Review: Toto In Concert

Anyone who has followed Toto through the years will know that these guys formed through meeting during session work for so many artists, then forming the band in 1976 and releasing 12+ studio albums beginning in 1978, then continuing to do the session work for whoever calls upon them!

The sad thing to me is that over the years, due to each of them committing to these side projects, perhaps they lost some momentum that could’ve brought them even more success than they’ve had.

They've had gold and platinum album success, but when it comes to touring, they don't seem to be on the big arena circuit on the same scale as, say, Journey, Foreigner or Styx, all of whom they often get tagged in the same bracket as. Toto is so much more of a band than that, though, even with the many changes over the years and tragedy in the band.

Bobby Kimball was lead singer from start until 1984, when he called it quits. Toto then briefly added Fergie Frederiksen for the Isolation album -- a brilliant release, in my opinion -- but then he was replaced by another great talent, Joseph Williams from 1986–89. Frederiksen appeared on both Fahrenheit and The Seventh One, another pair of great albums! Sadly, in many peoples' eyes, the decline kicked in briefly with the addition of Jean-Michel Byron who was in the band very briefly in 1989-90.

Toto released the underrated Kingdom Of Desire in 1992, with Steve Lukather and David Paich sharing lead vocals duties throughout and in 1995 the brave, not-typical-Toto album, Tambu. Mindfields in 1999 was a great return to form with the return of Bobby Kimball to the ranks. He has remained since Through The Looking Glass and Falling In Between, rejoining original guys Steve Lukather, David Paich, Mike Porcaro and long time band member Simon Phillips, who replaced Jeff Porcaro, who passed away in 1992.

Recent touring band members include much seasoned session guys in Greg Phillinganes (from Detroit and ex-Stevie Wonder amongst others) who's been covering for David Paich, who's still recording with the band, but has quit touring. Leland Sklar on bass has played sessions with everyone who's anyone, covering for Mike Porcaro and Tony Spinner on guitars and backup vocals.

I hadn't seen Toto live in several years, so couldn't wait, as US tours seem few and far between. Toto is familiar with and aware of the lack support from US fans to the point that they even said that if this latest tour is not a success, it may well be the last time they tour here. If so, it's a huge loss and people should get out and support this enormously talented group!

Opening track "Gypsy Train" is from Kingdom Of Desire and is a totally rocking opener! Luke was riffing with a vengeance right from the start! Great opener guys!

"Caught In The Balance" is next -- this was great on their Livefields release in 1999, and this performance is no less superb! This is not just a studio act, these guys are fantastic live!

Two tracks off latest release Falling In Between are next, with single "Bottom Of Your Soul" and then the title track. The music is just so top-notch and anyone who sees these guys as a ballads band, forget it, you’ve obviously never seen these guys live!

Luke starts a blues-type jam which leads into "Don't Chain My Heart," another track from Kingdom of Desire that the band is just smokin’ on!

"Stop Loving You" from Seventh One is just pure classy pop / rock and how this wasn't a smash hit single for them beats me.

We then get Greg Phillinganes' solo, which included some funky jazzy stuff. The keys solo leads to gradually bringing the band back in, as they start to jam a very different sounding "Rosanna." Perhaps they get bored having played the same song every night since it was a Top 10 smash back in 1982.

Then it's into a medley of all the hits -- "I'll Supply The Love," "Isolation," "Gift Of Faith," "Kingdom Of Desire," "Hydra." "Taint Your World" wrapped up the medley, before band introductions, with Luke and Greg teasing Simon by playing the James Bond theme as he is introduced. Well, Simon is English!

As Greg starts "Hold The Line," Bobby and Luke are beckoning the audience forward to the stage front, which was fine by us! A girl in the crowd reached for the mic and Bobby let her take it, pulling her up on stage at the same time. She did a great job sharing the lead vocals!

"Drag Him To The Roof" officially closed the set, but their final ace was up their sleeve for the encore, "Africa"! The end of the song was great, as one by one, the band members quit their instruments, then waved 'bye to the crowd, with Simon Phillips finishing "Africa" for Toto with just drums. Totally apt!

Everyone was so happy by the end of the night, everyone leaving muttering what a great night it was!