Unreleased track from the 'Lukather' album

[Sundet]

Well, at least in a sense.

Back in 1994, an article by Geof O' Keefe in issue #46 of Toto Noted, published by the Toto Legend fan club, overviewed the possible contents of a 'Toto Boxed Set'. It was a highly interesting survey, and at the time, which was also an uncertain one in terms of the band's future, the thought of there being so much Toto (and related) material in the vaults was mouth-watering indeed. Obviously, 25 years later most of what was mentioned in that article as possible contenders has been released, but a few odd bits have still remained elusive.

One is the Steve Lukather song 'It Really Don't Matter at All". It was in all likelihood written for the 'Lukather' album as it was premiered alongside a bunch of Lukather solo material on a string of gigs in Southern California in late 1988, which included premiere performances of songs like With a Second Chance, Darkest Night of the Year and Turns to Stone as well as a few other songs (Talk to Ya Later being one). For whatever reason 'It Really Don't Matter at All' was left off the album and never heard or mentioned again (apart from in said Toto Notes article). Yet somehow it has now surfaced, not as a Lukather recording but recorded by Alan Friedman (who was indeed a longtime contributor to said Toto Notes). It is worth checking out: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/alanfriedman5.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Well, at least in a sense.

Back in 1994, an article by Geof O' Keefe in issue #46 of Toto Noted, published by the Toto Legend fan club, overviewed the possible contents of a 'Toto Boxed Set'. It was a highly interesting survey, and at the time, which was also an uncertain one in terms of the band's future, the thought of there being so much Toto (and related) material in the vaults was mouth-watering indeed. Obviously, 25 years later most of what was mentioned in that article as possible contenders has been released, but a few odd bits have still remained elusive.

One is the Steve Lukather song 'It Really Don't Matter at All". It was in all likelihood written for the 'Lukather' album as it was premiered alongside a bunch of Lukather solo material on a string of gigs in Southern California in late 1988, which included premiere performances of songs like With a Second Chance, Darkest Night of the Year and Turns to Stone as well as a few other songs (Talk to Ya Later being one). For whatever reason 'It Really Don't Matter at All' was left off the album and never heard or mentioned again (apart from in said Toto Notes article). Yet somehow it has now surfaced, not as a Lukather recording but recorded by Alan Friedman (who was indeed a longtime contributor to said Toto Notes). It is worth checking out: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/alanfriedman5.

Interesting stuff. Thanks.

[WalrusOct9]

I'd really love to hear any of the solo shows Luke did in '88-'89 (Never heard of these '88 shows, but I know there were a few in Japan in '89 when the album came out?). That would make a really fun release.

[Sundet]

I'd really love to hear any of the solo shows Luke did in '88-'89 (Never heard of these '88 shows, but I know there were a few in Japan in '89 when the album came out?). That would make a really fun release.

There is some footage on Youtube, although it keeps disappearing and reappearing. There's a performance of Darkest Night of the Year from one of those late '88 shows that sounds absolutely spectacular, with Lukather on the very top of his vocal game.