Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist fans was struck by bad news on Sunday when the long-time bassist of the award-winning band died. The 59-year-old bassist battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) for eight years.
Porcaro was diagnosed with degenerative motor neuron disease in 2007 after he experienced the symptoms of numbness on his fingers. On February 26, 2010, a press release was made announcing Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist condition, according to Noise11.
The bad news about Porcaro's death was confirmed by his bandmate and brother, Steve Porcaro through his Facebook account. The post reads, "Our brother Mike passed away peacefully in his sleep at 12:04 AM last night at home surrounded by his family. Rest in peace, my brother."
Mike Porcaro, Toto membership became official when the original Toto's bass player David Hungate left the group in 1982. It was the time that Toto was at the peak of their stardom after releasing their album "Toto IV" Rolling Stone cited.
He joined his brothers Steve and late drummer Jeff. It was during the time that Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist, became part of the hit songs "Rosanna," "Africa," and "Make Believe."
He also appeared in various albums including Isolation (1984), Fahrenheit (1986), Mindfields (1998) and Through the Looking Glass (2002).
However, due to Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist, health condition, he was forced to discontinue playing guitar.
He stopped touring with his bandmates in 2007. With his admission of the disease, his band supported him by raising money for his treatment. New York Daily News mentioned that the band has become a crucial part n bringing awareness for ALS.
ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
According to ALS.org, the disease affects the nerves that provide voluntary movements and muscle power. It doesn't affect the heart and the digestive system as these processes are made of different kinds of muscles.
Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist death comes days after the death of "Still Alice" writer-director Richard Glatzer, who also suffered from ALS. After Glatzer's diagnosis of the degenerative disease, he made a movie about ALS that was shoot for 23 days.
The movie won an Oscar award but Glatzer was unable to receive it when he was immediately brought to hospital following his respiratory problems. He passed away at the age of 63, Daily Mail reports.
Mike Porcaro, Toto bassist followed his other bandmate and brother Jeff Porcaro who died due to fatal heart attack in 1992.
