Steve Lukather's Clarification Regarding His Involvement In Van Halen's New Album

TOTO Guitarist Steve Lukather (Instagram @totothemselves)

JAKARTA - TOTO guitarist Steve Lukather has denied reports that he will be playing for Van Halen's latest album project.

Meanwhile, the Dutch newspaper, De Telegraph, reported that Alex Van Halen was working on a collection of Van Halen's songs that had not been recorded and released to the public. It was stated that Lukather was also helping to finish it.

On another occasion, Alex in an interview with one of the paid media (via Guitar World) revealed how Lukather who is known to be close to Eddie Van Halen worked on the album.

"Ed and Steve Lukather are good friends and they often work together. Nobody can do this process with me, as best they can," said Alex.

Lukather was shocked by Alex's statement. The 67-year-old guitarist also made a clarification via his Instagram account. He denied his involvement and said he would never replace Eddie's game.

"For the record, since Alex Van Halen left, some of us will work together, I think there is a big misunderstanding," Lukather said. "I will never play a guitar tone on Van Halen!"

Lukather said that he had helped Alex to check the unfinished recordings from Van Halen. However, his role is still limited.

"Al asked me to help him check a lot of Al and Ed's unfinished recordings either while writing or recording which he had never seen before. Until now, that's all I have," said the guitarist.

"I really love and respect him and... I don't play like Ed... more as a producer together or something. I feel honored (if) Al will ask me. Let's see," he added.

For information, Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather have collaborated on several projects in the past, including Michael Jackson's "Beat It", where Lukather played major riffs and Van Halen played solo.

Eddie also played bass on Lukather's first solo album and was a guest star at the Christmas Prison "cheapable" in 2003.