Guitarist STEVE LUKATHER Looks Back On Session Work For MICHAEL JACKSON's Thriller Album
June 27, 2009, 15 years ago
Ex-TOTO guitarist Steve Lukather, who contributed heavily to Michael Jackson's Thriller album in 1982, has posted an interview excerpt on his official website discussing the making of the record. Check it out below:
Lukather: "Quincy Jones and Michael took a skeleton version of 'Beat It' up to Eddie Van Halen's place as they wanted him to solo over the verse section. However, he played over a section that had more chord changes. So to fit his solo to where it went in the song, they had to cut the tape which took a lot of time to synchronise together. After they had managed this, Jeff Porcaro and me were called in to bind Eddie's solo and some haphazard percussion which was a major headache. Initially, we rocked it out as Eddie had played a good solo, but Quincy thought it too tough. So I had to reduce the distorted guitar sound and this is what was released. It was a huge R&B;/rock success for us all, really, and helped pave the way for the bands of today that fuse these styles."
Go to this location for more. Click here for an overview of Lukather's career.
As previously reported, Jackson died on June 25th from an apparent heart attack. He was 50 years old.
