Live Review: TOTO and Christopher Cross in Melbourne
16th April 2025 at John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
Toto Lights Up John Cain Arena with Hits, Harmonies and Heart
I’ve loved Toto’s music for as long as I can remember. Their songs have been a constant companion on road trips, late-night deep dives into classic albums and those moments when only a soaring guitar solo or perfectly layered harmony will do. Seeing them live felt like the culmination of years of admiration. It wasn’t just about nostalgia, it was about watching true masters of their craft reminding us all why their music has endured for decades and was a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and musical prowess. As part of their “Dogz of Oz” World Tour, the evening featured a stellar line-up, including special guest Christopher Cross.
For Toto these days though, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster for them behind the scenes. David Paich, one of the founding members and really the heart of the band’s sound, had to step back from touring because of health issues. On top of that, they got tangled up in a pretty intense legal dispute with the family of their late drummer, Jeff Porcaro. That whole situation wasn’t just emotionally heavy, it hit them financially too. It ended up being part of the reason why Jeff’s brother, Steve Porcaro, also stepped away from the group.
That left Steve Lukather, legend and wizard on guitar and vocals, as the last original member still out there flying the Toto flag. After taking a bit of a breather to regroup, he and long-time lead singer Joseph Williams decided they weren’t ready to hang it up just yet. With Paich still helping out from behind the scenes, they pulled together a killer line-up of top-tier session musicians and hit the road again. Since the pandemic, they’ve been staying active and putting on some seriously tight shows, even with the rotating cast of players.
From the very first notes of Toto’s opener “Child’s Anthem” swiftly followed by the groove-heavy “Carmen” it was clear the band was not only ready to play, but to captivate. Leading the charge was guitarist and founding member Steve Lukather, who despite nursing an injured ankle, powered through his performance with signature precision and passion, proving once again why he’s a true guitar legend and seeing how effortlessly he commands his instrument, reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the finest guitarists of his generation. Lukather’s solos soared, his tone was impeccable and his stage presence exuded a cool confidence that grounded the entire performance.
Joseph Williams was in top form, delivering powerful, soulful vocals that reminded everyone why he’s such a standout front man. It was especially cool to remember that he was the singing voice of adult Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, adding a unique touch of cinematic legacy to the stage. Another highlight was Dennis Atlas taking the lead on “White Sister”, his energy was electric, and his performance was nothing short of amazing, proving he’s not just a brilliant keyboardist but a dynamic vocalist as well.
The setlist was a thoughtful blend of Toto’s greatest hits that delighted longtime fans. Tracks like “Mindfields” and “I Will Remember” offered a rich dive into the band’s extensive catalogue, showcasing not only their genre-blending versatility, but also their commitment to giving dedicated followers something special. A particular highlight was “Georgy Porgy” delivered with a silky, soulful groove that had the entire arena swaying. It was a dynamic performance, capturing the fusion of rock, R&B and pop that Toto does so well.
Of course, the climactic moment arrived with their global anthem “Africa”. From the first note, the crowd all on their feet, cheering and turning it into a full-scale singalong. Thousands of voices filled the arena, each lyric echoed with pure joy.
The sound throughout the night was pristine. Every harmony, every syncopated rhythm, every drum fill landed with clarity and impact. Toto’s legendary musicianship was on full display, but what elevated the evening even further was the sheer fun the band was having. That joy was contagious. It pulsed through the crowd, creating a feedback loop of energy and appreciation that only seasoned performers with true passion can ignite. It was a real treat to see each member of the band step into the spotlight, delivering short solos that showcased their individual prowess and added a dynamic flair to the performance.
As you left the arena, it was crystal clear that Toto is not simply a band riding the wave of past glory, they are musicians at the top of their game, with a live show that’s both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. Their legacy is alive and well, built not just on chart-topping hits, but on a deep and enduring connection with fans that spans generations.
CHRISTOPHER CROSS
Christopher Cross Brings Elegance and Timelessness to John Cain Arena
Adding to the night’s nostalgic charm was Christopher Cross, who opened the show with a set that perfectly complemented Toto’s energy. His smooth, melodic hits floated effortlessly through the arena, warming the crowd with a dose of soft rock serenity before the main event.
His performance reminded the audience why he remains one of the quiet greats of popular music. With understated charm and unwavering musicality, Cross stepped into the spotlight not to steal it, but to subtly elevate the entire evening, just as he has done throughout his career.
Christopher Cross is one of those rare artists who helped shape the sound of an era, not through spectacle or bombast, but through the strength of his songwriting and the purity of his sound. His 1979 self-titled debut album didn’t just introduce a new voice; it arrived fully formed, elegant and emotionally resonant. That album, polished to near perfection, offered a level of artistry and melodic depth rarely seen in a debut and it still stands as a gold standard in sophisticated pop craftsmanship.
At 73 years old, his presence alone felt like a triumph. Having faced a life-altering battle with a severe case of COVID-19 and the subsequent paralysis brought on by Guillain-Barré syndrome, seeing him walk out on stage resonated deeply with the audience and myself. It was his first Australian tour since 2017 and the emotion in the room was unmistakable.
One of the standout moments of the night was a stirring performance of “Light the World”, elevated by beautiful choruses sung in Swahili by his backup singers that added a global, spiritual dimension to the show. Later, “Ride Like the Wind” brought the entire audience to their feet, dancing and singing along in an outpouring of joy and nostalgia.
Cross was joined by an exceptional ensemble: pianist Jerry Léonide, the versatile multi-instrumentalist Andy Suzuki, bassist Kevin Reveyrand, drummer Francis Arnaud and a trio of powerhouse backing vocalists – Jewelee Peters, Lisbet Guldbaek and Julia Sarr. Together, they created a rich, dynamic sound that perfectly complemented Cross’s iconic voice, making the evening not just a comeback, but a celebration of resilience, artistry and connection.
With his signature smooth vocals and impeccable musicianship, Cross effortlessly transported the audience back to the golden era of soft rock. Classics like “Sailing” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” were met with warm recognition and heartfelt applause, each song delivered with the kind of sincerity and polish that only a seasoned performer can offer. His laid-back presence and timeless sound set a relaxed, nostalgic tone, creating a welcoming atmosphere that complemented Toto’s high-energy performance to follow.
What was especially striking about his performance was the balance between polish and heart. Cross’s voice, while gently weathered by time, retains that unmistakable clarity and sincerity that made listeners fall in love with his music in the first place. There is something deeply moving about seeing him perform these songs live – songs that once ruled the airwaves, now delivered with an added layer of grace and life-earned wisdom.
Of course, Cross’s place in music history is well secured. His debut album swept the 1981 Grammy Awards, taking home five major trophies including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist, a nearly mythical feat for any artist, let alone a newcomer. But what’s even more remarkable is how relevant and resonant his work remains today. On stage, there’s no trace of showiness, no need for elaborate production, just pure musicianship, thoughtful lyrics and an artist still deeply connected to the songs that defined a generation.
In a concert that could have easily been dominated by rock theatrics and big anthems, Christopher Cross offered something refreshingly different: a quiet, confident performance built on substance and soul. His set was a gentle reminder that true artistry doesn’t age, it evolves, deepens and continues to speak to us in ways that feel both personal and universal. As the applause echoed through the arena, it was clear that Cross hadn’t just opened the show, he had opened hearts, reaffirming his place not only as a soft rock legend, but as a timeless voice of calm, clarity and enduring beauty.
The show continues at ICC Sydney on Saturday 19th. Tickets are available from TICKETEK.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Lennard Promotions, TOTO, Christopher Cross and TEG Live for the media accreditation.
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to more than 170 of the hottest acts including Coldplay (Perth), Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and The Kid LAROI with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. SAM is also a music journalist on the Triple M Radio network.
