When word got out that Toto were coming to Belgium in support of their latest release, I initially had some doubts whether I should attend the gig or not. Reports on Bobby Kimball’s vocal delivery during the band’s previous concert tour weren’t exactly very positive and newest offering “Falling In Between” is not quite the masterpiece like some people want us to believe. Not that it’s a bad record but it nonetheless pales in comparison to illustrious predecessors such as “IV”, “Isolation” or “Seventh One”.

But despite these 2 “negative” elements I decided to head for Forest National anyway. When you call yourself a die-hard Toto fan you really can’t afford to miss a gig by your favourite band now, can you? And boy am I happy I followed my heart in this delicate matter!
Unfortunately personal matters had prevented one of the band’s main characters, David Paich, from travelling to Europe but Greg Phillinganes more than adequately filled his shoes. Just like all the other members of Toto, this black musician has assembled quite an impressive musical past. And one more than one occasion mister Phillinganes demanded his share of the spotlight. Joining Greg on guitar was Tony Spinner who also handled lead vocals on the unplugged version of “Stop Loving You”.

The band got off to heavy start with “Falling In Between” and “King Of The World” and immediately it became clear that biggest part of the unfortunately not so large crowd, was not that familiar with these new tracks. “Pamela” was the track that got the assembled throng on its feet for the first time. With “Bottom Of Your Soul” and an excellent version of “Caught In The Balance” the band treated us to some more recent material but after that they embarked on a genuine trip down memory lane And during this part of the show the band really excelled not in the least because of their rather surprising both nonetheless excellent choice of songs. Cause let’s be honest, one doesn’t really expect a song like “Make Believe” to be part of the band’s regular set list. But they really brought the roof down when they dished out two genuine gems from their “Isolation” opus, namely the title track and “Endless”. These tracks were followed by “Gift Of faith” and “Kingdom Of Desire” and on the latter track mister Lukather treated us to some of his trademark six string aerobics. Boy can this man play! I more and more start to understand why people like Tommy Denander consider Steve as their main influence. As mentioned before Greg Phillinganes also got his time in the spotlight and one of this evening’s highlights was the instrumental piece where Greg played the keyboard parts of “Hydra” while Simon Philips supplied the accompanying drum parts.
This led into a super heavy version of “Taint Your World” which underlined once more what an asset this mister Phillinganes really is to Toto. I’m really looking forward to seeing the duo of Paich and Phillinganes sharing the stage on a possible tour in the future. Also as a singer Greg acquit himself quite well which unfortunately can’t be said of mister Kimball who at times was singing out of tune and resorted in screaming.

The band served up a first encore in the shape of “Home Of The Brave” but it was “Africa” that brought things to an end. During 2 hours and 15 minutes Toto succeeded in bringing the assembled throng into raptures with a wide selection of songs from their impressive back catalogue. The set list really offered something for every one but the thing that struck me the most was the joy displayed by the band members. This was anything but a bunch of tired, old rock stars. On the contrary, they had their enthusiasm written all over their faces and that didn’t leave me untouched. I simply had a great time and enjoyed every minute of their performance like never before.
Those who weren’t there really missed out on something special and as far as I’m concerned Toto are more than welcome for another stopover.

Songlist:
Falling In Between
King Of The World
Pamela
Bottom Of Your Soul
Caught In The Balance
Make Believe
Hold The Line
Stop Loving You
I’ll Be Over You
Cruel World
I Will Remember
Solo Greg
Rosanna (acoustic)
Rosanna (full version)
Let It Go
Endless
Isolation
Gift Of Faith
Kingdom Of Desire
Solo Greg & Simon
Taint Your World
I Won’t Hold You Back Now
Goodbye Girl
Home Of The Brave
Africa