Toto: Still Going Back to the 80’s

by Dave Parsons

The stage at The Pavilion at Star Lake went dark at 9:15 PM, and when the lights came up, there were seven of the most accomplished musicians on the planet, arranged behind their instruments like generals preparing for battle.  This is Toto in 2025. A touring machine powered by five decades of collective musical excellence, still capable of moments that redefine what a rock band can accomplish in a live setting. For the next 90 minutes, they would remind 15,000 people why they’ve sold 50 million records worldwide, why their songs have become the soundtrack to countless lives, and why some bands are simply built to last forever.

The set opened with Child’s Anthem, a deep cut from their 1979 album Hydra that immediately established this wasn’t going to be a greatest-hits cash grab. The song’s complexity put the crowd on notice that Toto remains, first and foremost, a musicians’ band. The crowd’s response was enthusiastic as Toto’s audiences are serious music fans who understood they were watching craftsmen at work. The summer amphitheater setting, with its covered pavilion and sprawling lawn, provided the perfect backdrop for Toto’s sound.

Carmen followed, and suddenly the evening took on a different dimension. A cinematic piece that envelopes several different genres of influences wrapped in pop culture. But it was Rosanna who sent the first real wave of energy through the amphitheater. From the opening drum pattern to the harmony structure, this performance transported everyone to 1982 when the song debuted.

The song has a complex arrangement and advanced chord progressions, which explains why it is not often attempted by cover bands. Toto’s performance was spot on in every aspect and note.  Which made the jump into 99, a musical extension and a class on professional musicians versus weekend warriors.

The arrangement of Pamela showcased Toto’s ability to create landscapes that are both intimate and epic. The interplay between acoustic and electric instruments, with just a touch of strings and horns, and incredible rhythm work created a musical environment that was both nostalgic and contemporary.

I Won’t Hold You Back brought two emotional ballads back-to-back, giving audience members the chance to get lost fully in the beautiful instrumentation and lyrics. The crowd’s response to these ballads was deeply felt rather than merely enthusiastic. These songs have provided the soundtrack to countless personal moments like weddings, breakups, reunions, and losses. Hearing them performed with care and precision was lethargic for many in the audience.

Georgy Porgy was the first major dance moment, and the crowd responded.  Later on, Don’t Chain My Heart provided the perfect setup for the build-up to the finish. I’ll Supply the Love was pure joy, Hold the Line followed, and the amphitheater responded to Toto’s signature rocker.

But everyone was waiting for Africa, and when those opening keyboard lines arrived, the amphitheater became one final party zone. This is more than just a song at this point.  The song and its lyrics have been used in every imaginable way of late, creating a cultural phenomenon that no one saw coming.

The vocals were smooth and soulful, handling the song’s memorable melody with the kind of authority that only comes from performing it thousands of times. The crowd sang along to every word.  This was the culmination of nearly 4 hours of music, and punctuated by the openers, Men at Work and Christopher Cross, joining Toto for the finale.

As the band took their final bows and the lights came up, the crowd really wasn’t ready to leave the 80s and come back to the present day. This wasn’t just entertainment, but was a reminder of what popular music can achieve when pressed into people’s souls and revisited from time to time.   Toto’s music represents a particular moment in American culture when radio was willing to embrace complexity as well as catchiness. The fact that they are still on tour demonstrates that the appetite for this kind of music hasn’t disappeared. It has simply been underserved by much of today’s music and broadcasting.

Toto’s performance at The Pavilion at Star Lake was more than just a successful concert.  It was a statement about the enduring value of quality music, no matter the decade. After 40+ years, Toto remains vital not because they’ve successfully marketed their nostalgia, but because they continue to perform at a level that reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place.

As 15,000 people began the journey back to their cars, many were still singing Africa as they walked. These songs have become part of their musical DNA, and as familiar and welcome as old friends. They had collectively taken a trip back in time tonight and were happy to stay there until they reached their homes.

TOTO SETLIST  July 24, 2025

1. Child’s Anthem
2. Carmen
3. Rosanna
4. 99
5. Mindfields
6. Pamela
7. I Won’t Hold You Back
8. Angel Don’t Cry
9. Georgy Porgy
10. White Sister
11. I’ll Be Over You
12. Home of the Brave
13. Don’t Chain My Heart  (Followed by band introductions)
14. I’ll Supply the Love
15. Hold the Line
16. Africa