TOTO CELEBRATE “40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN” ANNOUNCE FIRST RUN OF DATES & NEW SONY ALBUM IN SUPPORT OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2018
New Album To Be Released On Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings Worldwide In February Of 2018 Will Contain Classic Remastered Hits Alongside Brand New Tracks
Los Angeles, CA --- TOTO is pleased to announce the first set of shows in support of the band’s 40th Anniversary beginning in 2018. The 40 Trips Around The Sun Tour will begin in February 2018 in Europe. The tour will be the band’s most extensive run in years and will be a worldwide tour to celebrate the band’s enduring career. More shows will be announced shortly. Tickets for most shows go on sale this Friday.
Along side the launch of the tour, TOTO along with Legacy Recordings have created a brand new Greatest Hits package. also titled: 40 Trips Around The Sun. The album will feature brand new previously unreleased music along side newly remastered classic tracks worked on by Elliot Scheiner & Gavin Lurssen and his team. The core Toto members, Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, Joseph Williams re-entered the studio this past year to work on the material. Full details on that album along side many other projects the band has in the works with Legacy Recordings will be announced at a later date.
“Myself, David, Steve and Joseph are humbled and thrilled at the long lasting success of the band,” Steve Lukather remarked. “This 40th Anniversary tour is going to be a special one for us and all of the fans that come out. On top of all that, it’s really exciting to be working with Sony Music again. We’ve spent a lot of time this year working on new music and re-mastering the older tracks.”
Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO. As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums. Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.
With close to 40 years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time: Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility. Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television. They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles to a career enjoy a multi-generational worldwide fan base.
TOTO – 2018 - 40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN TOUR
2/19 Hamburg, DE - Mehr! Theater
2/21 Dusseldorf, DE - Mitsubishi-Electric Hall
2/22 Munich, DE - Olympiahalle
2/24 Berlin, DE - C-Halle
2/25 Leipzig, DE - Haus Auensee
2/28 Krakow, PL Tauron Arena
3/2 Vienna, AT - Gasometer
3/10 Milan, IT - Mediolanum Forum
3/13 Stuttgart, DE - Porsche Arena
3/15 Lille, FR - Zenith
3/17 Amsterdam, NL - Ziggo Dome
3/18 Brussels, BE - Forest National
3/20 Offenbach, DE - Stadthalle
3/23 Bologna, IT - Unipol Arena
3/25 Marseille, FR - Dome
3/26 Toulouse, FR - Zenith
3/27 Lyon, FR -Halle Tony Garnier
3/30 Paris, FR - La Seine Musicale
4/1 London, UK - Royal Albert Hall
4/2 Manchester, UK - Bridgewater Hall
4/4 Dublin, IE - Vicar Street
4/7 Belfast, UK - Waterfront Auditorium
4/8 Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo
MelodicRock Records is thrilled to announce one of the biggest releases for the label thus far! How else could you describe an album featuring Don Barnes, Dann Huff, Alan Pasqua, Jeff & Mike Porcaro, Jesse Harms and Denny Carmassi?
MRR will be the label finally able to extract one of the best “lost” albums of all time for an official release. Plenty have tried over the years, but timing is everything!
Nearly 30 years ago, what would have been an instant classic was relegated to storage thanks to the old story of record label machinations.
Of course, we are talking about the classic AOR masterpiece DON BARNES solo album ‘Ride The Storm’.
MelodicRock Records started a conversation with the legendary 38 Special vocalist nearly 12 months ago to the day, suggesting that more than enough time has passed and that this record deserves its time to shine.
So it is with great pleasure that MRR announces that DON BARNES‘Ride The Storm’ will be released worldwide June 30.
And even better news for fans and collectors that have had this record in its various MP3 forms over the years, what you have isn’t the main record you’re about to hear.
In searching for the original masters for ‘Ride The Storm’, after being lost for two decades, Don found the only existing copy of a ‘rock mix’ that was commissioned back in 1989 to take a look at how the songs would sound, remixed for a bigger ‘rock’ impact.
Ever the completist, MRR’s Andrew McNeice insisted that both mixes of the classic album were included in the release – as well as the three individual, heavily traded, solo demo tracks that were recorded but not included on the original album.
The complete ‘Ride The Storm’ release will therefore be a 2CD set, featuring the album in its intended form, plus the second ‘alternate mix’ disc, on which the three additional bonus tracks are added at the end.
PRE-ORDER DON BARNES 'Ride The Storm' NOW! Out June 30
MelodicRock Records is thrilled to announce one of the biggest releases for the label thus far! How else could you describe an album featuring Don Barnes, Dann Huff, Alan Pasqua, Jeff & Mike Porcaro, Jesse Harms and Denny Carmassi?
MRR will be the label finally able to extract one of the best “lost” albums of all time for an official release. Plenty have tried over the years, but timing is everything!
Nearly 30 years ago, what would have been an instant classic was relegated to storage thanks to the old story of record label machinations.
Of course, we are talking about the classic AOR masterpiece DON BARNES solo album ‘Ride The Storm’.
MelodicRock Records started a conversation with the legendary 38 Special vocalist nearly 12 months ago to the day, suggesting that more than enough time has passed and that this record deserves its time to shine.
So it is with great pleasure that MRR announces that DON BARNES‘Ride The Storm’ will be released worldwide June 30.
And even better news for fans and collectors that have had this record in its various MP3 forms over the years, what you have isn’t the main record you’re about to hear.
In searching for the original masters for ‘Ride The Storm’, after being lost for two decades, Don found the only existing copy of a ‘rock mix’ that was commissioned back in 1989 to take a look at how the songs would sound, remixed for a bigger ‘rock’ impact.
Ever the completist, MRR’s Andrew McNeice insisted that both mixes of the classic album were included in the release – as well as the three individual, heavily traded, solo demo tracks that were recorded but not included on the original album.
The complete ‘Ride The Storm’ release will therefore be a 2CD set, featuring the album in its intended form, plus the second ‘alternate mix’ disc, on which the three additional bonus tracks are added at the end.
PRE-ORDER DON BARNES 'Ride The Storm' NOW! Out June 30
MelodicRock Records is thrilled to announce one of the biggest releases for the label thus far! How else could you describe an album featuring Dann Huff, Alan Pasqua, Jeff & Mike Porcaro, Jesse Harms and Denny Carmassi?
MRR will be the label finally able to extract one of the best “lost” albums of all time for an official release. Plenty have tried over the years, but timing is everything!
Nearly 30 years ago, what would have been an instant classic was relegated to storage thanks to the old story of record label machinations.
Of course, we are talking about the classic AOR masterpiece DON BARNES solo album ‘Ride The Storm’.
MelodicRock Records started a conversation with the legendary 38 Special vocalist nearly 12 months ago to the day, suggesting that more than enough time has passed and that this record deserves its time to shine.
So it is with great pleasure that MRR announces that DON BARNES‘Ride The Storm’ will be released worldwide June 30.
And even better news for fans and collectors that have had this record in its various MP3 forms over the years, what you have isn’t the main record you’re about to hear.
In searching for the original masters for ‘Ride The Storm’, after being lost for two decades, Don found the only existing copy of a ‘rock mix’ that was commissioned back in 1989 to take a look at how the songs would sound, remixed for a bigger ‘rock’ impact.
Ever the completist, MRR’s Andrew McNeice insisted that both mixes of the classic album were included in the release – as well as the three individual, heavily traded, solo demo tracks that were recorded but not included on the original album.
The complete ‘Ride The Storm’ release will therefore be a 2CD set, featuring the album in its intended form, plus the second ‘alternate mix’ disc, on which the three additional bonus tracks are added at the end.
PRE-ORDER DON BARNES 'Ride The Storm' NOW! Out June 30
As there was no original artwork yet conceived for ‘Ride The Storm’, so regular MRR artist extraordinaire Nello Dell'Omo was commissioned to come up with something amazing. And that he has. In collaboration with Don, who drove the vision and MRR, the end result might just be one of his best album covers yet!
Two individual sets of remastering also serve the album well – it sounds as fresh, punchy and as amazing as it ever has. Thanks to JK Northrup (Rock Mix) and Brian Foraker (Alt. Mix) for their vital work.
It’s time Don himself jumped in with the story behind this amazing solo album:
“Over two decades ago, with years of success as lead singer and guitarist with 38 Special, I was given an opportunity by A&M Records to create a side solo project as an artist. A&M suggested putting several top-rated musicians in the studio with me and I would write and co-produce the project. I set about co-writing songs and was honored to have some of the industry’s top musicians join me in the recording.
All of these players were extraordinary talents in the music business; the great Jeff Porcaro along with his brother Mike, respectively the drummer and bassist from the band Toto - and the best 'bottom-end foundation’ for any session - came on board to help forge a great rock record.
We also had the masterful veteran drummer Denny Carmassi from the band Heart, noted session keyboardist and composer Alan Pasqua from the band Giant on keyboards...along with another music titan, virtuoso guitarist and now-producer Dann Huff, all of whom brought such excellence and talent to the sessions that I just can't find enough words of praise and appreciation for them.
Additionally, I was privileged to work and collaborate with two extremely talented producers - Martin Briley and Brian Foraker - both of whom brought a wealth of experience and cool vibe to our sessions. We had always felt that the combination of these powerhouse players together created a very special album, a unique ‘rock classic.' Many who have heard the album say that description still remains true today.
Unfortunately, unexpected situations arose in the record business at that time and corporate transitions got in the way of the release date. The album was finished, mixed, and ready to go, but what started out as a great rock record turned into a series of disappointing twists and turns. Just as it was ready to be released, A&M Records was sold through a huge global acquisition and the company changed hands several times over the years. The new company and staff had their own difficulties getting accustomed to the transition and my project was put aside without a release date. My solo album became one of those music stories of a great rock record that started in one direction but had corporate business dealings move it to some other outcome.
I'm proud to finally present my solo album, complete with extras like the 3 additional recordings in demo form left off of the original group of songs, along with a second full CD of alternate mixes.
We had a great time recording these big, explosive songs, all presented here with newly re-mastered technology. You’ll hear the intensity and spirit of the songwriting, the excellence and power of talented players, and the absolute force we delivered on the recordings.
This album and these songs made it through a rough storm and they rock stronger than ever today. Turn it up and enjoy a great ride.”
- Don Barnes, May 2017.
And who is responsible for the contents of this album alongside Don? Quite simply the best of the best.
Track List and Player Credit:
1. Ride The Storm
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar Solos - Dann Huff / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
2. Looking For You
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys and Additional Guitar - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Pocaro
3. I Fall Back
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
4. Don't Look Down
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Jesse Harms / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
5. Maybe You'll Believe Me Now
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
6. I'd Do It All Over Again
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar - Dann Huff / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Rhythm Guitar - Tim Pierce / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
8. Feelin' Stronger Every Day
Guitars - Don Barnes / Additional Guitar - Dann Huff / Keys - Alan Pasqua / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Jeff Porcaro
9. After The Way
Guitars - Don Barnes / Keys - Martin Briley / Bass - Mike Porcaro / Drums - Denny Carmassi
10. Johnny Ain't So Cool
Guitars - Don Barnes / Bass Guitar - Mike Porcaro / Keys and Guitar Solo - Martin Briley / Drums - Denny Carmassi
As the music world collectively sighs a deep sigh for the loss of another legend, there is only one thing to do.
I’m currently cranking Kingdom Of Desire – one of my favourite Toto albums ever, but fittingly the last album to feature the rhythm section of Mike and Jeff Porcaro. They are united finally once again.
Every person hopes to leave this world with some kind of footprint that says we were here. The print Mike left was nothing short of astounding.
It is with great amazement I reflect that every single person reading this will own an album with Mike Porcaro on it. Most likely several. Dozens even for some! Just check his credits! (http://www.mikeporcaro.com/sessionworks.html)
I met Mike just the once – Sydney 2006 as Toto embarked on their long anticipated Australian tour. Mike was such a humble, laid back, likeable guy. All the Toto guys are first class, humble people, but Mike was far more reserved. He just let his instrument do the talking. And talk it did…
Mike was forced to retire from playing the following year. ALS forged its way through his body, but never his spirit.
It took everything from him and took him from his band and his family. But not before Mike Porcaro left us with a musical legacy that will live on for decades to come.
To Mike’s family and friends, to Steve Lukather, David Paich, Steve Porcaro, David Hungate and the whole Toto family, I send my condolences and my love. I know this was expected, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
