Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the cosmic sounds of Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Steve Lukather, featured on the 2007 tribute album Pink Box: Songs Of Pink Floyd. This track, originally a Pink Floyd masterpiece from their 1975 album Wish You Were Here, was reimagined with Lukather’s signature guitar prowess, joined by drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Marco Mendoza. The trio’s cover, released on The Everlasting Songs: An All Star Tribute To Pink Floyd, captures the haunting essence of the original, a tribute to Pink Floyd’s troubled founder Syd Barrett. Fun fact: Lukather’s version clocks in at 6 minutes and 49 seconds, with a tempo of 138 BPM, delivering a high-energy yet emotional rendition in D minor. In a 2015 interview with BraveWords, Lukather shared that covering this song was a “labor of love,” noting the challenge of honoring such an iconic piece while adding his own flair. He mentioned spending hours perfecting the guitar tones to echo David Gilmour’s soulful style, a nod to the original’s emotive solos.

Another juicy tidbit comes from a YouTube comment on the track’s upload, where a fan recalled Lukather joking at a Toto concert about how he “begged” to be part of the Pink Floyd tribute project. He reportedly said, “Who wouldn’t want to touch a song that’s basically the holy grail of prog rock?” The recording session, according to a HardForce article, was a spontaneous jam, with Colaiuta’s intricate drumming and Mendoza’s groovy basslines coming together in just a few takes. Fans on Facebook fan groups often rave about how Lukather’s version keeps the spirit of Barrett’s story alive, with one fan posting, “Luke’s guitar weeps just like Gilmour’s, but it’s got that Toto soul!” The song’s structure, split into nine parts in the original, is condensed here, focusing on the lyrical and instrumental core, making it a perfect spin for our late-night Zoo Crew set.

Now, let’s dive into how Steve Lukather, the man behind this epic cover, got his start. Born on October 21, 1957, in San Fernando Valley, California, Lukather was a guitar prodigy who picked up the instrument at age seven after being inspired by The Beatles. According to his bio on his official website, he was largely self-taught, honing his skills by jamming to records by Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. By his teens, he was already a sought-after session musician in Los Angeles, earning a reputation for laying down perfect tracks in a single take. His big break came in 1977 when he co-founded Toto, the band behind hits like Africa and Hold the Line. Lukather’s versatility made him a studio legend, contributing to over 1,500 albums across genres, from Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Quincy Jones’ projects. His work as a songwriter, arranger, and producer further cemented his status, and he’s released seven solo albums, with an eighth in the works as of his latest Instagram posts.

Lukather’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In a 2020 interview shared on his Facebook page, he opened up about battling personal struggles, including addiction, but credited music as his salvation. “The guitar was my therapist,” he said, reflecting on how studio work kept him grounded. His nickname “Luke,” used by friends and fans, reflects his approachable vibe, evident in his active engagement on X, where he often shares tour updates and gear talk. Fans can connect with him through his official website, follow his studio and tour adventures on Instagram, or join discussions in the vibrant Steve Lukather Fans Facebook group. For deeper dives, check out Toto Network, a fan site dedicated to Lukather and Toto, packed with discographies and rare photos. So, Zoo Freaks, keep shining on with Luke’s cosmic grooves!