Simon Phillips On Replacing Jeff Porcaro in Toto

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Simon Phillips - Regarded as one of the world's most renowned and respected drummers, Simon's style not only reflects his technical gift but also his distinct musical sensibility. Whether rock, fusion, or jazz, Simon applies the same precision and intensity to his drumming, which never lacks emotion, intensity, and feel. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Simon worked with diverse bands and artists, including Jeff Beck, Michael Schenker, Pete Townshend, Mike Oldfield, Judas Priest, Mike Rutherford, Tears for Fears, 10cc, and The Who. After Jeff Porcaro's death in 1992, he became part of the world-famous rock band Toto.

After leaving the group in 2014, Simon continued his extraordinary session career and explored new and exciting areas of the fusion and progressive rock worlds as both a drummer and producer.

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Thumbnail Photo Credit for Jeff Porcaro: Peter Figen

#SimonPhillips #Masterclass #JeffPorcaro

[Yes-gzqs]

In an interview with Steve Lukather he said he had a dream that Jeff told him to get Simon Phillips and that that dream was an "Its ok to go on without me" confirmation for Steve as well. AMAZING!!

[minions]

This guy is the perfect guy to replace anybody in pretty much any he says...just play the music ....with your own style
His catalogue of the people he s played with speaks volumes of drummer and tho never met him i feel like when he speaks its like your having afternnon tea with him in a little cafe in the lake man...

[TheDrummersGalaxy]

❤he has such a good heart... and so he plays. It's not just drumming

[alansweet]

Simon is an AMAZING drummer and very nice man too! He is ALWAYS spot on with his viewpoints as well.

[fixandfarm]

Simon taking the place of Jeff? Naturally. 2 of the best! Luke picked wisely with Simon.

[chevelle]

I think Simon was just amazing with both bands. His work with Toto was perfect. Love his style.

[SWH]

S.P: "The Gentleman Drummer"... this guy is such a humble, eloquent master of the instrument. He did what he always does best: play the music his own way. Very different than Jeff, of course, but not less valid. Blessings to you, Simon.

[PickettMusic]

He was great with Toto. Really cool, creative choice they made bringing Simon in.😊

[dondeluze]

I can relate to what he said with replacements. As an outsider looking in, it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the songs of a particular group. That's just how I feel, and apparently many others. Simon Phillips is an amazing drummer, and I'm sure playing Jeff's patterns ain't no problem. Thanks Simon for putting that into perspective, especially as a drummer who has just recently started putting my own stamp on copy tunes. And I agree, Jeff Porcaro was an awesome drummer as well. Definitely influenced me with those shuffle type grooves.

[captaincool]

Jesus turn the lights down! Your blinding the guy

[seyfodiaz]

I really always appreciated that Simon "took over". But yeah... you can't copy Jeff's Roseanna. But you also can't copy Simon's "Shadow on the wall" or "I will remember".

[Theratron]

Simon is an amazing drummer, I was already a big fan before he joined Toto (since the Mike Oldfield days I guess). "Two Socks" from the first Protocol album is still one of my most favorite songs. And yet, when he joined Toto I didn't "feel" it, like the songs (the older songs that Jeff originally did at least) just had to played by Jeff, in the "Jeff style". So I was a huge Simon fan, a huge Toto fan, but them joining together was never really a hit with me. Weird... 😅 Even weirder, I did love the Los Lobotomies stuff he did with Luke. "Hero with a thousand eyes" is a total banger.

[cehson]

I can only imagine what was it like to replace Jeff. Simon was perfect for the job :).

[Averseinsomniac]

When people ask you question Simon they want to hear and see you answer the question it’s not about you, dude!!

[gjones]

I think Vinnie Colaiuta should of replaced jeff

[ronniek]

Luke is a great guitar player but an average singer.