo bobby i'm 24 years old. i'm from bulgaria and i saw you before 4 years in sofia. my question is: when will you come back here again?

Bobby:
Hi Peter. I would love to say that we'll be back in Bulgaria next week, but our tour schedule is made out so that it makes good financial sense and the routing has to be such that everything fits into place travel-wise, and profit-wise. If Bulgaria has an opening for us and it fits into the next tour plan for Europe, we'll be there for sure. Beyond that, I have no way of knowing when we'll be there again. I hope soon....................Bobby

Brinke:
One more question:
would Steve P ever consider re-joining?

Bobby:
One could only hope that Steve Porcaro would even consider joining the band, but he never really left. He's still present on most all our recordings, and even shows up at the local shows in LA. to do a cameo. You take care and keep in touch.................Bobby

Takako and Kiko:
Hello Bobby, about 20 years ago,I heard your songs in Osaka. Now,I'm very, very, very glad at the tour news ;"Tokyo Jazz Festival".
You'll come to Japan again! And I'll hear your songs with my daughter (8 years old and she loves your voice, too). Because 2002'live we couldn't go to the concert by reason of her sickness. In Jazz Festival, shall you sing WAITING FOR YOUR LOVE?
TAKAKO and KIKO ,from JAPAN

Bobby:
Hi Takako and Kino. I look forward to seeing you in Japan. I'm not sure which songs we'll be playing yet, as we will only have an hour to perform, but "Waiting For Your Love" was mentioned as one of the possibilities. I hope you get your wish......................Bobby

Brett:
Do you know if "Make Believe" is on the setlist for August 6th Atlanta? What a great groove and your lead vocal is just spine tingling! I'm keeping fingers crossed Toto performs it and looking forward to an incredible evening! Have fun in Atlanta and we'll see you at the show man!
sincerely,
Brett Blankenship

Bobby:
Sorry to say, I don't think "Make Believe" will be on the Atlanta setlist. We have a certain number of charts we've done, and that song is not amongst them. The one's that are there will get you goin' though. I think it will be a fab evening. See ya on campus................Bobby

Albert:
Hello Bobby!
I have been to so many foreign performers concert here in Manila (likes Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Metallica etc...) and honestly the concert of TOTO seems to be I like most..It's not because I'm a huge fan of TOTO but it simply because you guys are definitely a great performer. I mean it, you always rock the fans very much..
My question now is that, why is it you guys like to visit much more on Europe? I mean for almost every year, TOTO always would like to be perform on some of European countries rather than for example in Manila (which is my hometown) other parts like in Southeast Asia, Mediterranean, Africa etc...??? Why?
Albert Pablo Jr.
Manila, Philippines

Bobby:
Hi Albert. We would love to come back to Manila as soon as possible, but the promoters in Europe seem to have more dates for us than in the Far East. The band and I would love nothing better than to spend a month doing concerts in your part of the world, as the fans there seem to love Toto. Our last trip there was amazing and we dream of coming back soon. Thanks for writing and keep in touch...............Bobby

Mike:
Hi Bobby;
I just want to say what an amazing singer you are. Like a great wine, your voice certainly gets better as time goes by. I've really enjoyed your work over the years both with Toto and your solo work. I was wondering if there were any plans to record any more West Coast All-Stars CDs? I thought the vocal harmonies on the first two were awesome, and I would love to hear some more from you guys. Also, do you plan on working with Joseph Williams on any other projects in the future? Thanks!

Bobby:
Hi Mike. Thanks for the compliments and I'm glad you're listening. The "West Coast Allstars" CDs were a Japanese project funded by a company called Horipro Records. I'm not sure they are willing to invest in another project, but one can only hope. Both CDs were great fun and I loved the way they turned out. I've just received a copy of each CD from the label, as I had given all of my copies away. It seems you're not the only one that loved the WCA CDs.
As for working with Joseph, that would be more than fine with me. He, Jason Scheff (Chicago), and I, may do a project together soon. At least we've been talking about it. We're all good friends out here, and we love to play music together, so anything could happen. Let's just suffice it to say that I would love to do another project with Joe W. You take care guy.....................Bobby

Agostino:
Hi Bobby
I'm Agostino, let me say that I never listened none singer with a voice like yours and I'm an aor music fan. I'm a TOTO fan for a long time (I was in brescia in your last Europe Tour, wonderful concert) and I have all TOTO discographie, but I have also your discographie from S.S. Fools, Far corporation, Rise up (for me is great cd), Tribute to TOTO, West coast Stars till to the last" All I ever needed", I missed just your tribute to Ray Charles, How can I and where buy it? I tried to buy it by web but one webstore answered me that it's print out. Is it true?
I forgot that I listened one singer with a great voice he sang with unruly child (great band) what do you think about him?
I would like to ask you many things, but I can't and I apologize for my english.
Ciao from Italy and to the next e-mail!!!
God Bless You and Your Family!!!

Bobby:
Hi Agostino. Thanks for the wonderful comments. I always wanted to be a good influence in somebody's life with my music, and you confirm that I may be successful at it. Thanks also for getting all of the CDs. I think the Ray Charles tribute CD is out of print though. Sorry for that.
The singer from Unruly Child is Mark Free. One of my very favorite singers ever.
I hope to see you againa nd you take care my friend.........Bobby

Albert:
Good day to you Bobby!
just would like to ask if there is a possibility to release a video mtv of toto's album "through the looking glass" ? I wonder why is it that, I haven't seen neither one of your song from the MTV music channel since I know that the album was release on 2002???
Regards,
Albert

Bobby:
Hi Albert. I guess one of the first things that comes to mind is the fact that we didn't record a video for the TTLG CD. Sorry guy, but it was a tribute CD to the writers and performers that we liked as we were growing up in music. Besides, I don't think MTV would play our video. They really don't know we're even a band anymore. It is a shame though, as I think we're one of the best bands out there. Take care and keep in touch...................Bobby

Lisa:
What I was always pondering over were the lyrics of the Mindfields-album. Where do you get these "pictures" you describe from? Dreams? Or are they fictional? The reason I ask is cause really similar things occur in my dreams every now and then. F. e.: "Caught in the balance": .....afraid of the hurricane I hide in my domain.....=> done that several times / "Cruel": ..... I see darkness in your future, it´s a tunnel black as night.....=> lots of tunnels and much darkness / "Mindfields": almost every theme occured except the angel was male. Hmm.....

Bobby:
Hi Lisa. The pictures that came from the "Mindfields" CD were a group effort of Toto and the cover design manager. He presented us with a lot of pictures and we chose the ones we wanted on the CD. It took us about 3 months to come up with the right cover. I love it. This is where I eventually got the lyrics for the song "Mindfields". I wrote the lyrics about 3 or 4 times and nothing seemed to fit the song. Then, I looked at the CD cover and wrote what I saw on there. If you check it out, you'll know what I'm talking about.
You take care and thanks for writing. Please keep in touch...........Bobby

Marcel:
Hi Bobby,
Thank you for putting up a new page. It's sad to read about your All I ever needed experience (finacially and personally) as I love this CD. In fact I love all of your work. Some favourites are the Westcoast and of course the (early) Toto records.
Nowadays many artists make a bonus CD with behind the scenes and different versions of tracks. Would that be an option for Toto? I’ve followed your biography for some years now. What I read about you & Steve before your glorious homecoming made me really feel sad. Steve struggled personally too (his ex-wife and maybe other issues) and it seems now you are all over it. You were not sure on the reunion tour but now everything is ok.
I would really like to know how you got together again. You were always ready for the return. Was it only a personal problem with Steve or the whole band? The way Steve was talking about you in the past a happy end seemed impossible.
Take care and good bless you.
Marcel

Bobby:
Hi Marcel. Thanks for writing, as I would like to put a few things to rest. Steve and I are good friends, and actually always have been. I love all the guys in Toto, as we've grown together like brothers over the years. It's normal to have arguments with your brothers and it's also normal for them to forgive your shortcomings when the need arises.
It was mainly a band decision to bring me back, but Steve had a lot to do with starting that process in motion. I'll be forever thankful to him for that.
We're now enjoying one fo the most successful times in the history of the band. Thanks to some of the best, and loyalist fans a band could ever hope for (you guys), we're ready to make a lot more music and tour as much as possible the world over.
In January, we have plans to start the new Studio CD. I promise it will not ba a disappointment, as I've heard some of the ideas and it pure Toto-at-their-best.
Take care guy and I hope to see you at another concert soon..............Bobby

Juan:
Dear Bobby,
Very cool to see your website up and running. Hope to see and work with you again.
Best wishes and safe travel. Keeping the Sun warm for you down here in Mexico.
Hasta Pronto
Juan

Bobby:
Hi Juan. So very nice of you to enjoy the site. I hope we make it to Mexico again as well. I got an e-mail from a promoter friend of mine today, who asked if we would be interested in going to Tuxtla G. later this year. Maybe we can do more dates around Mexico City if we go back. You take care guy...............Bobby

Albert:
Hello Bobby!
any updates from TOTO's new album? when it will be release?
best regards,
albert

Bobby:
Hi Albert. I only can say that we will be in the studio sometime around January to put some things together. Beyond that, I really can't say when the release date would be. There are many things to take care of before that happens. Later........Bobby

Alex:
Hello again Bobby.
First of all I want to thank you 4 youre answer. My name is Alex and im 13 years old and I live in Finland, im a friend of Geir Rönning, actually he´s a friend of my parents. I called him and sent him your wishes and he was very happy about it. as you remember im a great fan of you and toto, youre are a great singer. I wonder if its possible to get toto´s autographs sent to me? it would be a great honor. By the way, I play guitar, and resently I have bought a musicman luke guitar, and im very proud of it. i wish to hear from you again.

Bobby:
Hi Alex. Thanks for listening. I think the best way to get autographs is to come to the concert. It's very hard to get together, as we all have our seperate lives and projects in LA and it would take me weeks to assemble us all in one place to sign autographs.
I'm sure Luke would be proud of you for having the Luke Guitar. I'll let him know that you're hot on his heels and that he's better watch out for a new, young, Finnish guitarist named Alex. Take care little guy.......................Bobby

Roberto:
Last sunday in modena i've seen my third great TOTO concert in one year and a half.I also had the pleasure to meet you at the end of the concert, you're a great performer.The show has been wonderful!!!I really hope that the new TOTO album will be released as soon as possible,i own every TOTO cd and dvd. I play in a group and I also sing some song as lead vocalist. How can your voice be always so powerful? Can you tell me your"secret"? Thanks,
Roberto

Bobby:
Hi Roberto. First off, there is no better feeling (as a vocalist) than going onstage when you're in good voice. Therefore, I take very good care of my voice and try my best to concentrate on having it in great shape before any concert we may do. That means a lot of rest, drinking a lot of water to keep hydrated, and warming up before I sing. I constantly think about my voice while on the road, i.e., what could possible harm it, how to protect it, how to make it better. This way, it becomes stronger as we move through a tour. I hope this helps...........................Bobby

Paul:
hi Bobby, I just read the question about you're singing songs off the "isolation "album,...you made a reference to the band asking you to leave,...could you share with us as to why?
and also, I've been a big fan since the first album,...I had the pleasure of seeing you guys at the Boston Music Hall, I believe in 79, that show blew me away,..are you guys ever going to get up to the Boston area again?
Paul

Bobby:
Hi Paul. The band was going through some pretty tedious times at that moment, and we were having personal problems with each other (as a family often does). Even though we each cared deeply for each other, I guess something had to give, and I was "it". It broke my heart, but I left and waited in the wings for almost 15 years before they called me to come back and be with "my brothers". I've never been happier with the guys, and I think the band is at a fever-pitch right now.
I would really be happy to do some of the songs from the Isolation CD. Fergie copied my vocals for some of the songs and they put everything I did to the side (kept the backgrounds on). I can understand because we were very young and things just got out of hand on the "attitude front". You think your career will always be in the limelight, but you can lose it just as fast as an unexpected death. I bless each day I'm standing here and thank the good lord for every moment I can enjoy singing with an awesome band such as Toto.
I hope this clears it up for you and I hope to see you in Boston when we get out that way again. Later...................Bobby

Sarah:
Hi Bobby
I am only 24 but thanks to my wonderful dad I have grown up listening to Toto and love all the songs. He himself is a drummer and one of his idols (along with Buddy Rich) was Jeff Porcaro.
In June I saw my first live Toto concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London and I had a fantastic evening. You have an excellent voice and the rest of the band are great!
Love Sarah x

Bobby:
Hi Sarah. Toto is one of those rare bands that gets a chance to see our music live through generations of people, young and old alike. We feel very fortunate that we still have fans your age, as this is one of the reasons we are motivated to continue doing what we do. We constantly try to change things that will improve our fan's interest so they will peak the interest of their children in our direction. I'm very happy you like our music, and if you have friends that may want to listen as well, I would thank you personally for helping our cause. I'm glad you enjoyed "that moment" with us at the RAH, as it was a most special night for us as well. It was a dream come true for us all.
Thank you Sarah and please keep in touch.............Bobby

Thomas and Terry:
It's great if it's you who answer me!!
You thing Warner Bros Music is a good label for make long carriere? because i will go sign maybe here.
we have all discographie of ToTo with my friend who play keyboard in my band.
when you will play in france? (south of france) (Montpellier) lol
thanks for all Bobby
Thomas and Terry

Bobby:
Hi Thomas and Terry. I guess WBM is just as good as any other label these days. Most people are opting to go online to sell their music, as the labels are in trouble as far as competing against the music piracy on the web.
We would love to come to Montpellier. It's our second home. You take care.......................Bobby

Vally:
Hi Bobby!
I'm vally one of your italian fans, I love you and I love toto, your concert in Brescia was great I never heard play like you!!!!
I know that are the classic word that people say to you but I don't have other words to explain what your voice and your music made and will make for us, my boyfriend simone starts to play guitar just now, we try to bring a "pletro" at the concert but it was impossible so I ask to you to make a big miracle for my love -if you can- send a "pletro " and a photo with your sign he 'll be the most happy man in the world (I'll pay the post tax) so I don't have any other to say thanks for your attention with love

Bobby:
Hi Vally. Unfortunately, Steve is the one that gives out the guitar plectrums. I could only give you my microphone. I thank you for writing and please try and make it out to another concert. If you can, send me an e-mail and I'll make sure you get what you're looking for in the way of one of Steve's plectrums. Take care..............Bobby

Albert:
Hi and Thanks for the response.
Filipinos really appreciate for giving us a chance to see TOTO here in Manila. We've only just hope that you visit us more often.. By the way, I have a collection of TOTO's CD and just recently I bought of the album "Through the looking glass". I like the contents of the song since all of them were a remake particularly on Bodhisattava, While my guitar gently sweep, and House of the rising sun.
Q: My question now is that, are you the one who choose to do a remake of House of the rising sun? who performed originally? well I tell, you are very much good than the original.
albert

Bobby:
Hi again Albert. House of the rising Sun was definitely on my list of song that got presented for consideration on the TTLG CD. Also, I had Burn down the Mission on my list. Take care guy.............BK

Simon:
Hi Bobby,
My sister recently sent you an email saying how much we enjoyed your gig at the RAH, and how that our dad had brought us up listening to your music. We couldn't believe it when you responded! Thanks.
Well I thought that I had to mail you to say that I took my dad to see you at the Shepherds bush empire in London the year before and that gig was just as good! I play the drums and your music has been a big influence to me. Make sure that you keep going and continue to bring your music to the UK.
Cheers
Simon Dolan Hemel Hempstead England

Bobby:
Hi Simon. You can best believe we'll be out there playing live for quite some time to come. I thank you for your kind words, and I hope to see you (and your Dad) at another concert. We love England and to people are so kind to us there. Thanks for writing and keep in touch............Bobby

Kaemi:
Hi again Bobby,
Thanks for replying my e-mail. I'm very happy. Last night I was thinking about what I could ask you and I realized a couple of things: What's Tony's position in the band? How do you manage to sing like that? and I need help with something: I want to start my own band and I have some difficulties. I'm a girl that plays bass and also want to sing, but I can't concentrate doing both at the same time. Does it feel good being the frontman of a group, or do you feel a lot of pressure and uncomfortable?
Thanks again...Kaemi (the Puertorrican 15 year old)

Bobby:
Hi Kaemi.
Tony Spinner is our backup guitar player and background vocalist. I don't think I need to mention that to be either a guitarist around Steve Lukather or a vocalist around either Steve or myself, you need to be at the top of your game. We take this music thing very seriously. Tony is excellent at what he does, and he has one of the best attitudes in the business. He's my friend and I'm really happy to be able to say that.
So, you wanna start a band? That's incredible, but you have to realize that it takes a lot of work, time, and concentration to be as good as you need to be in the business today. The music business is very tough at the moment, so you have to get yourself ready for some heartache and practice. Rejection is a daily event, so gear yourself up for that too. I don't want to discourage you, I'm only telling you the truth.
If you want to sing and play bass at the same time, you need to get very good on the bass. So good, as a matter of fact, you don't think about what your hands are doing anymore. the playing part has to become mechanical, because you'll really need to concentrate on your vocals. Once you get that down together, you'll have trouble singing without the bass in your hands, or playing bass and not singing. Basically, you'll have to be at the top of your game to get where you're going, so set your goals high and really go at it. You take care and good luck....................Bobby

Paolo:
Hi Bobby!
I am Paolo from Italy , I was at the Modena concert and was so happy and excited to hear you guys on stage !
What a great suprise to hear you sing Pamela , Angel dont cry ,Only the children and Carmen !! sung by you they surely have more the Toto sound !! what a great story about the song " Good for You" he he .. I had the fortune to see last years concert in Lucca and there I got to get a photo shaking your hand after the warm up in the afternoon , i have the foto on the fireplace !!!
I really hope that next year the band will come again in Italy , and i wanted to ask if you will make some more solo albums or will contimìnue only with Toto ? I think that songs like "Annalies" and "Christine" are really great !
Which is your favourite Toto song ? or songs ?
Thanx once more for the fantastic night in Lucca !!
Ciao from Italia !!! and come back soon !!!!!

Bobby:
Hi Paolo. Thanks for coming out to see us again. We had a great time in Italy (but that's normal, right?). You guys are some of the luckiest people in the world to live in such a beautiful place. the rest of the world is jealous of you.
I will be making another solo CD very soon. I have the songs in a demo state, but I've had little time to go into the studio, as we've been touring a lot for about 3 years now. We're taking a little time off after the end of August, so I'll have a little time to get back into the studio and record more. I think you'll like the new solo CD. As far as my favorite Toto songs,.......Make Believe, White Sister, Mama, You Are The Flower, Girl Goodbye, Rockmaker,....etc. I have a lot of favorites, but that's normal with a band like Toto.
Thanks for writing and keep in touch.................Bobby

Erik:
Hi Bobby !
I saw on the Mecca site that you and Lukather are included in the lineup for the upcoming album. Is this true and if so when is the album set for release???
I think you and Joe Vana would make a great mix.
Best Regards
// Erik

Bobby:
Hi Erik. When Joe let's me know the date they start recording, I would love to be involved with the new CD, as i'm sure Steve L. would too. Joe and I are good friends and he's one of the nicest guys I know. Very talented singer as well. Take care guy and keep in touch..............Bobby

Mara:
Thank you so much for write me, I´m so excited, actually I´m from Peru, I speak english a little, but I love you, and I love oll your songs, they are beautiful, and I have a question, can you tell me what you mean with the hit ST. GEORGE AND THE GRAGON, please write me, take care
your friend
MARA...........................

Bobby:
Hi Mara. That song was about a young "St. George" that was trying to release his lady from the grips of "The Dragon". I suggest if you want more info on it, you write to David Paich's page and get the full story. He wrote the song. I was honored to sing it.
Keep in touch...................Bobby

Albert:
Hi, Bobby,
I'm Albert from Manila, Philippines. A huge fan of TOTO. I have purchased TOTO's 25th anniversary album , in which it was recorded on Amsterdam. I tell you, it was so very, very nice to see. I feel that I was also there in the concert.
Q: Have you ever tried to do a guitar or keyboard exhibition (in which Steve Lukather does in the song Rosanna) from the previous concert you have?

Bobby:
Hi Albert. We really enjoyed your country, by the way.
We would have put the solos on the DVD, but there is a certain amout of space that allows you great quality, then the sound begins to dimenish. We therefore took out the solos and a couple of songs. Hopefully on the next DVD, we'll be able to focus on the whole show by doing a double Live DVD. We've changed the set now, so things are totally different. Glad you enjoyed the Amsterdam DVD and keep watching for the next Toto offering........................Bobby

Richard:
Hi Bobby,
First off all, thanks for the great 3 concerts in Holland last few days. One of the best shows ever. Thanks for the great setlist.
Q: Was it diffucult to sing songs from the Seventh one and Isolation album??? And is it thrue that you originally sang all songs on the original Isolation album. Thanks, Richard v Kollenburg Holland.

Bobby:
Hi Richard. We were well into the Isolation album when I was asked to leave the band. I still have some of the recordings on cassette. I've been asked by countless people to send them a copy, but I never felt like that would have been a good idea for Toto as a whole. These are special treasures just for me. We talked about re-recording some of the tracks with my vocals, as I'm sure they still have them on the tracks. My background vocals are still there.
I found it really fun to sing songs that I recorded, but were redone with Fergie. I also really liked doing the Joseph Williams songs. I have a whole new respect for him, as he's been a friend of mine for a long time. I'm trying to make the songs "mine", in my own way of feeling them.

Brett:
How do you feel about playing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Atlanta's Chastain Park Amphitheatre this August??? Chastain Park is one of the greatest outdoor venues in the country for its incredible ambiance and of course the great history. Are you anticipating this particular show???

Bobby:
Absolutely, we're anticipating it with passion. Toto has a lot of fans in Atlanta, and they've written us to say how thankful they are that we're coming down there. I have a lot of personal friends there as well, so that will make it a special night for me. We, very much, look forward to this night in your wonderful city....................Bobby

Andy:
Hi Bobby! This is Andy from Romania. Please tell me a few words about the Far Corporation project from the 80's. How did it come up and is there a possibility to recreate that kind of project?
Is it true that you weren't at Jeff's funeral? It seems to me that this is what you say in the liner notes of you "All I Ever Never Needed" album...Thanks!

Bobby:
Hi Andy. The Far Corporation album was a special project idea of Frank Farian from Germany. He's a great producer and he assembled the band to record. This is where I met Simon Phillips the first time. I enjoyed the project very much and made some "much needed" money on it at that time. As a matter of fact, I'm working on a similar project at the moment with a host of great singers to be released in 2005 (and that's all I'll say about it at this time).
It's true, I was not at Jeff's funeral, but not because I didn't want to be there. I was working in Ibiza, Spain at the time I found out. My Mother called me and told me of the tragedy and I was devastated. I remember talking with Simon, at that very moment the call came in, about putting a group together to record a solo CD. The next thing I heard from Simon was that he had accepted an offer to play with Toto in Jeff's absence. Little did I know at the time, that I would be asked to came back and sing with the band.
I've participated in a benefit concert for Jeff's family in Germany with a "Tribute Band" which included Joe Porcaro (Jeff's Father). It was great to see his Dad and Mom there, as they are truly some of the finest people to ever grace my life. They were very proud of Jeff and I, to this very day, have the deepest respect for his playing and his love as a bandmate. He gave so much and asked so little in return. A very respectable quality for one whose musical talent changed the world forever.

Lido:
I just bought the Classic Toto Hits with Frankfurt Rock Orchestra, and it's great! But the two last songs, One Day At A Time and Cool Change, are those Bobby's own songs, or unreleased Toto songs maybe? Got any idea??
Have a great day!
/Lido

Bobby:
Hi Lido. Cool Change is a "Little Rive Band" song. One Day at a Time is a song written by a German artist.

Críspulo:
Hi Bob:
I'm writing from Chile, and I saw you playing with the band at Hotel del Mar in Viña del Mar in a little but amazing concert. I've followed TOTO since my 11 years old (1981) and it was a great experience to me and my wife. I want to know if Toto and you have made plans to play a jazz and jam CD with the older songs. For instance, I make a wish about Rosanna, Africa, - Don't stop me now, of course - etc. In Festival of Viña del Mar I heard you singing "Waiting for your love" (I think one of your great vocals) in a special bass key (you made like Louis Armstrong in some tones, really¡¡¡¡¡). I liked so much that kind of singing in key of soul. Do you think is possible a project like this with the band?
I send my best regards and prayers for you.
We hope that you visit Chile again, is a good land to make investments on tourism.
Bye
Críspulo Marmolejo González

Bobby:
Hi Críspulo. We always try and change the set, according to the fans wishes. We're still playing because of you, the fans, so we do our best to satisfy your needs. If there is a special request for certain songs before we begin rehearsals for a tour, we try and make sure those songs are in the setlist.
The promoter loved Toto, and we have plans to visit there pretty soon again. If and when we do, I'll try and hit some of the Louis Armstrong notes just for you guy. Take care and thanks for writing.................Bobby

Jamie:
Bobby:
I am a huge Toto fan, and most recently I saw you guys for the first time in Hawaii. I appreciate you guys making the effort to come down to a place like Hawaii. I'm only 20 years old and so that's why that was the first time I saw you guys in concert. I was just wondering if you could give a brief reaction as to how you and the guys felt coming back to the island and playing for your fans. I know we all enjoyed it very much.
Thanks for all the years of great music.

Bobby:
Hi Jamie. It's always a pleasure to come to Hawaii. It was where it all started for Toto. Our very first concert was in the arena there in Oahu with Peter Frampton (still a great friend of the band). We always plan our trips to Hawaii with nothing to follow. This way, we get to stay over and vacation on your lovely turf for a while. It's truly one of the most beautiful places in the world and we all love it there. Not only because of the wonderful fans, but the people there seem to know more about how to live the good life and relax. Something the whole world should get more in touch with. Thanks for writing.......................Bobby

Alex:
Hello Bobby, I'm a friend of Geir Rönning and a huge fan of Toto. And Toto have been worked with in almost 10 years. Do you know him personally?

Bobby:
Hi Alex. I know Geir for about 5 years now. He's a great singer and a very good friend. If you see him, please say Hi for me.

Elaine:
Hi Bobby
I am the lead singer of a band that gigs four or five nights a week in england. As you will be all too familiar with, I suffer from hoarse throats from time to time. I have had coaching (some good, some bad!) and always warm-up before a gig. However, the hoarse throat sometimes never quite goes away!! I was wondering if you had any quick-fix tips or potions to drink for unavoidable sore throats before a gig?
Thank you,
Elaine

Bobby:
Hi Elaine. I'm going to put a "Q & A" section on my website soon. Just like an advice section for singers only.
If you're having a hoarseness that doesn't go away, get a good (I would recommend you try a voice specialist) doctor to take a look at your throat. You could be developing "Vocal Nodes". This is some that can be dealt with, but you need to do some vocal rests (totally), and have that checked out as soon as possible. If you have to sing while your throat is sore or you are hoarse, please drink a lot of water before, during, and after you sing. This will keep your throat lubricated at least. One of the best recovery systems is vocal rest thought. Don't even talk if you can avoid it.
It's very important to warm-up before you sing, but don't even overdo that. There comes a point of diminishing returns if you stress your throat out before you have to sing.
I use "Sugar-free Ricola" drops (you'll keep your teeth in better shape) onstage with a lot of water. This seems to keep my vocal cords lubricated. You may find that other things, like glycerin drops could work for you. Every voice is different, as well as there needs to keep them in shape. I hope this helps. Do see a doctor though, and thanks for writing.......................Bobby

Scott:
Hey there Bobby. Great web site. Okay, here is the million dollar question we are all wondering. Will Toto ever play close to Vinton, Louisiana, you home "little" town?

Bobby:
Hi Scotty. I would be one of my "dreams come true" to play anywhere in the vicinity of my old home town. Maybe Lake Charles. If you could help hook that up for us, I would be forever indebted to you. Say Hi to your Mom and Dad for me and keep in touch guy.

Pete:
Hi Bobby...When the new solo project going to be released? And when Toto are going to studio? What music you like? What do you think about Tower Of Power or Fleetwood Mac? Do you have another band where you singing? Sorry I am very bad to writing english =) Any gigs in Finland with Toto or solo? You and all the Toto guys rocks!
GOD BLESS!

Bobby:
Hi Pete. I can't say when the Solo CD will be released yet. We've been touring so much, I had little time to finish it.
Toto is talking about going into the studio sometime in January to record a new CD.
The tours are always booked so that they make financial sense. If we're in the area of Finland with open dates, we would be more than happy to come there. I hope to see you there..................Bobby

Angel:
Bobby... after hearing you live in Veracruz Mexico... I realized how much God Blessed you with that voice... I have all of Toto's CD's and by the way Thank You for signing my cd and guitar in the concert.... You have a very powerful voice... and troughout the years you're always improving.... would you give me some advice about what you hear in your personal monitors and how you avoid hearing harm or loss with the earphones (I used them and as I've been playing for A YEAR in Cancun daily I have sore right ear)...... These Days I've been having problems with audio (we don't have sound engineer and I have to deal with sound by myself)... and I choose Luke's option (earplugs) and I hear my voice in the first place... but I'd like to know what you a professional singer hear in your PSM mix....
Thanks and God Bless You
P.S. About what you said that your "norm" is above what most musicians consider IMPOSSIBLE... Hey guy... you're one of a kind Band.. and always will be.... Thanks God for TOTO!!!
Angel F. Bolaños

Bobby:
Hi Angel. Nice to hear from you. I'm using a "Shure Belt-pack", along with some custom-fitted "Sensaphonic earpieces". They are the soft mold variety, and they block most of the outer sound from getting in. It's sometimes what I don't hear onstage that helps me most. I have keyboards and a bit of the drums in my monitors mostly. The onstage mics bleed sound into the phones, giving an ambient sound (room sound). I can feel the guitar and bass, so I really don't have that in the monitors. This way, I can keep the level very low and hear pitch and rhythm. If I want more guitar or bass, I stand near them and it comes through my mic. I hope this helps......................Bobby

Tony:
Hi Bobby, First let me say that your voice is incredible! Ever since the first time I heard it in Korea, as I served in The Army in 1978/9, I was and am continually amazed at your vocal stregnth and range. (I am a full-time musician and consider myself a "Hard-Singing" vocalist; Singing Jackie Wilson, Frankie Valli, Foreigner and yes: Toto!) I sure would like to know how you warm-up. I'm a fool for not warming up and going straight off of the tour bus onto the stage and sing these artists. I would love to be a more acurate singer and I know warming up will help. Anything you can tell me will be so much appreciated. The rest of the guys in the band think you and Toto are fantastic! We recently watched your video of the group in Stockholm, and when it was done, we all said: "Turn the fu**in' bus around and let's go home!" You're too good! God Bless you Bobby!
Hey, What do you think of Gino Vannelli? You're both my "Vocal God's"!
Tony A.

Bobby:
Hi Tony. Don't turn the bus around, it's just starting to get fun.
I do always warm-up my voice before singing. It is an important step in moving toward the stage with confidence. Don't overdo it, but singing a few exercises before hitting the stage is important in knowing what you will be able to do and what you won't. You shouldn't over stress your voice just because you may have a sore throat one night. Tomorrow's another day and you may need to use some alternate notes if the real ones are too high for that performance. I always have some alternate notes picked out for those occasions.
By the way, I love Gino's voice.
I have a book by "Roger Love" called "Set Your Voice Free", and it has a vocal warm-up CD that comes with the book. I recommend it to you and good luck with the band guy........................Bobby

Mark Ridout:
It has been a while since the last update regarding the new TOTO CD, as well you previously mentioned you have enoughc songs to put together a new solo CD.
I was wondering what timelines are in place to complete these projects and anticipated release dates?

Bobby:
No release date as of this moment, but it looks like January will be our target date to get back into the studio to finish a new CD.

Mark Ridout:
I understand the band is touring, but is everyone writing and have any songs been recorded?

Bobby:
On the new CD, everyone will be writing. We want to make it a band project and we all have good ideas to interject. We talk about ideas on the bus trips and soon those conversations (recordings) will be on a CD.

Mark Ridout:
You mentioned in a 2001 interview that you have TOTO Sound board tapes with the band jamming from the early days that have a wealth of material for new song ideas and the band could get in that groove and record some great tunes. Will that great idea be incorporated into the new CD?

Bobby:
Anything's possible, but we'll be listening to the tapes and that decision will be made at a later date.

Mark Ridout:
On your new solo effort will you be working with any TOTO members and maybe another song with Mickey Thomas. That was one of the best songs on All I Ever Needed.

Bobby:
Mickey sang on tow songs on the "All I Ever Needed" CD. Unfortunately, someone "stole the money" generated from that CD and made it impossible to do the follow-up CD to it. It's nice to have "low friends in high places, right?" If that were not the case, there would have been at least 2 more CDs to follow "All I Ever Needed".
I'm not sure if there will be any Toto members on the solo project, as we try to keep the Toto projects sacred and just between members. I would be honored if they would though. This is my respect level for the guys in our band.

Mark Ridout:
If there are any new TOTO songs already recorded or in the process of being recorded, will they be incorporated into the current tour to give the fans a taste of the upcoming release?

Bobby:
In a word, NO.

Mark Ridout:
Will you consider a sound section on your website to allow fans to hear some unreleased solo material or samples of your upcoming CD?

Bobby:
Of course. I have many plans in that area. We're working out some of the details as we speak. I would like to give the fans some "recorded (unfinished) samples" to test the market and their opinions.

Mark Ridout:
When we chatted a few years ago in Toronto, I mentioned it might be a great idea for TOTO to re-record Isolation with you and place some extra tracks from those sessions on the new CD. You thought it was a good idea. Did you ever discuss it with the band and is it possible in the future it will be considered?

Bobby:
We have discussed that and anything's possible with a band like Toto. We now have the reigns on our career, so look for the unexpected.
Take care Mark......................Bobby

Melanie-Luke/Kimball:
How did you like playing in Chile?

Bobby:
Chile was really great. It was my first trip there and I was amazed at the crowd response. Our fans are usually pretty enthusiastic, but they were completely over the top in Chile. At a few instances, the crowd was singing louder than the band was playing. All-in-all, it was a very nice trip and they've already asked us to come back.

Kim:
Are there any of the songs of the 1984-1995-era albums you'd be keen on singing live? Endless for instance? You did a great job on Home of the Brave.

Bobby:
There are, and we're actually discussing that very point at the moment. We'll take some of those songs and do them on the next tour. I wouldn't want to divulge which one's are going to be there, as that kind of takes the fun out of it, besides the fact that I would only be guessing anyway.

mark ridout:
Any news on your new solo effort?

Bobby:
I have all of the songs for the solo CD written, but I want to run them by the band, just in case they may want to use any of that material. either way, when we stop touring, I'll be working on that, along with the Toto CD.

indigojc:
Hi Bobby. I wanted to ask you about the live vocal arrangements. Who decide in the band whom will do this or this another one voice or this detail or this another vocal detail. I'm asking you because I noticed in the live video (LIA) that "Hold the line" doesn't has the vocal harmonies that were done in the original recording and almost all the concerts... Personally I miss those vocal while hearing the dvd in compare whit another lives or studio version.

Bobby:
We "all decide" what harmonies and vocal arrangements are going to happen live. It occurs in rehearsal when we work out the songs and fix the vocals for the tour. On the "LIA" Tour, we decided to "not put vocal harmonies" on Hold The Line, because we thought it would be a nice opportunity for the audience to participate in the singing on the end of the song. You may hear the harmonies on the next tour,......maybe not. We're starting rehearsals on the Far East Tour this week, but it will be the same setlist we played for the DVD. Our next tours, after we record again, will determine what will be played, and how the vocal harmonies will be arranged.

Mushanga:
Who do you like more, Beatles or Stones?

Bobby:
Yes, and Yes. Of course, you're talking about two of my favorite bands. They both influenced me deeply. The first time I heard the Beatles, I was singing in a 10 piece horn band in Louisiana. I was thinking, "What!, no horns". We had a complete new set of rules to work by then. Needless to say, the horn section was history in about 6 months from that date and we became a rock band with the 5 piece configuration of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals.
The Stones, a shining example of "how to do it" in the music business. They remained friends and continued to pump out their own style of hits right up to this very day. They've always had that rough and tumble sound that let's us all know we're human, and not perfect. They do exactly what they want onstage and get away with it famously. I think they're one of the best things that ever happened to Rock and Roll.

Jogi_Wimball:
Would you concidering using the "Westcoast All Stars" guys (Joseph W., Bill C. and Joson S.) for singing background vocals on the new Toto record???

Bobby:
Hi Joe. I would love to do that if you guys would come out and sing with me. I thought the vocals on "West Coast Allstars" were great, and fun to boot. "It is a dream I have Sire".
Oh yeah, if this is not Joe, same answer.

Totus:
I'm listening to Rise Up, I've lent it from a friend and I like it! I don't know why I didn't buy it...if it's still available (??) I see you played with great musician on the album Bruce Gowdy, Ricky Phillips (from Frederiksen/Phillips and now with Styx) and I was especially surprised to see Mark/Marcy Free from Signal, a real killer voice. How did you came in contact with Mark/Marcy Free?

Bobby:
My first contact was with Bruce Gowdy. He's a great friend and he also co-produced the CD. Most of the songs had been cut priveously by "Unruly Child" with Bruce producing, but the CD didn't sell very well and I loved the songs. I met Mark/Marcy through Bruce. Fantastic talent. Loved doing the CD.

mark_ridout:
Just wondering how the new CD is progressing, if at all, given Simon and Dave taking a break. Have you done any further work on your new solo CD.

Bobby:
Hi Mark. We're working at a deficit her without Dave and Simon (our main producer). We're still writing songs and getting ready to record, but as they say in the "book of rules", Shit Happens. This is a very bitter-sweet year for us, as we don't have Simon or Dave swith us, but I have to say without any hesitation, Greg P. and Ricky L. are truly awesome players that allowed us to pick up the pieces without any slack. We're right where we should be with the music at the moment, so we're very lucky in that manner. We do miss Dave and Simon, but we feel very fortunate to have such great talent in the wings as we do.
I have man y songs written for the Solo CD, however, my first agenda is to attend the new Toto CD and from the swongs I have after that, I'll do the solo CD. Not "left-overs", but wise choices.

mark_ridout:
Just wondering how the solo CD is coming along and if you have ideas of for the new TOTO CD?

Bobby:
Hi Mark. I'm still in the process of writing the material for what I want to consider my best solo CD ever. I'll have about 40 songs to choose from when all is said and done. I have some of the demos recorded now, but as you well know, the Toto schedule is very demanding and stands as first choice to anything else I have going on. The band will be doing "Night of the Proms" in Europe from October until December 21st. It will be about 50 concerts with an orchestra and we're really looking forward to it. We'll be in the hotels for about a month at a time, so we plan to set up a studio in a suite in each hotel to write and record some of the material for the new Toto CD. Look for a lot of surprises and some great sounds.

Take care......................Bobby

Rob_Venlo:
Toto still sells or allmost sells out many live shows, despite not much airplay on radio/tv. Do you sometimes think, when performing live and seeing all those fans: "I'm a lucky guy that I can (still) do this?"

Bobby:
Rob, Rob, Rob,..........I really feel lucky that I can do anything that makes people happy, especially myself. The band really gets along well, even though we've been thrust into some pretty demanding situations. We have some of the finest of fans and we still very much enjoy doing our best to entertain them. We have bad nights(in our opinion), like anyone else, but being onstage with Toto is about as close to heaven as one can get, musically that is. I have no words for the feeling of being back with the band again, and I'll be doing my absolute best at each performance, rest assured.

All the best.......................Bobby

Elly:
Yesterday I FINALLY got so lucky to catch your solo album "All I ever needed" at my local recordshop, I was looking for it for such a long long time, thank God! .........And it's such a brilliant album, chapeau!!!!!!
It's such a thrill for me to hear Mickey Thomas on it, I fell in love with Mickey's voice, when I heard him for the very first time on Elvin Bishop's "Once in a life time", amazing singer.

I just love hearing you both singing on "Kristine", so my question is: "What made you decide to have Mickey on your album?"
Is it 'cause you two are such a perfect match together?
And.....wil he be on your next solo album too??
Please, say YES!!!

Bobby:
I think the main reason Mickey's on the CD is that he's an incredible singer. He's also one of my favorite people in the world, besides that great voice. I've known Mickey for a number of years, but I too, worshiped him from afar, until we met at one of his concerts in Beaumont, Texas. I still have the photos from that night. I do plan to ask Mickey to sing on my next endeavor (and I have other pictures to bribe him with, just in case he says NO). I'm sure he'll do whatever I ask when he sees the shots. (Just Kidding) Mickey's doing a solo CDd at the moment, so I'm going to call him and make myself available to do background vocals for his project. That's kind of how things are done now. Favors are the new "coin of the realm" now.
Either way, I love singing with, and just hanging out with Mickey. If you knew him, you'd understand. He's very likeable and funny. Here's hoping I can make him answer his phone for my CD.

Rural_Stil_Life:
I think that your singing on this tour is even better than on the Mindfields tour. I'm the lucky owner of some recordings from the recent tour, and on every recording your performance is truly amazing and very constant!!
Do you feel the same way ? Might it be because you're used to sing more live on a frequent basis now, in contrast of prior to the Mindfields tour, so that your voice is more warmed up in general?

Bobby:
I'd like to think that the constant "keeping in good health" has something to do with it. I noticed a decided change when I stopped drinking on a regular basis, and started working out everyday. It really helps the vocal cords to keep fit and do a lot of sweating. I sing a little everyday too. I'll sit at the piano and entertain myself a short while each day. It helps you clear your head and it keeps the cords from getting rusty. The other thing is (and a big part of it), I love singing with Toto, because they constantly push me to "Maximum Vocal Power" on a nightly basis. You can't go on stage with this band and think you can coast along. You have to attack it with all your heart if you want to survive the night. Everyone of us have the same job though. The "norm" for each of us is just above what most musicians consider impossible,......this, on a nightly basis. It makes us grow as musicians and it brings the crowd to a keener awareness of what good music is. As for the voice being warmed up, I do a 10 minute vocal exercise each night before we hit the stage. Luke and I both do the same exercise CD,a nd it seems to help a lot. I never want to go on stage cold, because it's not good for the voice, nor will you get your best performance from that behavior. Some rules: You have to constantly be aware of what could possibly hurt your voice. It's a muscle, it's not tunable, not replaceable, and the motor for it lives in your soul. Your body is your instrument, so take care of it.

mark_ridout:
Now that TOTO is in a bit of a break mode, is there anything happening or new to report with your planned solo effort?

Bobby:
Hi Mark. At the moment, I'm still in the "making of the deal" to do my solo CD. Of course, I've been writing for this project for a long time and have amassed quite a few songs for it (enough for 3 CDs). I'm in the process of picking the best 15 and I'll start working in the studio about the second week of May. I'll be doing a lot of the CD with Vince DiCola (whom I've already recorded 4 songs with) and plans are in the works to write even more additional material to fit the general style of the CD.

Marco.steff:
I'm a singing student from Italy who was amazed by the quality of your last concert in Milan (8th February) and by your incredible voice. I would like to ask you a couple of questions: how did you get such an incredible control and range? I mean, what kind of study and practice did you need to master your voice such a way? Is there any reference book you consider particularly helpful?

Bobby:
Actually, I started singing at a very early age and I owe a lot of the early training to my high-school vocal teacher. She was an inspiration to me and, little did I know how she would affect my life and career. The first concerts for larger crowds were in clubs around my small hometown in Louisiana. We lived on the border of Texas and the four clubs my band played in were all at least 5000 seaters. The sound system was very inadequate for that size of a building, so I had to really sing hard to hear myself (as we had no monitor system). I pushed my voice nightly and built up a resistance to the usual stressed throat. For the longest time I felt that it was normal to have a sore throat. I lived very close to where Janis Joplin and Edgar Winter were from. As a matter of fact, Edgar and Johnny Winter had a local band playing near a lot of my concerts. I went to a lot of their concerts and was so impressed, I knew then, I had to sing. The Southern music was mostly "Black or Blues". I emulated a lot of my heroes from that era (Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye,.....etc... far too many to mention here) and most of their voices were rasp-edged. It's how I learned to sing the blues.

I don't recommend tearing at your voice that way, but it was the approach I had to deal with. I recommend getting a vocal coach and learning to warm up you voice before you sing (something I always do now that I know better), learning how to hit high notes without the effort of straining your vocal cords, how to find your "middle-voice", and a few tricks that will push you into the range you need to be in to compete with singers you enjoy. I also think you should try to sing the music that inspires you. That always helps to push you further along the learning curve. It forces you to enjoy what you're singing,........ very important. Sing a little everyday; Sing with your favorite artists and try to copy them, then try to do that even better; Listen to a lot of different kinds of music and sing with it; practice, practice, practice.

ncc1712:
I've been wondering for a long time why you did come to the Saarland (where I live in Germany) after your brake with Toto in 1984? I know you made some records with Frank Farian. What do you link with "our" country? Have you been lucky to be here?

Bobby:
After my departure from Toto in '84, I had the good fortune to be introduced to Frank Farian through my managers at Fitzgerald-Hartley. It seems that Frank had called them about me and wanted me to sing on a personal project he had going called "Far Corporation". While there, I found a new side of myself and a certain freedom I hadn't enjoyed for quite some time. I liked it so much there I moved to Germany for about 5 years and some of my very best friends are still there to this day. When in Germany, I always call my friends and we hang out together. I learned a lot about your wonderful country in that 5 years, and as a former official resident, I can say that it was some of the better moments in my life to have been there.

I can definitely tell you I was very lucky to have come to Germany when I did. It afforded me some financial gains, great friends, a lot of travel and sights I would never have seen, the ability to "know about your country and appreciate how the people live", and some of the most fun times of my life. We'll be back there soon and I consider Germany my second home, as my mother's family was from Frankfurt.

Rural_Stil_Life:
Are there some unreleased songs that you really like, and can you tell us about these songs (ballads, rockers etc.)

Bobby:
There were quite a few extra songs, or song ideas that got recorded in the early years that were never finished. I thought some of these were great and should have been finished and released. There was one that comes to mind from the TOTO album called "Come Back To Me" that was only a verse and part of a chorus. I felt it could have been a hit song. It's mid-tempo and has a repetitive chorus. The band sounded great on it and it was very fun to sing. A lot of things never made it to tape, but that's another story all together.

Rural_Stil_Life:
What is the first song you recorded with TOTO ?

Bobby:
The first thing I remember recording with the band was the vocal on "Tale of a Man". It was originally sung by Dave but I went into Studio 55 in the very beginning of the band and put a vocal on that same track. The next thing we did together was the song "You Are The Flower", written for my daughter (then about 1 year old) and it ended up on the first album almost intact from the very first take. It was my "audition" for the band.

Rural_Stil_Life:
Do you still play keyboards / piano ?

Bobby:
I do, but not around Dave very often. Only when I have an idea for a song or something like that. I really stand in awe of his talent on keyboards and I learn a lot from watching him play. I do write on keyboard though. I'm a bit unorthodox in my fingering of the keys as I didn't learn to read or have a teacher. I taught myself to play by listening to some really great players of the New Orleans genre. That's really the kind of music I was raised on and my Mom played "boggie piano" too. It was a great atmosphere to grow up in, as there was always music in my life.

Blu:
Would you be glad if Fergie Frederiksen sang with you as TOTO member?

Bobby:
I really don't see the need at any point to hire another singer to do exactly (maybe not exactly) what I do. It would be like hiring another lead guitarist for Luke. It's just not needed. We already have Tony Spinner (who in my humble opinion, is the best choice we could have made for that position). Tony is very well liked by the band, plays great backup guitar (lead too, for that matter), and sings his ass off. The band is getting "more seamless" with each concert, and there's little lacking in any department. Not to be too laconic or effusive on the matter, there have been some problems with some of Fergie's recent actions (i.e., going on the "Regis and Kathy Lee" TV show as Toto and singing "Hold The Line," in my opinion, was a bad move).
Fergie has been around my life for quite some time now. He took my place in a band that I helped start in Louisiana called "Louisiana's LaRoux" (first called "The Levee Band"). Great band. I left them (with much apprehension) to come out to LA and sing with the rhythm section of "3 Dog Night" after the 3 singers vacated the band. We called the group "S.S. Fools". Turns out, the name was very appropriate. I left that band to join Toto, where I resided for 7 years. When I was fired from Toto (probably a good move for the band, but an even better one for me, as I was doing great harm to myself with various pharmaceuticals), Fergie left LaRoux and came out to LA to fill (?) my position. I thought he did a decent job of copying my lead vocals, as they were already done, and, I had done most of the backgrounds before my life started to take leave of it's senses, causing me to get fired. Once again, a positive thing for me in disguise.
To make a long story short, Fergie has traced my every step and he's ended up singing with almost every band I've persued. He's been rather like a "nuetron star" and "always there" when I turned around. Seems that if I hadn't made a path for him, he wouldn't have known where to go. I don't mean to be insensitive or crass, but this is the truth and Fergie knows it too. I think he's a decent guy, but maybe needs to find someone else to follow. I'm feeling a little bit "stalked".
We have an amicable relationship and I hold no grudges, but I really don't think there's a need to add anyone to Toto at this time. I'm just speaking for myself (as I don't think some of the other band members would be so benignant), but I wish Fergie the very best in his persuits and ask that he please not advertise himself as Toto (as his time there was brief, and the songs he does on the road in that guise are one's that I did originally). We're thinking of putting my original vocals of the songs off the CD he sang on into play now. May just make a decent CD out of it.
Blu, all this out of fun,...... I hope I've not offended you by my answer, and I also hope I've cleared the issue of him returning to Toto.

Tina:
Did you ever had a sore throat during a concert tour? If yes, how did you cope with it?

Bobby:
Being a singer for so many years, I've experience hoarseness, a sore throat, a bruised ego, (all terrifying experiences, especially when you have to get up onstage and do it again the next night). I drink a lot of water and do my best to get all the rest required on the road. The band has been very gracious with me as far as letting me slide on doing too many interviews (tears the throat up), and I appreciate that by giving them all I have when I hit the stage.
One thing you have to always think of as a singer,.........your instrument is your body and soul. You MUST take very good care of them both if you plan to do this with any earnestness. Rest, especially the vocal cords, is "a must" on the road. While everyone else is going to have a night of fun, you have to go to bed. "Vocal silence is your friend." I would suggest (not knowing what stage you are in as a singer), that you get some vocal training to learn how to care for your voice, ........ also there are many tricks that can help you achieve your goals that are "hard fought lessons" without good advice. Hope this helps and good luck!

Rural_Stil_Life:
Bobby, I heard / read that you have a lot of recordings from ' the old' TOTO days (studio rehearsals, soundchecks etc. ) Stuff I know fans would love to hear some day. Is it possible to release these at some point.

Bobby:
I made it a habit of recording everything and keeping at least a cassette of rehearsals, sound-checks, fun times, (I even have a tape of the day the band was together in one room playing for the very first time as a group,......priceless to me). I could have caved in at any point and given this out, (there were many who asked), or made a very good price on making a CD out of it, but that would have been rather sacrilegious as to where my heart is. They will remain in my files and maybe someday when the whole band approves, we'll just do a fun release of it on the Toto99.com page. I think some things are too special to handle with anything less than "kid-gloves," so for the time being, I'm holding onto these items and safeguarding them. I would love to share these with the fans though. They're literally "the soft white underbelly" of the band and very tender moments.

floppy:
Hi Bobby how old was "All I Ever Needed" before you released it. And when will you do another solo thing or something with Glenn Hughes.

Bobby:
It was recorded very fast. I CO-wrote the CD with John Zaika, an old friend, and Dave Barnette, a brilliant writer. We were still writing as we recorded the CD. I wrote half of the lyrics on the couch just outside the recording booth as the tracks were being laid down. We were shooting for a rather funky, soulful CD (hopefully we made it), and it was a really fun venture. I think from start to finish (writing and recording), it was about a 4 month project.
By the way, I would love to get a poll of just how many people bought the CD and where they got it. It seems the money vanished on sales and I'm just curious as to how many were sold. I've signed an awful lot of them on the road, and it would be interesting to know where they came from. If any of you got one, please send your story to the page and I'll check it out. This would be a tremendous help to me in tracking the money.
On recording with Glenn Hughes, he's absolutely one of my favorite singers and a beautiful soul. We've been friends for many years and I've really only had an occasional chance to work with him. It was always a pleasurable experience and I really hope we can work together soon in the future. However, my time is very dominated with Toto tours at the moment, and I don't think that will let up for quite some time. I know Glenn is very busy as well, so only the stars know when that celestial moment will arise. Hopefully very soon, as he's one of my heroes for much longer than even he knows. I was listening to him way back in the "Trapeze" days. I thought I was listening to God sing. Bless you Glenn Hughes for all you do. I'll try and get that together for you (Floppy), AND for myself as well.

Mark Ridout:
Your new solo cd was Co-produced by Joe Vana. Just wondering what your thoughts on it are, a release date and what style of music is on it.

Bobby:
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The solo CD is still in the dream-state. I spoke with Joe Vana about Co-producing something, but I've been very busy with Toto, and will be for quite some time. Our European Tour will take us until the end of February, then there is a possibility that we'll be booking more dates, especially some in the States, God willing and provided we find the right group to tour with. The package tour thing seems to be the way to go @ this time, so we'll be looking to do a tour here with a package that makes sense for us. My solo CD is a side project and will happen when all of my energy is not devoted toward pushing Toto. I have some songs that are very near and dear to me, and I've worked on them for about 20 years. They're very personal and from the heart, and therefore I would like to commit them to a CD at some point. I guess I'll just have to keep you up on that idea. Meantime, it's all about Toto for me.

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