Steve Lukather On Why He's Banned From Berklee College Of Music + His Friendship With Ray Parker Jr 

I was there when Lukather came to Berklee in 2015 to do the QnA. His vast amount of experience and stories was phenomenal! A definite eye opening learning moment. On top of that, he’s naturally hilarious! One of the best QnA’s I’ve attended. After the QnA, Steve stayed and pretty much took photos/signed with every single person who wanted to. Totally gracious, no rockstar bs. Steve Lukather is the man! I was unaware that he was “banned” because of that joke during the QnA as it was hilarious and wasn’t directed as an insult to anyone. Berklee completely fucked up by “banning” one of the most recorded musician in history.

"The dumb shit is what makes the world go round." Pure gold Steve.

I'm a Berklee alum and I approve of this message. Don't ever change, Luke!

Lukather is highly respected here in Cuba by the guitar community and even the lay aficionados,the solo in Hold the Line when he was just a teen,set a bar for tone,accurate bendings and vibrato,exotic scales and feel...then ,he developed in a great all-around ,fusion player(the hardest,most beautiful style in contemporary music in my humble opinion....All the best for him and the great music maestros herein Greetings from Havana ,Cuba.

Apart from being a great and legendary musician, Lukather is a fantastic story teller. I must’ve watched dozens of his interviews and they are as entertaining as his guitar work. He is an interviewer’s dream. Brilliant guy.

I love all of these podcast interviews he's been doing lately. Steve is from an era where the studio cats never took themselves too seriously. They didn't tell each other what to play. They just listened to what someone was playing and join in. It always "fit", because they listened before they came up with a part! Lol

This guy is unique. Kicking this man out of Berklee is undoubtedly one of the worst things that has happened to Berklee. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

For all Lukes greatness as a Player. He’s beyond Humble and has a great sense of humor.

I gotsta rewatch this interview for the third time. It's just THAT good :D

I attended Berklee in 1979-1980. Stern, Vai were up there playing around town. Also a guy named Lorn Leber. Fastest player I ever heard. They were not household names yet. I roomed with a guy from Germany. We didnt hit it off right away, but after a while we started hanging more. He completed his education and is now a music prof at Columbia. Good for him.

I've fallen in love with this guy. His music when I was young, and now his personality and knowledge as an adult. Solid fucking dude.

Hey dig! I was the one Berklee asked to bring Luke in. Carl Beatty called me up and asked if I could get him there. Then I said " Do you really want to do that? Luke is a riot with NO filter" He says wants to, so Luke, Carl and I spend in communication for 6 months in touch about this. Will we play? How long will he be there? Maybe a studio session? Then after all that Luke says "Let me come in and just talk to the kids." I meet him at the Ritz, buy lunch, he and Ringo's manager and I pile in the car and head to Berklee. It is set up as I am going to interview him. Luke and I hit the stage of one of the recital halls, the place is packed and it's 10 deep outside. My second question is in regards to how he got the Toto gig. Luke says something that is stunningly funny of course and way out there in the appropriate department, as you can imagine if you know him. I am falling off my chair laughing, I think, "Well I'm out!" Time for questions from the audience. I'm waiting for the next bomb to drop. After quite some time where Luke is giving these kids great advice about what it takes to have a career as a guitarist, aka The dumb sh_t referenced in the video, this student asks about technique and solos. That's when he drops the second bomb. Haha. The words were actually "it's like having a 15 inch sch__long, fun to show to your friends and neighbors but it's useless!" I am off my chair in hysterics! I never heard anything about being banned which I don't think was actually ever verbalized, Luke did ask me once if he was and I know I didn't confirm anything like that. Maybe someone else said something to him. But I will say this, the kids LOVED HIM! So many students came to me for weeks afterwards telling me that he was the best pro they ever heard at Berklee because he told it like it is. His whole approach was real, and they loved that! I guess HR did hear from some about the "humor" but as we all know that know and love the guy, "Hey it's Luke, of course this is to be expected and it's all in good fun, so what." I will say this, his comment WAS effective!

Lukather always has the best stories.

How can you not love this guy?

Banned from Berklee, badge of honor!

Steve is a treasure we should all cherish. Top notch player, top notch person.

Steve is Gold! One of my favorite musicians of all time. He's hilarious too.

I could watch and listen to “Luke” all day everyday. Whether it’s playing or talking! Always straight from the cuff, no BS. Tells it like it is… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Luke is the best. Amazing guitarist. Great attitude. Funny as hell - and sober. Much respect. I wish I paid more attention to him 40 years ago.

That was priceless. What else would be expected from a rock musician. They work on their humor and satire over 1000's of hours of night clubs. Dealing with hecklers requires whit.

Luke is one of the funniest persons in the world, watching and listening him telling these stories ALWAYS makes may day!!! Thanks you so much!!!

Not only an amazing musician but also funny as shit. I had tears running down my face for most of that!

Well done, you will never please everyone 👍

I'm a Berklee alum and that joke is probably the most politically correct and appropriate thing I would have heard at Berklee in 1995. Berklee would have Steve Lukather back anytime! And thank you Steve for speaking for free. You are an amazing musician and you've shared so much!

Great stories. He has a million. Different times - back when we actually HAD studios - when there was a "scene."

Their loss. One of the absolute GOAT's. Keep these videos rolling, please. 👍

That joke was worth a gold record.

I attended Berklee in the '70s and it was the most wonderfully diverse experience of my life. My first roommate was a Japanese trumpet player who could barely speak English and I gave him lessons. Students from all over the world. The only thing that mattered was music. A few years ago I received one of those ridiculous DEI letters on how they were going to work so hard to remove systemic racism from Berklee. I requested to be removed from the alumni mailing list.

Luke is hilarious. He has such a funny manner. Apparently he’s been like this since he was a kid. How anyone could be offended is beyond me.

There are so many good guitarist out there. Many are just not in the right place at the right time. I know I may sound like a proud parent but I am. My son learned to play guitar from a professional from zero experience. He progressed quickly and soon was playing in his high school jazz band then eventually lead guitar in a heavy metal band during college and later. Today he collects guitars and has a sound room at his house, but he chose chemistry as a career. Yes, he loved chemistry even more than music.

Lol😂 Lukather is the whole package. Love it. Mad respect and love!

Gotta hand it to Steve, after all these years, his Hair still totally rocks it.

Who knew Lukather was so funny!? LOL Love this interview!

Funny as Hell. Thanks I needed that.

Haha! Great interview with Steve!

25 signed “Africa” work orders sunsetsoundstore.com/products/toto-africa-work-order

That was awesome interview 20 in rooster hahaha funny stuff

I’ve been discovering little parts of Lukather Thales t few years . He’s definitely cool as hell in my book. As a person not just a player.

Steve Lukather! The Godfather of fretboard magicary!! A f'ing rock,jazz,pop legend!!

I've just discovered that I'm a Steve Lukather fan. Anything to offend a snowflake. Doesn't hurt that he's a legend either.

I could listen to Niko and Steve for decades ……….. and I have! Thanks for the music and the stories gentlemen

I come from the Zeppelin / Sabbath / Purple era and it wasn’t until I got into my 50s that I discovered R&B rhythm guitar, triads, Maj7ths. My favorite guitaring!

Thx Steve fot not only being a great musician and guitarist...but you just made me laugh twice in 5 minuites ...like saying, goodmorning everybody have a good laugh and a nice day😂..thx again!!!

Totally worth it!

*******SUNSET MADE SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC MUSIC BACK IN THE DAY*AND IS STILL ROCKN OUT MUSICIANS*THANK YOU *SUNSET FOR GIVING US *GOOD* *SOUND* ** *CATER*

Steve never disappoints and it's too bad that someone at Berkeley couldn't take a joke. 🤣

Awesome , looking forward to the Ted and Don interview 🤞

*SUNSET SHOULD BE ON THE HISTORICAL MAP* *FOR DOING AMAZING THINGS* *CATER*

Fun fact: When I attended Berkee way back in 1976, there were only a total of 6 girls in the entire school. One was a Swedish girl who majored in trombone.

What a great clip!

Love it!!

Steve and my uncle Melvin Ragin aka Wah Wah Watson was really cool friends!!! Fella LA session musicians! Ray Parker Jr gave my uncle his Gibson L5 that he used his entire career!!!!

Love hearing him speak. :)

Great Interview: Liked & Subscribed.

Yeah, I had a female singer in my band, had a fire, her, not because she couldn’t sing, but because she just wasn’t rock ‘n’ roll enough, on the stage, or off the stage, couldn’t hang with the guys , my mom was really mad at me when I went home to visit cause the singer was my sister.

Steve gives great interviews.

THANK YOU ! In solidarity with the fighters for love, freedom, justice and truth ... Greetings from Germany, CLUB OF THE UNCENSORED POETS

I just found out a few years ago after I read his biography. My favorite!

Amazing story teller ❤

🤣🤣🤣Luke...on point. as always!

"Piece of work" would be how I'd describe Steve Lukather. Great talker! He's the perfect guest on a talk show. Just pop off one question and he's got 1000 stories to tell you that give an answer! LOL! I would love to take lessons from him!

I love Luke! He’s the best, funniest most humble dude

Great Story!

Thats Mr Georgy Porgy. That song RULES. Didn't know that Steve Lukather sang vocals on the track. Awesome...

Epic!

Every time I see something from or about Steve Lukather he becomes just that much more cool in my book. My mom is probably the only female I know that wouldn't have laughed at that joke but even she would have just turned up her nose and walked out. Soooo glad to be an old fart and to have grown up and rocked out when the religion of butthurtism was not a thing. And the irony is, what he said is absolutely true and something all musicians need to understand. The sad state of affairs is the old adage of "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" is becoming a stranglehold on society. A room full of people and one complaint gets a guy banned,. And its not because they may or may not have disagreed with his joke but they are held hostage in fear of a lawsuit. People today literally go into therapy because of a joke and want others destroyed over nothing. That's how things got started in a European country a few decades ago.

Priceless comparative 😂🍻

Lukather's reference about blistering solos is right on

This was great.

Outstanding

beyond perfect, awesome, God bless, and joke is perfect👏

Berklee alum here class of ‘93…Steve has the best stories, always. He should be a required course. 😂

Greatest Luke Interview!!!!

That is a funny story made me chuckle.

I saw him last night with the boys. Great show.

Good laugh. Great musician !

*******THANK YOU *SUNSET SOUND* *YOU ALL MAKE THE FUKN BAD ASS MUSIC* *CATER*

Luke is legend.

What a legend.

Hysterical!

Solid!

I love Steve !!!

Sorry if this gets long, but I’m so grateful Steve shared this story, and I’m tired of holding my tongue. I graduated in 2013, just a few months after the Marathon Bombing shook up the whole city-but specifically the block that holds most of Berklee’s buildings. For two years, my college experience was defined by marginalization, and my graduating year was defined by Tea Party Occupation and International Terrorism. The school did nothing in the way of supporting us through a difficult time. My mentor at Berklee was Mirek Kocandrie, who had asked me, post- graduation to join a tour playing classic rock covers. He died over spring break, from an undisclosed cancer, and yet never missed a day of work. I lost a huge opportunity and greatly inspiring friend; once again, the school did nothing. So, I was sent back to an abusive home in a red state, with no guidance, a music degree that I was told to leave off of my résumé. My connection to Berklee became the alumni groups, like the LGBT+ student union, “BUGLE,” which I accessed on Facebook. In one swift instance, the moderator of these groups banned me from every single one of them, for “promoting transphobia.” What actually happened was: I told a musician she’s not an endocrinologist, and she shouldn’t be giving out BC as a DIY HRT, and that she should probably use her time to campaign for trans-related healthcare initiatives.” Apparently that was “offensive.” Fun fact: I AM trans, and I do actively campaign for expanded healthcare, because that’s the adult thing to do. (I’ve since trained as Gender Health consultant.) My appeals fell on the music school’s deaf ears. I’ve spent the last two years dealing with the alumni career center, which is roughly 6 people who don’t seem to have each other’s phone numbers. All I want is for someone to look at my résumé, listen to the music I’m working on, and give me a thumbs up to keep going, or a thumbs down to quit music altogether-and the response is always “Whaddyamean?” I’ve never felt supported by the institution. It doesn’t foster student connections, it doesn’t lead to job opportunities. Out of 1,500 students in my graduating class, the only one with a music career is essentially leaving music to host a reality show in Australia. She goes by Betty Who, but I knew her as Jessica, and she’s an excellent hugger. TLDR; I made more money as a musician before Berklee than because of Berklee, and I find it ironic that our Dean was a drummer with a business degree. I’m not trying to slam the brand, or discourage anyone from buying into the illusion, but that’s all it really is. Personally, I wish I’d spent those years in the local library and busking outside recording studios until someone in a suit says, “I want that one.” Additional fun fact: I sold all of my guitars, yesterday, except for my unsellable partscaster, and my 1983 Ibanez Roadstar II RS1010SL, Steve Lukather signature guitar, because it’s the first guitar I ever played, and it’ll be the last one I ever play. I am moulded to it. I don’t care that Steve hated them. ❤️ya, Luke.

I love him

Great joke. I love Lukather!!

Still laughing about Lukes memories on his Berklee speech. Keep it up Luke

Not Only is Steve Lukather a Great Guitarist, but he's also a Funny Guy! 😆

Classy guy,always

Awesome!

that's a hilarious and perfect analogy for crazy chops lol

Steve Lukather IS the coolest musician EVER!!!!

Thats a nobel prize right there! :D

"Honestly truer words were never spoken "

You know ur in the presence of greatness when they make a comment stating: It’s all the dumb shit that makes the world go round!!! And, they make it known that rhythm guitar is far more difficult & more important than playing leads/solos all day!!! SOO TRUE-IMO!!!🎶✊🏼☮️

Lukather at his best. Bang on! :P

He aged so well

LOL, great to show but where are you going to use it. I think that was a perfect description, it possessed great visual clarity

This is hilarious. But this man also has so much insight into the industry.

*STEVE LUKATHER* *HE IS MUSIC* *CATER*

I Keep Forgettin...the guitar groove is epic.