The Toto’s Drummers – Part 2

Hello there! Missed me? Well, just kidding, I know you don’t, lol. But I know you are waiting and excited for the next drummers 😉 Alright then, here we go!

The Fill-ins

Now let’s talk about the heroes, without them there will be no tours and shows whenever Simon gets ill! Thanks to these extra ordinary drummers who lend their helping hands whenever Toto needs a temporary fill in for Simon Phillips.

Gregg Bissonette (1995, filled in temporarily for Simon Phillips)

When Simon Phillips was unable to play with Toto on the first leg of the 1995 Tambu tour because of his back problems, he asked Gregg Bissonette to fill in for him. Well, maybe some of you might not heard of his name yet, let’s start to get to know him a little bit.
Gregg Bissonette is an American pop, rock, and jazz drummer born on 9 June 1959. Gregg is a very well-rounded drummer where he can play from big band jazz and fusion to heavy rock. He is currently Ringo’s tandem on drums on his band Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band since 2008.
One of his first recordings was in 1983 with the famous trumpeter, Maynard Ferguson in “Live from San Francisco” where his brother Matt was also in the band. He also joined David Lee Roth, the former frontman of Van Halen, where he got his big break.

For more of Gregg Bissonette, here’s his Discography:

• Maynard Ferguson – Live from San Francisco – 1982
• Yarborough and Peoples – Heart Beats – 1983
• Brandon Fields – The Other Side of the Story – 1985
• David Lee Roth – Eat ‘Em and Smile – 1986
• Keiko Matsui – A Drop of Water – 1987
• David Lee Roth – Skyscraper – 1988
• Pat Kelly – Views of the future – 1989
• Frank Gambale – Thunder From Down Under – 1990
• David Lee Roth – A Little Ain’t Enough – 1991
• Joe Satriani – The Extremist – 1992
• Steve Bailey – Dichotomy – 1992
• Tab Benoit – Nice and Warm – 1992
• L.A. Blues Authority – L.A. Blues Authority – 1992
• Stan Bush – Every Beat of My Heart – 1992
• Lanny Cordolla – Of Riffs and Symphonies – 1992
• Ann Lewis – Rockadelic – 1993
• Robin Zander – Robin Zander – 1993
• Joe Satriani – Time Machine – 1993
• Circus of Power – Magic & Madness – 1993
• Vasco Rossi – Gil Spari Sopra – 1993
• Brandon Fields – Brandon Fields – 1994
• Gary Hoey – The Endless Summer II – 1994
• Milos Dodo Dolezal/Guy Mann-Dude – Milos Dodo Dolezal/Guy Mann-Dude – 1994
• Joe Satriani – Joe Satriani (album) – 1995
• Richie Kotzen – Inner Galactic Fusion Experience – 1995
• Wayne Watson – Field of Souls – 1995
• Bryan Duncan – Christmas Is Jesus – 1995
• Jason Becker – Perspective – 1995
• Mustard Seeds – Mustard Seeds – 1996
• Enrique Iglesias – Enrique Iglesias – 1996
• Larry Carlton – The Gift – 1996
• Steve Vai – Fire Garden – 1996
• Ron Kenoly – Welcome Home – 1996
• Gary Hoey – Bug Alley – 1996
• Steve Fister – Shadow King – 1997
• Steve Lukather – Luke – 1997
• Pat Boone – In a Metal Mood: No More Mr. Nice Guy – 1997
• Kalapana – Captain Santa Island Music – 1997
• Andy Summers – Last Dance of Mr. X – 1997
• Michael Thompson – The World According to M.T. – 1998
• Gregg Bissonette – Gregg Bissonette – 1998
• Paul Anka – A Body of Work – 1998
• Bette Midler – Bathhouse Betty – 1998
• Luis Villegas – Cafe Ole – 1998
• Matt Bissonette – Spot – 1998
• Kombo – Big Blast – 1999
• Steve Vai – The Ultra Zone – 1999
• Santana – Super Natural – 1999
• Carl Verheyen – Slingshot – 1999
• Matt Bissonette – Spot 2 – 2000
• Duran Duran – Pop Trash – 2000
• Don Henley – Inside Job – 2000
• David Benoit – Great Composers of Jazz – 2000
• Jann Arden – Blood Red Cherry – 2000
• Gregg Bissonette – Submarine – 2000
• Crush Velvet Cowboys – Crush Velvet Cowboys – 2000
• Gordon Goodwin – Swingin for the Fences – 2001
• Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather – No Substitutions: Live in Osaka – 2001
• Steve Mindick – So It Begins – 2001
• Lana Lane – Covers Collection – 2002
• Jughead – Jughead – 2002
• Rico Garcia – The Beginning – 2002
• Lana Lane – Winter Sessions – 2003
• Eric Norlander – Music Machine – 2003
• Engelbert Humperdinck – Definition of Love – 2003
• Under-Radio – Bad Heir Ways – 2003
• Steve Lukather – Santamental – 2003
• Dan Ramsey – Gentle Giants – 2003
• Robert Downey Jr. – The Futurist – 2004
• Chester E. Smith – Monster Groove Party – 2004
• Raizing Lazarus – Raising Lazarus – 2004
• Rocket Richotte – Salute – 2004
• Vox Tempus – In the Eye of Time – 2004
• Deep Forest – Deep Forest – 2004
• Matt Bissonette- Oh No! Bass Solo! – 2004
• Owen Kortz – Owen Kortz – 2004
• Ryan Cabrera – Take it all – 2004
• Richard Marx – My Own Best Enemy – 2004
• Matt Swindells – Matt Swindells – 2004
• Matt Swindells – Matt Swindells Here – 2005
• Ozzy Osbourne – Under Cover – 2005
• Ten by Tuesday – Tearing Down the Walls – 2005
• Dan Ramsey – Everybody’s Songs But My Own – 2005
• Martin Motnik – Bass Invader – 2005
• Brian Setzer – Dig That Crazy Christmas – 2005
• Steve Vai – Real Illusions:Reflections – 2005
• Ray Charles – Genius and Friends – 2005
• Brian Ghiglia – Mystery – 2006
• Dave C. Norman – Stratosfear – 2006
• Santo Garofalo – Further Up and Further In – 2006
• Globus – Epicon – 2006
• Phil Soussan – Vibrate – 2006
• Eric Norlander – Hommage Symphoniqe – 2006
• Michele Pillar – I Hear Angels Calling – 2006
• Dave Rogers – Blow Your Mind – 2006
• Lou Rawls – Lou Rawls Christmas – 2006
• Various Artists – 80’s Metal Tribute to Van Halen – 2006
• Rocket Scientists – Revolution Road – 2006
• Harry Shearer – Songs Pointed and Pointless – 2007
• Katharine McPhee – Katharine McPhee – 2007
• Andy Summers – Synaesthesia – 2007
• Sasha & Shawna – Siren – 2007
• Mick Abrahams – Rattlesnake Shake Guitar: Music of Peter Green – 2007
• Code – The Enemy Within – 2007
• Cal Leonard and His Orchestra – Mr. Irrelevant – 2007
• Daniel Glen Timms – La La Land – 2007
• Keith Emerson Band: Featuring Marc Bonilla – Keith Emerson Band – 2008
• Overland – Breakaway – 2008
• Chris Boardman – Midtown Moves – 2008
• Mustard Seeds – Mustard Seeds 3 – 2008
• Marco Cardona – Instrumentality – 2008
• Shadrane – Temporal – 2008
• Dick Wagner – Full Meltdown – 2009
• Colin Hay – American Sunshine – 2009
• Spinal Tap – Back from the Dead – 2009
• Norm Stockton – Tea in the Typhoon – 2009
• Jason Sadites – Weve – 2009
• Randy Jacobs – The Return of Randy Dynamite – 2010
• Grand Illusion – Brand New world – 2010
• Ralf Jung – The Art of Pop – 2010
• The Doobie Brothers – World Gone Crazy – 2010
• Mark Nilan Jr. – Hands On – 2010
• Ringo Starr – Live at the Greek Theatre 2008 – 2010
• Jet Velvet – Jet Velvet – 2010
• Dave C. Norman – Higher Ground – 2011
• Cindy Horstman and Friends – Fretless – 2011
• Abby Cubey & Margarita – Devil Dressed in Lace – 2011
• Barry Manilow – 15 Minutes – 2011
• Mari Hamada – Legenda – 2012
• Docker’s Guild – The Mystic Techocracy: Season 1: The Age of Ignorance – 2012
• Gianni De Chellis – Bondage – 2013
• Gregg Bissonette – Warning Will Robinson – 2013
• Mari Hamada – Mission – 2016
• Norm Stockton – Grooves & Sushi – 2019
• Steve Lukather – I Found The Sun Again – 2021
• The Red Locusts – The Red Locusts – 2021

He also did Television soundtracks:

• Mad About You
• King of the Hill
• Just Shoot Me!
• Friends
• Jeopardy!
• Wheel of Fortune

And for Gregg Bissonette’s Movie Soundtrack credits:

• The Devil Wears Prada
• Bourne Supremacy
• Sex and the City
• Superbad
• Encino Man
• Payback (1999)
• The Endless Summer II[11] • Waiting for Guffman
• For Your Consideration
• Best in Show
• Hope Floats
• The Craft
• A Mighty Wind
• 2 Days in the Valley
• The Bucket List
• Forgetting Sarah Marshall
• Finding Nemo
• American Pie
• American Pie 2

Want to check out more from Gregg? You can visit his website here: greggbissonette.com

Before we continue, let’s go back to year 2003! Prior to the Night of the Proms concert, Simon became seriously ill, but since Gregg has so many drumming duties, he was unavailable to fill in, so Toto invited Ricky Lawson to play with them for 2 months!

Ricky Lawson (2003, filled in temporarily for Simon Phillips)

Known as Ricky Lawson, William Riser III was born on 8 November 1954. He was an American drummer and a composer. He was a session musician and collaborated with Toto, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones to name a few. Ricky also co-founded the Yellowjackets, the American jazz-fusion band that won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance in 1987 for the song “And You Know That” from the band’s album Shades.
He started to play drums when he was 16, and was a member of his high school jazz band. He earned scholarship to college because of his talent, talent in swimming. Yep! Aside from being a drummer, he was also into water polo and swimming. But he only spent a year in college because he was invited to play drums for Stevie Wonder. And in the 80s and 90s, he was the drummer for Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.
Here’s a little trivia for Ricky Lawson, have you ever wonder what was his favorite solo in his career? Well, his favorite solo is from the Whitney Houston’s hit song, I Will Always Love You. Guess what? Before Whitney belted out the chorus line, there is this one note, one beat, one hit on the toms, and according to him, yes, that’s his favorite solo in his career!

And here’s his Discography, let’s check it out:

With Yellowjackets
• 1981: Yellowjackets
• 1983: Mirage a Trois
• 1985: Samurai Samba
• 1986: Shades

As leader
• 1997: First Things 1st
• 2001: Ricky Lawson and Friends
• 2008: Christmas with Friends

As sideman
• 2000: Two Against Nature (Steely Dan)
• 2014: Nathan East

13 December 2013, while performing at the Spaghettini jazz club, he suddenly became disoriented. He was then diagnosed with brain aneurysm and treated at the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. But after 10 days, his life support was removed, and at the age of 59, he passed away on 23 December 2013.
But wait! Let’s make a rewind before the Night of the Proms 2003 concert! Before Toto contacted Gregg Bissonette and Ricky Lawson during the time when Simon was ill, they only have a very little time to find a replacement. Since we all know that not all heroes wear capes, someone came in and offered Toto a helping hand, and that’s none other than Jon Farriss!

Jon Farriss (2003, filled in temporarily for Simon Phillips)

Jonathan James Farriss was born 10 August 1961. He is a drummer born in Perth, Western Australia. He is also the founding member of the rock band INXS. In 2003, he temporarily replaced Simon Phillips for a few shows.
Jon also played The Beatles’ song “With A Little Help from My Friends” in February 2013 while Ringo Starr is singing. This was when Ringo’s All Starr Band performed in Sydney. He was also invited on stage by Nile Rodgers in Sydney Opera House.
In 2010, Jon co-produced the INXS tribute album Original Sin. It featured artists that include John Mayer, Rob Thomas, Ben Harper and a lot more.
Want to know him more? You can visit his website www.jonfarriss.com

Now let’s check out Jon’s credits:

• 2021 – Wrath – INXS
• 2021 – Streets of Gold – Electric Six
• 2021 – SLOTH – INXS
• 2021 – Rarities – Goo Goo Dolls
• 2021 – Hope – INXS
• 2021 – ENVY – INXS
• 2020 – Flashback Favorites – D.I.
• 2019 – Mystify: A Musical Journey with Michael Hutchence (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – INXS
• 2012 – Shabooh Shoobah / The Swing – INXS
• 2012 – Listen Like Thieves / X – INXS
• 2011 – The Very Best of INXS – INXS
• 2011 – Original Sin – INXS
• 2010 – Hot Tub Time Machine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• 2009 – Rhino Classic Albums Collection (f.y.e. Exclusive) – INXS
• 2009 – Club Classics 2
• 2009 – Adventureland
• 2008 – Stay Now – Article A
• 2008 – Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 – Goo Goo Dolls
• 2006 – Rhino Hi-Five: INXS – INXS
• 2006 – Rhino Hi-Five: ‘80s Pop
• 2006 – Miss Murder – AFI
• 2006 – JB50 – Jimmy Barnes
• 2006 – In the Heat of the Night – Jimmy Barnes
• 2005 – The Rock ‘N’ Roll Rider: Jack Lives Here
• 2005 – Taste It: The Collection – INXS
• 2005 – Switch – INXS
• 2005 – Rock Star: INXS
• 2005 – Choice: A Collection of Classic – John Digweed
• 2005 – Best in Show: Best of Grinspoon – Grinspoon
• 2004 – Original Sin: The Collection – INXS
• 2004 – Need You Tonight and Other Hits – INXS
• 2004 – INXS Squared: The Remixes – INXS
• 2004 – I’m Only Looking: The Best of INXS – INXS
• 2004 – Bang The Drum EP – INXS
• 2003 – New Detention – Grinspoon
• 2003 – Motion Audio – Louis Osbourne
• 2003 – Large
• 2003 – Credence Club Hits
• 2002 – Xtreme Dance Party – Geroge Calle
• 2002 – The Years 1979-1997 – INXS
• 2002 – The Best of INXS (Rhino) – INXS
• 2002 – Subliminal Sessions, Vol. 2
• 2002 – Subliminal Sessions, Vol. 2 – Harry “Choo Choo” Romero
• 2002 – Stay Young 1979-1982 – INXS
• 2002 – Live with Jonathan Peters – Jonathan Peters
• 2002 – House Anthems (EMI)
• 2002 – Definitive INXS – INXS
• 2002 – Audio Couture
• 2001 – Up & Down the Glory Road – Richard Clapton
• 2001 – The Club Box
• 2001 – Shine Like It Does: The Anthology (1979-1997) – INXS
• 2000 – Olympic Record
• 2000 – Love and Fear – Jimmy Barnes
• 1999 – Pop in the 90’s, Vol. 3
• 1997 – Only Rock ‘N Roll 1990-1994: #1 Radio Hits
• 1997 – Elegantly Wasted – INXS
• 1996 – Premium Gold Collection – Howard Carpendale
• 1996 – Hits – Jimmy Barnes
• 1994 – The Greatest Hits (Universal) – INXS
• 1993 – Full Moon, Dirty Hearts – INXS
• 1992 – Welcome to Wherever You Are – INXS
• 1992 – Hello Dad… I’m in Jail – Was (Not Was)
• 1991 – Live Baby Live (Video) – INXS
• 1991 – Live Baby Live – INXS
• 1991 – Disappear – INXS
• 1990 – X – INXS
• 1989 – The Best Years of Our Lives – Richard Clapton
• 1987 – The Lost Boys (Original Soundtrack)
• 1987 – Kick – INXS
• 1987 – Freight Train Heart – Jimmy Barnes
• 1987 – Danced in the Fire – Sharon O’Neill
• 1985 – Listen Like Thieves – INXS
• 1984 – The Swing – INXS
• 1984 – Swing & Other Stories (video) – INXS
• 1984 – Innocent – INXS
• 1982 – Shabooh Shoobah – INXS
• 1982 – INXSive: 1980-82 – INXS
• 1981 – Underneath the Colours – INXS
• 1980 – INXS – INXS
• 1972 – Seine Grossen Erfolge – Howard Carpendale

RRRRIIIIIIIIIIIINNNGGGGG! OK break time! Time to grab your favorite meal, snacks, drinks! I’ll be back in a bit, and we will be talking about Toto’s touring and session musicians, promise! ‘til later!