While researching Toni, aka Ron Lucca, I stumbled upon some truly breathtaking moments and insights from his past. I was completely captivated by the anecdotes shared by Mike McGettigan, the bass player on Ron Lucca’s only LP, released in 1978. Ron Lucca started building his own guitars back in 1969. This hobby eventually turned into his business, later known as “Lucca Guitars” — instruments crafted with such care and quality that they’re rarely seen these days. McGettigan remembered him as what he called a “Leader,” and he meant it in the best possible way. On stage, Lucca would throw chords at Mike on the fly, and Mike had to react instantly. Lucca could play almost any song by ear during their live shows. There was one strict rule in the band: always wear a jacket and tie. Their drummer, Bob Taylor, was under 20 but a seasoned professional — he had played everywhere, even on cruise ships. They often played at a German jazz bar in Philadelphia, where the owner would shout “Volume down!” at them. Lucca’s Leslie amp was notoriously difficult to control! For Lucca, playing his own compositions was paramount. That’s why they quickly went into the studio to record his one and only vinyl album. McGettigan recalled the nervousness and how he often saw only Lucca’s back while playing. Mike wasn’t a professional bass player and still wondered why Lucca had chosen him for Toni & Company. Toni admired George Benson deeply and was taught by old Italian and Black jazz musicians — those were his main influences.
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By 1978, his style wasn’t exactly in vogue anymore, but he stayed true to what he cared about and loved. And that’s something I deeply feel throughout the recordings: a true artist with his own vision, striving for musical perfection, not fame.
Toni & Company played together for less than a year. After they disbanded, McGettigan never heard from Lucca again. He went on to join the punk band “The Stick Men” and is now working on releasing a photo book dedicated to vintage knobs — a passion born from his addiction to the small parts that connect gear to the human touch.
I’m honestly overwhelmed by the album. The mix of raw spontaneity and Lucca’s outstanding guitar work leaves a lasting impression — a reminder that imperfection can be the hallmark of a pure moment, a lifetime feeling that no measurement can recreate.
Toni’s handicap never stopped him from becoming one of the greatest guitar players I’ve ever heard.
One anecdote that stuck with me was how McGettigan recalled Lucca carefully wiping down the neck and guitar after every gig, before gently placing it back in its case. A simple yet powerful memory that speaks volumes about how much music and the guitar meant to him.
After Vincent Gallo brought attention to this album through Discogs, I was lucky enough to find a copy for about $8 there. Now, the last one sold on eBay for $250. It will be fascinating to see where this hidden gem travels next in the world of passionate collectors and music lovers.
Toni Lucca & Company is featured on RPM 002