Speaking to Vicki Abelson in a new interview, Toto’s Steve Lukather shared the experience of receiving Jimmy Page’s acknowledgment while discussing his career as a session musician.
In the 1980s, being a session musician was often viewed negatively, and considered un-rock ‘n’ roll. The guitarist expressed pride in his studio work, though he doesn’t do it as much anymore, except as a favor. He also recounted his meeting with Page at a Guitar Center private event. Jimmy, who was also a session musician himself before starting Led Zeppelin, offered his support to Lukather, as he disclosed:
“And he [Page] goes, ‘No, I just want to say something to you. I read an article where you said that being a studio musician may have hurt your career in some way and the fact that people don’t take you seriously as a musician. That’s not true. I was a studio musician. All those guys in there, they don’t know what that is.'”
How Page’s Approval Changed Lukather’s Attitude
The rocker continued, sharing his reaction to Jimmy’s words:
“And I was like, ‘Are you serious? Are you telling me this for real?’ ‘Yeah, I’m telling you this for real.’ I gave him a big hug.”
He also added the following about their further interaction:
“And I look and him and go, ‘Can I tell people you said this?’ And he says, ‘Yes’ [Laughs]. I never really mention it — I might have said something in the book, and I walk around with a t-shirt on about it. I really haven’t seen him since, but getting a thumbs up from somebody like that changed my whole attitude about all that because I was trying to compete with all the rockers at the time, whatever.”
The Value Of Being A Session Musician
Still, being a session musician was a valuable learning experience for the guitarist. During a 2010 conversation with Guitar International, Lukather reflected on the time when he was a highly sought-after studio musician, explaining:
“It was a great honor to be a part of thousands of records. Being in the room watching greatness happen, working with the best producers, arrangers, artists and musicians. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve had the coolest life in the world.”
He also talked about the complexity of being a studio musician and how it contributed to his career, saying:
“I knew what a studio musician was, but I didn’t realize the significance of how deep the job really is. People don’t realize what it really takes to do the gig. If you’re doing a Kenny Rogers album, then all of the sudden you’re doing The Tubes at night, and Aretha Franklin the next day, you have to reinvent yourself on an hourly basis.”
You can watch his full interview below.
