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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- VRP Rocks host Paul Stephenson sits down with legendary drummer Simon Phillips to delve into his experiences with joining and ultimately leaving the iconic band Toto. Simon shares his insights on the challenges of stepping into a band to replace a beloved member, and how he navigated the pressures of being compared to his predecessor.
Simon candidly discusses the deep connection Toto had with its founding members, and the complexities of integrating into the band both musically and personally. Viewers will gain a unique perspective on the dynamics within a high-profile rock group and the expectations placed on its members.
Throughout the interview, Simon recounts the series of events that led to his decision to join Toto and relocate to the United States, shedding light on the legal and professional obstacles he faced. He also reveals the pivotal moment when the band approached him to join, sharing his genuine surprise and the internal debate that ultimately led to his decision.
As the conversation progresses, Simon opens up about his departure from Toto after over two decades, explaining the factors that influenced his decision to pursue other musical projects and venture back into the world of studio recording. His insights shed light on the personal and professional considerations that ultimately led to this significant change.
Whether you're a die-hard Toto fan, an aspiring musician, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of the music industry, this interview promises a captivating glimpse into the life and career of Simon Phillips. Tune in for a lively and authentic conversation that offers valuable insights into the world of rock music and the personal choices that shape a musician's career.
Subscribe now and join us for an engaging conversation that is a must-watch for music enthusiasts and industry insiders alike!
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Hear the FULL 1 hour 20 minute interview with Simon on the VRP Rocks podcast. A link to listen is here: open.spotify.com/episode/5sZa4dY4qfqDIQBj9jSgf0?si=d5ac255613144e89
As a lifelong Toto fan I can't imagine how anyone could harbor any bad feelings against Simon joining. He was the perfect choice. Chops and groove by the mile and yet totally not Jeff - that's why he was the perfect choice. And listen to Tambu and Mindfields and Falling in Between, those records wouldn't be what they are without Simon's sense of time and dynamics and his unique sound. Just as the Jeff era was wonderful, the Simon era was equally wonderful. I have nothing but the greatest respect and love and gratitude for everything Toto was with Simon, and therefore to my life too.
😆 🤣 😂 imagine being a Toto fan
@@docsavage8640 This is the comment section equivalent of coming out of the restroom all "I'm cooler than you" but with your skirt tucked into the back of your panties.🤣
Simon is an all time great, and a sweet guy too. We all love Jeff, he was one of a kind irreplaceable but Simon is the man, he filled the shoes admirably
ABSOLUTELY ❤❤❤❤
@@docsavage8640that probably sounded a lot funnier in your head, eh?
Simon Phillips is an incredible drummer….. incredible beyond belief 👊
Yes, he is! 👍🤘
Simon is a incredible drummer! I was shocked when Jeff passed. But, I don't think Toto could have picked a better person for the job than Simon! Perfect fit!
Magnificent drummer Amazing gentleman all around awesome performer. Met him at drum clinic in Long Island. My favorite drummer of all time. Thank you Simon 🙏🏼
Man. I always thought that Simon was the PERFECT drummer for Toto after Jeff passed away. He never tried to be Jeff but brought his own element which I absolutely loved.
TBH, I had to re-tune my ear to 'Simon+Toto', because had always heard Si with The Who. Once my ear acclimated, I was all good. He is a complete sweetheart to do what he did for Toto when they needed him the most!
Yeah, i totally agree.
I was very surprised, and at first didn't like the result. But I didn't know well Simon's drumming, being more in jazz, that was an opportunity to discover him. Stunning.
"I will remember you" as ICONIC drum played will always Remember you Simon.
I could listen to that man for hours. And I'm not even a drummer. What a suave, cool and cultured person!
He has so many cool stories, too. He's literally worked with a 'who's who' list of legends
His live performance on the Pete Townsend "Give Blood" video still gives me goosebumps to this day. And I'm a guitar player!
Simon: a legend no his own.
Saw Simon live with Protocol few years ago in a small venue in Denmark. Very intimate - we were 150 in the audience. I remember his kit took half of the stage. But he was so cool, funny and nice to listen to, when he was telling small anecdotes between the songs.... A experience for a lifetime to remember
Your presence in Toto was a gift for all to witness. Your dynamic life and happiness is your business and you gave Toto another life with your performance.....
Simon Phillips saved the band. Toto did a Jason Newstead choosing a very different player because it was too hard to choose someone that stylistically played like Jeff. Simon did a hell of a job not only playing the drums but also recording and mixing them. FiB is a sonic luxury. And Jeff loved his playing as well.
They probably wanted to get a new drummer for a lower pay scale.
@@tommeredith7462 neither Carlock nor Forrest comes cheap. It’s not until the last lineup where the costs were discussed due to Susan Porcaro Goings suing the band corp and winning.
@@peevee605 Either way with Toto it seems every one is taking a hot steaming shit on one member or another
Steve Lukather once said "WE'RE NOT MILLIONAIRES".
@@waltersimmons946 if todays rules for songwriting would have applied back then coupled to record sales, Toto members would have been. They are the best band of all times and still til this day put on an amazing show.
Excellent drummer
Not easy to follow the great Jeff Porcaro, but he did it with grace and ingenuity
I applaud YOUR interview style, letting the guest answer your questions without interruptions. Well done...and interesting!
Agreed
If Geddy and Alex wanted to get Rush back together, I think he’d be an amazing drummer to have with them. He’s so versatile.
Not a Rush fan , but sir , sir , SIR !! , you’ve got a greeeeeeeat idea, I’d love to see Simon playing with them !!!!!!!!
Alex Van Halen would be a nice choice too, and same manager as well, it helps !!
@@metalplaylistI love VH - my fav band ever and Rush is great too - I don’t think Alex fits their style - Alex is a great rock drummer and unique player but Peart needs more of a technician to play his stuff
@@metalplaylistavh can’t come close to what Peart has done
Oh believe me Simon could easily pull off Peart’s parts
I know as a former professional drummer as these two guys were my biggest influences bar none!!
2013 Vegas show still ranks as the best live show I've ever seen in my life. Simon was amazing and a true gentleman at the fan VIP meet and greet.
As a drummer myself, i was very thrilled back, when you joined Toto. The way u play, has a signature, and that is not all that common, amongst drummer in general. That says something! I like the Protocol albums your made, and i love the sound of these albums. I myself is an Audiophile, and listening to those records on my vinyl playback system, is just a thrill for me. Glad to see/hear you here. Cheers from Denmark.
Mr. Phillips you fitted perfectly! You are drumming genious
Thank You Simon for being a Fantastic Drummer for Toto and a consummate Professional
What a musical hero this guy is. Seen him a few times in concert, beyond belief, his skill and his sound.
When Jeff died my first thought was get Simon. A European tour was booked and Greg Bisonette stepped in for a couple of dates. To me Simon was a great addition. Different style but his skill set was suited to Toto
I loved that he didn't copy Jeff. In the US, Tambu had a later release, but a friend who know how much I loved Toto grabbed the CD for me in the UK. On my first listen, by the time the second track was over (I Will Remember), I was convinced Toto had made the perfect choice. I Will Remember and Bottom of Your Soul are still regularly in my playlists. And though it was solo Luke instead of Toto, Hero With 1000 Eyes has some fantastic drumming on it.
I saw them in that tour, KOD, in Switzerland. Terrific concert, Simon was there. Unforgettable concert. The place was packed, no mobile phones, just pure enjoyment, singing and dancing. Lots of lighters on, MAGIC!
great story and so happy he joined Toto. I knew Simon before he joined them because my friend is a drummer and told me about him. We listened to Simon many times. Finding out that he would be the new drummer was just amazing. If Simon would not have joined my wish was that Vinnie would. He also fits in. Thank you anyhow Simon. Your solo on the live album Lifefields is sooooooo amazing. As well as any other solo. I was lucky to see you play many times (also your solo projects). Maybe reunite with Toto on occassion?
Great drummer,with an amazing dynamic open sound , very rare nowadays!
He bought his uniqueness to the Toto Gig. Could not have asked for anyone better. SiPhi is as much of Toto royalty as Jeff was.
Thank you so very much for the fantastic content/interviews you give to myself and many other viewers. 1st class indeed.
Thank you for the kind words 🙏 Glad you enjoy all my interviews 👍🤘
Thank you Simon. It was so nice to meet you in New Zealand
And let’s not forget the Candyman album and tour with Luke.
What a loss for Toto when he left, though I do like the current lineup. But with him and Jeff before him I saw incredibile tours. 2007 was a touring jam, David and Mike were missing but the resulting all-star game led by Luke and Tom was really unforgettable!!
Quel talent incroyable. J'adore ce drummer. Un des meilleurs sans l'ombre d'un doute!!
He did a great job with the band, pull up their 35th anniversary show in Poland. Probably the best live show you’ll see such professionals.
Agreed
It’s my go to live album. So good. Amazing album quality
Yep. Incredible
Saw that show at Chastain in Atlanta. Simon shook re-enforced concrete with "Child's Anthem". It was phenomenal.
Right, perfection
What a cool interview! Simon is such a class act and been on some of the best Toto albums ever!
When I saw THE WHO at Giants Stadium in 1989 -- 3 and a half hour show - one of the greatest concerts i have ever seen - and Simon is the greatest drummer i have seen and heard in concert - he was perfect for The Who - should have been a permanent member - his playing really compliments Pete's music - next to Moonie Simon is the best drummer the Who ever played with or play with
I remember that day like it was yesterday I was 19 ,My aunt worked in the marketing department for the Philadelphia inquire and would get free tickets... great show
Agreed! Simon was a monster with The Who!
Always remember first time I heard Simon Phillips on the album Rocks , Pebbles and Sand by Stanley Clarke. It was a unknown name for me back in 1980. Just by coincidence i saw the same name appear on the album Digital Cowboy by Our daughters wedding a year later , but wondered if it was the same person? First fusion with Clarke ans then new wave synth! Anyway the drums spoke well and has done so for more than 30 years❤
He's a magic drummer!
Such a great drummer- I love his work, first heard him on the Sukarita single by Judie Tzuke in 78!
Simon Phillips steeped into Very HUGE Shoes as filling in for the Great Jeff Porcaro. Simon was absolutely PERFECT and did an Incredible Job for a LOT of Years (21)
First discovered Simon on the PhD (Phillips, Hymas, Diamond) Project. Followed him ever since. Such a great musician and personality!
Only ever saw Simon with Jeff Beck on the There And Back tour in Edinburgh and he was brilliant . I only knew about Simon from an album 801 Live which was a side project of Phil Manzanera and Brian Eno of Roxy Music and Simon’s playing on that is incredible. Big surprise tbh when he joined Toto but with that Kingdom Of Desire is my favourite Toto album .
I saw Simon with the 85 Arms tour with Jeff Beck in San Francisco...just fantastic..
Great video. Would have loved to see and listen to this years ago already :)
After Jeff passes, I thought Simon will be the perfect man to follow. I saw him during Pete Yorks Superdrumming and I loved his type of playing drums. After all, he really joins Toto and I was very glad he did. Never had bad thoughts about him and never could imagine someone would. He fits like glove.
Simon was one if my biggest inspirations in drumming! Inalso believe that he elevated the band exponentially after Jeff's passing!
Simon is so versatile played
With michael Schenker one of my favourite guitar players what a fantastic drum sound live could play with anyone and do a great job
Simon is a rare commodity. He is capable of wearing a lot of hats. He is brilliant at what ever he does. I have had the pleasure of working with him.
I'm not a Toto fan necessarily but this guy helped shape me as a drummer. Inspirational words are sometimes all you that it takes. Thanks Simon you badass!
How can you not
Jeff was the groove master and an amazing drummer, but Simon is utterly amazing and phenomenal in his own right there should be no apologies for that.
Simon is one of the few drummers on my list I haven’t seen live. When Toto came to down, he had already left. I saw Hiromi, The Trio Project and Steve Smith was sitting in for Simon. I’m hoping to catch Simon before he retires.
I saw Hiromi twice, one with Simon Phillips, one with Steve Smith. I was very surprised to see Simon with his kit in a jazz trio with an acoustic piano, but they were a real band, unlike most concerts with few rehearsals we see in jazz, and they created a great sound.
Steve Smith, well, you saw him. At this level, you don't compare these two great artists.
@@ofdrumsandchords
The Trio Project really blew my mind. Such stellar musicians coming together.
Fascinating interview!
Glad you enjoyed it. There's a few more videos with Simon on the channel, telling lots of other wonderful stories from his career 👍🤘
Simon is an amazing Musician. Check out his tour through his Studio. He so knows what he is doing. Any drummer that would like to get his drums recorded , would go to his Studio. And yes, he was the right Choice to play drums in ToTo!
I wanted to hear Vinnie with them, but Simon was undeniable. Excellent performances on those albums and tours he did with them.
you can hear the unreleased songs on the greatest hits of 2018
I totally agree... I think Vinnie's vibe was a better feel for their music, and I think he would have taken them to a different level. No detraction from Simon who I've always thought was an AMAZING talent, but I would have loved to hear Vinnie's take on things!
great interview
Simon was great when I saw him with Toto and Lukather and Joe Williams have always been superb live
Great interview, with Simon Phillips.
There's a few more videos on my channel with Simon, talking about other various parts of his career too, if you'd like to check them out 👍🤘
A perfectionist joined the band, and what a result, he saved Toto at that stage, creating that clear and distinct sound that is Simon's trade mark. Shannon is the closest to Simon, but I would always chose Simon, when Jeff is not available anymore, Simon is Toto 2.0 but for me Jeff is the man that gave Toto it's sound and why we starten listen to this band.
I'm not a drummer, but I thought Keith Carlock was the wrong drummer for Toto. Great chops and very versatile. Sounded right with Steely Dan but somehow the wrong feel for Toto. Shannon however seemed just right - about as close to Jeff Porcaro's spirit and feel as anybody could be. (By the way I'm a big Simon Phillips fan).
Totally agree ! I think Simon was every bit as good as Jeff. He just wasn't "Jeff " to the long term guys and friends of Jeff. But as a drummer, simply AWESOME!
I saw Simon in Dublin good few yrs back at a drum school. His speed doing drum rolls was astonishing.. I remember some guy in the audience saying Simon would have made a great gun slinger, his hands were that fast...!!
LOVE Simon's work with various bands, including one of my all-time favorites... Big Country. Love Mark's drumming on their stuff too (he's one of my favorites), but I love what Simon did with them as well. RIP Stuart. :(
The Buffalo Skinners is a brilliant record! I interviewed Bruce Watson and did a special Buffalo Skinners 30th anniversary video for the channel, you should check it out th-cam.com/video/-bQDC6QRia0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=OMmse2-QiYav30Pt
What an interesting bloke Simon is as well as an astounding drummer. I wish him further success, who knows where he will end up musically speaking....? Greta interview VRP I am really enjoying your channel, Cheers mate!
Thanks @batphink2655 👍🤘
Join Together. Listen to Join Together and tell me SP isn't the best drummer. He wasn't the original drummer but made that gig his own. The best performance I know of!
Such a polite person, love this guy and his playing. Greetings
Such a great musician and a great guy. So enjoyed his albums with Toto. Excellent content.
Simon's engineering on Falling in Between was stellar.
I saw The Who at radio city Hall. For the Tommy show. 1989. I had 13 row aisle seat. The seat in front of me was 500 bucks. And across the aisle was 1000. But it was full of rock stars.there was one moment when Pete looked back at simon after he did a drum riff and smiled really hard
2 talents extrêmes et différents. Incomparables et particulièrement doués, parmi les meilleurs de ce monde musical. Jeff techniquement novateur, et Simon le plus fort, complet, large et parfait des batteurs ambidextres. J'adore les deux, même si l'un est parti. Et je continue à voir l'image de Jeff à travers les performances époustouflantes de Simon , que je continue à suivre assidûment. On est dans le monde des batteurs les plus créatifs et artistiques au monde, avec une technicité au sommet. ❤
He is the drumer for TOTO!!!!! He Put his sound and technics!!!
I love the shirt Simon. I found it humerus too.
Einer der besten , kreativsten Drummer und seine absolute Stärke immer scheinbar das beste Getrommel was exakt in den Song passt beizusteuern, hat er auch schon früher bei Mike Oldfield sehr geil gemacht.
Und zum Glück ist er nicht der typische studierte Drummer sondern hat immer seine eigene Technik und sein Spiel eingesetzt.
Simon is in a perfect position to author a comprehensive manual for music engineering-from the perspective of the band, to production, and to the audience. The set of processes that exist in his brain is in the cusp of vanishing into an AI based production method and like when vinyl turned to cd, the musical experience will never be heard of again by the general public.
He gave other color for Toto which was wonderful, Toto live CDs with him in it were great just like Chester with Genesis
Really good comparison.
Si was perfect for them at the time. He did a wonderful job with Toto.
Before, and during Toto, the members did various session work for a slew of notable musicians. The first such session, which also led to the birth of the band was with Boz Scaggs, in which Jeff Porcaro, David Paich, David Hungate, and Joe Porcaro (regular Toto guest contributor and father of Jeff, Steve, and Mike) played on his smash hit album Silk Degrees. The members had done smaller scale work before this album working with the likes of Steely Dan, Seals and Crofts, and Sonny & Cher.
Very true. I interviewed Steve Lukather a couple of years ago to hear his stories, including working on Thriller, friendship with George Harrison, Ringo Starr etc 👍🤘
@@VRPRocks Yep pretty sure I watched that! Cheers.
Simon Phillips is best drummer and Toto is the best band, (IMO). Time they spend together was brilliant to Us! - Best to All of Us, and maybe for them too.
i am and always be a huge fan of Jeff Porcaro.The man was a genius.
But ..to this day there will never be a better drummer to replace Jeff Porcaro than Simon. He did it with elegance , respect , love for the band and the material and without trying to imitate Jeff's drumming. In my head the band took a new turn with Simon on the drums.A new sound.
Jeff was iconic. Play after him was a huge challenge which you handled greatly imo
I agree 👍
I've been blessed to see Toto 3 X Live with Simon. No other Toto drummer will equal what he has done in that band. As a drummer, I have emulated him for 20 years or so.
It was the same for Steve Morse replacing Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple. That was a thankless task, he was so revered and irreplaceable, that even a great player like Steve was constantly in his shadow.
The problem is Morse cannot and has not written memorable riffs like Blackmore. Morse is all tech, but not suited to deep purple. Someone who could follow Blackmore is Tony Iommi, who also can write riffs. Deep purple was never about technical Soloing so Morse most definitely IS in Blackmore’s shadow. Can anyone even remember a single classic riff that Morse has played? I can’t and I’m a player. He can’t play blues to save his life, it’s all soulless shredding.
Amazing drummer
Toto have had the elite of musical talent over the years. Thats why their music Will never be forgotten. ❤
Jeff could not be Simon and Simon could not be Jeff ,, both amazing
With or without Toto, Simon is one of the greatest drummer. It is exactly the same for Toto,... Great with or without Simon!
As long as I can I will be on the road to follow both of them...
Simon was great in Toto! I was sad when I heard he left.
Vous êtes le meilleur
Simon shone on more prog tracks like Hydra. More groovy stuff like Rosanna, that's where Jeff was untouchable. But Simon's sound has been a huge influence for me, I bought Tama kit because of him, I tune it similarly (and since it was already a festival backline kit several drummers actually nodded that they did recognize the open sound of the kit) and while I can't play open handed I try to improve my weak hand.
Yeah I was wondering if Simon was able to get his studio Phantom Recordings rebuilt from the fire that took place in 2017?
He built a new house complete with studio in Ojai, that's where Simon has been living the past couple of years. Phantom was in Sherman Oaks.
If he hasn't already. He should write a book on his life and career.
The only downside to him joining Toto was that he wasn't available for the Who in 1996. (For me a huge Who fan)
Please ask him something about Jon Lord and Ian Gillan studio recordings.
I just say...Party in Simons pants, really he is a great drummer perfect for Toto. Always loved Toto!
Apparently Simon is using the same mics here as on the Falling in between Album. ;D
good drummer i saw him with the Who in 1989.
This band has so much turnover they are a close second behind Journey.
If Simon got the Axe they were probably trying to reduce expenses and find a drummed for less pay.
I first noticed Simon when he drummer for Pete Townsend.
What a remarkable Talent.
A drummer like Simon doesn’t “get the axe.” Like Colaiuta, a lot of people/musicians come to see HIM (not Sting) and I imagine a lot of Toto concertgoers felt the same.
Simon is one classy gent…and nice cat, too.
@@dadduorp No Duh, educate yourself about the rumor before popping off at the mouth.
Simon quit.
They brought back Lenny Castro who is extremely expensive to have on tour and Brought In Shannon Forrest who isn’t exactly cheap to hire either.
And there are bands with more turnover than Toto and Journey combined.
What about that ulna and radius? People rarely get the humor on his shirt. Makes me smile that such a great musician knows anatomy!
Didn't Simon work with Luke in Los Lobotomies before the Kingdom of Desire tour? Didn't mention it.....
He was the perfect replacement, I am a drummer, so he was very much a great drummer, adding great stuff in those old songs.
This man deserves a title, imo.. "Sir Simon Phillips"
Incredible, Incredible Drummer!!!!👍👍👍
I'm a big fan of Toto's current drummer Robert "Sput" Searight; the whole 2020 touring band is great.
Huge Toto fan and I always thought Simon was a great choice to replace Jeff.
I met Simon in NYC a few years back. Class guy all the way. It’s a highlight of my life.
for me , is definitly simon the toto drummer
Fact: „TOTO“ lost their drive since Simon left. His signature groove is fairly missed!
Absolutely.
They missed simon big drum tone. Style and Idea. Everybody can play Rosanna in Jeff's way. But not Simon way.
First it was Bonham,then,Alex van Halen, but Simon to me is the man an amazing drummer..watch him with Townsend give blood