Toto Bassist & ALS Sufferer Mike Porcarco Dies Aged 59

Toto bassist & ALS sufferer, Mike Porcarco, passed away over the weekend following a long battle with the illness.

Surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles, Porcaro, who played bass for the soft rock giants from '83 until '07, succumbed to the degenerative motor neuron disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Porcarco was the third son of legendary session percussionist Joe Porcaro and brother to original Toto drummer Jeff and keyboardist Steve.

Steve confirmed the news via Facebook, writing:

"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."

"My brother Mike Porcaro is now at peace," added Toto guitarist Steve Lukather on Twitter. "I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless."

Toto guitarist Steve Lukather paid tribute to his former bandmate on Twitter:

"My brother Mike Porcaro is now now at peace. I will miss him more than I could ever put into words. My deepest love to the family. God Bless"

After forming in 1978 Toto went on to release classics such as "Hold the Line," "Rosanna" and "Africa". The band collected a GRAMMY for "Album of the Year" in 1982 for Toto IV.