Photography & Words: Darren Chan
You can’t help but feel a big dose of nostalgia when experiencing legendary rock bands live—especially when they deliver their iconic hits with the same passion that made them famous decades ago.
Christopher Cross is a good friend of Toto, and having him as the support act with his classic soft rock style was a fitting start to the evening. Cross and his band casually entered the stage to warm applause. Unfortunately, at that point in time, a good portion of the audience was still queuing to get into the venue.
He took a humble bow before launching into “All Right.” His laid-back nature allowed the quality and familiarity of his music to speak for itself.
Cross and the band delivered yacht rock classics like “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme” with effortless sophistication. The backing singers provided smooth vocal support, even singing in Swahili on “Light the World.”
Although a very accomplished musician himself, Cross gave plenty of opportunities for other band members to showcase their talents—particularly Andy Suzuki on various wind instruments and Jerry Leonide on piano. He did take some impressive guitar solo moments in “I Really Don’t Know Anymore” and the final song, “Ride Like the Wind,” ending the performance on a high note.
With over 14 studio albums, numerous Grammys, and more than 50 million albums sold worldwide, Toto’s live performance proves they still have that magic that’s kept fans coming back since the late ’70s. While the touring band lineup has changed over the years, the current roster includes core members Steve Lukather (guitar/vocals) and Joseph Williams (vocals), alongside world-class musicians: Greg Phillinganes (keyboards/vocals), Shannon Forrest (drums), John Pierce (bass), Warren Ham (horns/percussion/vocals), and Dennis Atlas (keyboards/vocals).
Toto took to the stage with a confident but relaxed energy. From the opening notes of “Child’s Anthem,” the crowd cheered with enthusiasm. Toto infused each song with energy, allowing moments of improvisation while honoring the arrangements fans know by heart. They struck a masterful balance between nostalgia and musicianship.
The setlist featured a well-rounded mix of their chart-topping hits—like the groove-laden “Rosanna,” the piano-driven soft rock of “Georgy Porgy,” the guitar-heavy classic “Hold the Line,” and the prog ballad “I Will Remember”—as well as deeper cuts for the true fans, including the funky “99” and the ’80s rocker “Angel Don’t Cry.”
The band’s performance was a masterclass in meticulous arrangements and instrumental interplay. Both Williams and Lukather delivered their trademark vocals with distinctive flair. Lukather—one of rock’s most respected guitarists—was in spectacular form. His solos during “Rosanna,” “White Sister,” and “Hold the Line” showcased his chops as one of the greatest session musicians of all time.
The rhythm section of Forrest and Pierce provided a rock-solid backbone, anchoring the performance with precision. Atlas, the youngest member of the band and a prog rock prodigy, shone with a keyboard solo and an impressive vocal range, taking the lead on “Angel Don’t Cry.” Phillinganes, who’s played with a who’s who of music legends, also had his moment in the spotlight with a brilliantly musical keyboard solo.
There was clear camaraderie and chemistry among the band members—some of whom have been friends since they were young. They appeared relaxed and content on stage, sharing casual banter and genuinely appreciating each other’s performances. Williams’ fun interactions with the audience created memorable moments of connection throughout the arena.
The visual production subtly complemented the music without overshadowing it—tasteful lighting shifts enhanced the mood of each song without relying on unnecessary flash. This, combined with exceptionally balanced front-of-house audio, kept the focus squarely on the top-tier musicianship happening on stage.
The show closed with the band’s most well-known anthem, “Africa.” The iconic opening keyboard pattern drew an immediate crowd reaction and kicked off a massive sing-along. Toto delivered classic rock magic to Melbourne, proving that great music—executed with exceptional skill and production—never goes out of style.
