This has been a show that has been marked in my calendar since I first got word of it and since then have been counting down the days until tonight. Some might call it a double hit of yacht rock, but there is something much more defining about the two artists we are about to witness. Their songs are time capsules, moments in life and a million memories all in one. We all have used music to be the soundtrack of our lives. Whether it be borrowing your sibling or family members records and discovering your new favourite artists or simply taking a risk on something that looked cool or different and then connecting with it.
Both Christopher Cross and Toto were artist that I was introduced to in early stages of their careers, both artists I grew up with as they grew. It’s a pretty special thing to have that connection and journey with an artist and not have it slip away. Hearing and seeing these songs performed within the walls of John Cain Arena tonight was a time machine of moments and memories, good, sad, beautiful and fun.
Christopher Cross took to the stage and delivered a fifty-minute set full of hits and classics. Five songs coming from his incredible 1979 debut, the remaining were a look into his entire career. There is something about Cross’ presence; he is understated, mannerly and just an incredible performer. Cross’ guitar work tonight was on point and downright in a class of it’s own. Until you get to witness it, you really can’t appreciate in full. I never took him for being as proficient as he is. His band, holly, Oh my god!!! What an amazing ensemble of musicians, the band’s ability to reproduce these song exactly as I remembered them with such proficiency and technical grace. Cross’ voice may not reach all the high notes as it once did but there is a purity and beauty in his voice. His vocal style is just so pure and beautiful, his tone is just immaculate.
The trio of backing singers did an amazing job grooving, dancing and just having a great time delivering those lush harmonies. There was one complete stand out on the stage tonight aside from Cross and that was pianist Jerry Leonide, his playing simply floored me. There is something to be said about the sound of a grand piano in an arena. The resonance and sustain on top of some of the finest playing I have ever heard just gave me chills. Every member of this band is world class and in a league of their own.
Christopher Cross’ set was nothing short of being a warm embracing hug for the soul. It had all the feels that great songs and live performance should evoke. Tonight’s performance simply swept me off my feet. The only word that I’m left with to describe this set is outstanding. Cross was as big a draw if not nearly a bigger draw on the bill as I had already witnessed Toto live the last time they toured Australia.
Christopher Cross has one more show with Toto in Sydney on April 19 at ICC Sydney Theatre and if you are in the area and haven’t got a ticket yet do not hesitate as it’s one of the finest fifty minutes of song writing, performance and music.
Setlist : All Right, Never Be The Same, I Really Don’t Know Anymore, Dreamers, Sailing, Think Of Laura, Light The World, Arthur’s Theme, The Light Is On, No Time For Talk, Ride Like The Wind.
GALLERY
I am still absorbing the set I just saw, the stage in front of me transforms to accommodate Toto’s backline. The backdrop is changed as we are all treated to an amazing 80’s playlist. After 30 minutes the house lights drop quickly and Toto’s intro tape runs, the band takes to the stage to a ferocious cheer as the band starts off with ‘Child’s Anthem’ from the incredible 1978 self-titled debut. Steve Lukather’s smile is a million miles wide as he takes in the smiles beaming back at him, there is a magic in the air, and you can feel this will be one hell of a show.
The band is in such fine form, and for those asking the question NO it’s not the original line up. Lukather is the last man standing on stage from the original line up. The band has seen some of the most amazing musicians join Lukather throughout Toto’s history. Singer Joseph Williams who joined the band in 1986 for their ‘Fahrenheit’ album is the bands second longest standing member and Lukather’s best friend, there is a magic in the music these two make together.
The current line-up of Toto is, as always is a collective of some of the world’s finest musicians joining Lukather and Williams are Greg Phillinganes (Keyboards), Warren Ham (Sax and Percussion), Shannon Forrest (Drums), John Pierce (Bass) and Dennis Atlas (Keyboards). If unfamiliar I urge you to google those names and see who they have played with and the level of individual accomplishment and skill they bring to this band. It’s surreal to see these fine musicians all together on one stage. Vocals are mainly shared between Lukather and Williams with Phillinganes also contributing. Harmonies are lush and the little jams that evolve into these versions of the songs are just mind blowing.
It only took the opening notes of song three for a chill to hit me and make every hair on my arms stand to attention. That song was “Rosanna” which brought almost everyone at this seated show to their feet. The energy in John Cain Arena was incredible and from there it was impossible to be anything but engaged and blown away by this band.
Lukather playing with a broken ankle was a little less mobile that he was the last time I saw Toto at Falls Festival. Injured or not he still put on a display of some of the finest guitar work I have seen and heard live. It is no wonder Lukather has been one of the most successful hired guns playing on some of music history’s finest and most important albums. He simply delivers in spades.
The set zig zags its way through the bands career and gives us such an amazing collection of songs. Regardless of vintage these songs all fall under a very distinct umbrella of what is Toto; the songs are identifiable, infectious, melodic and precise. It amazes me how they can float in and out of styles yet remain one hundred percent Toto. This was a master class from the masters.
Toto have long been known as the musician’s musicians; studying what this band does is a rite of passage for many. While I am not usually a fan of solo spots, tonight was an exception Greg Phillinganes solo spot was simply breathtaking, the man is an absolute master at his craft. His hands are lightning across the keyboard, his feel is immaculate. The only thing that could have enhanced it would have been to hear it played on a grand piano, but my god this was simply incredible. Denis Atlas the second keyboard player and newest addition to the band delivered a solo that was not only impressive in performance but a journey through sounds and took on a more progressive and experimental nature sonically. There is something about Atlas that draws you to him. He has a presence on stage that is larger than life almost as if he has a theatrical background. To think at twenty-seven years of age he was asked to join the band and learn the set in two days is just something I am struggling to comprehend as he looks like he has always been there the fit is that good.
Lukather didn’t need his own extended solo spot as his playing throughout the night is simply something from another world. It’s rare that every note a guitarist plays simply grabs you whether it be through his expression and technique, Steve Lukather is undeniably one of the greatest guitar players period.
Looking around the arena it is again so refreshing to see all ages there tonight, the younger demographic was out in force, most of them were not even born until two decades after the height of the bands initial impact and success. Let’s face it great songs will exist and will be discovered by generations to come and this is what I love about this band.
The band s two biggest hits were saved for last “Hold The Line” and “Africa” simply brought the roof down and offered the biggest reactions tonight. John Cain Arena was on its feet and in its finest voice it was the perfect end to a perfect show. No elaborate video screens, no pyro or flames just great songs connecting people.
The setlist for this show is a celebration of the first twenty-two years and ten albums from the band. A perfectly collated selection from the first song to the grand finale. The hits were song after song and the inclusion of “99” from ‘Hydra’ was a great surprise as it’s rarely played live. Whatever you do if you get to see Toto over the course of this Easter weekend do it. There is one more show with Christopher Cross at ICC Sydney Theatre this Saturday April 19. I urge you to see this show as you will not be disappointed.
Setlist : Child’s Anthem, Carmen, Rosanna, 99, Mindfields, I Will Remember, Pamela, I Won’t Hold You Back, Angel Don’t Cry, Georgy Porgy, White Sister, I’ll Be Over You, Stop Loving You, Don’t Chain My Heart, I’ll Supply The Love, Hold The Line, Africa.
GALLERY
With thanks to Menard PR and TEG MJR for the media access.
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography.
