TOTO | LIVE AT KIA FORUM

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Live at Kia Forum

September 2nd, 2025 Review by Joey Clark

The Kia Forum hosted a remarkable evening of music as three iconic acts took the stage for a night of incredible performances.

Toto, Men at Work, and Christopher Cross joined forces for a concert that was equally nostalgic trip into the realm of the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, and a testament in enduring musicianship.

Thousands of fans spanning generations packed the Forum, for what would be a truly phenomenal show.

Christopher Cross opened the evening, greeted by an audience with warm anticipation. Accompanied by a stellar band and surrounded by a wall of instruments, Cross exuded a calming presence, his smooth tenor voice as pristine as it was on his debut album over four decades ago.

He began with “All Right” and “Never Be the Same,” delivered with confidence and met with admiration from the crowd. Cross’ brand of yacht rock found new resonance in this live setting, the songs had an otherworldly quality as they echoed throughout the venue.

When the instantly recognizable opening chords of “Sailing” filled the arena, a noticeable silence spread across the audience. Cross didn’t need to embellish it—the song’s power lay in its restraint, and he let the melancholy waves wash over the crowd.

Cross followed it with “Think of Laura” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” in which the latter prompted a sing-along, and closed his set with “Ride Like the Wind.”

Cross’ set proved to be a satisfying introduction to kick off the night that reminded everyone that his Grammy wins weren’t just industry anomalies, but affirmations of enduring songwriting.

The tone of the evening shifted as Men at Work took the stage; led by frontman Colin Hay, whose signature blend of wry humor and vocal ability remains one of the most compelling in rock.

From the moment he strummed the first notes of “No Restrictions,” Hay had the crowd in his grasp. Though only Hay remains from the original lineup, the band around him played with tight, kinetic energy. Their set felt like a blend of Aussie pub rock and classic ‘80s art-pop, with Hay’s cheeky brand of humor acting as the connective tissue between songs.

“Overkill” was a standout, its haunting lyrics delivered with slightly more world-weariness than in its original form—an effect that only deepened its emotional resonance. “It’s a Mistake” and “Who Can It Be Now?” followed with impeccable timing, and Hay’s saxophonist, Rachel Mazer earned thunderous applause with her intricate solo moments.

Predictably, the crowd reached its loudest volume when “Down Under” began.

By the time “Be Good Johnny” wrapped the set, it was clear that Men at Work wasn’t simply riding the coattails of their past but rather breathing fresh life into their incredible legacy that has withstood the test of time.

After a prompt changeover, the house lights dimmed and an epic swell signaled the arrival of the night’s headliners.

Toto’s long-standing reputation for musical precision was immediately evident. They opened with “Child’s Anthem,” a bombastic instrumental that set the tone for what was to come.

Guitarist Steve Lukather, one of the most respected players in rock, was front and center—his tone vibrant and imaginative, his phrasing as expressive as ever. Joseph Williams, commanding with his lead vocals, delivered powerhouse performances throughout the night, effortlessly hitting the high notes that defined Toto’s career.

What followed was a seamless run through decades of hits and deep cuts. “Rosanna” brought the crowd to its feet, with audience members singing every word and dancing in the aisles. “Pamela” and “99” showcased the band’s rich harmonic sensibilities and their underrated affinity for groove.

When Lukather launched into the soaring solo on “I Won’t Hold You Back,” the arena stood still, captivated. The setlist offered a mix of fan favorites like “I’ll Be Over You” and “Georgy Porgy” as well as surprises like “White Sister” and “Mindfields,” proving Toto still possesses both range and depth.

But it was the encore that transformed an already spectacular evening into something truly unforgettable. After a rousing rendition of “Hold the Line,” Lukather paused, teasing the crowd before announcing a special guest. As David Paich, co-founder and the original creative architect behind many of Toto’s biggest songs, walked onto the stage, the audience erupted. Having stepped back from regular touring in recent years due to health issues, Paich’s appearance felt momentous and deeply heartfelt.

What followed was a show-stopping version of “Africa,” with Paich taking lead on the first verse while Lukather and Williams joined in for the soaring chorus. The surprise didn’t stop there—Colin Hay and Christopher Cross returned to the stage for the final chorus, forming a supergroup of sorts that felt both inspired and extraordinary.

The culmination of their voices created a rich tapestry of harmony that seemed to resonate deeply amongst the crowd through the Forum. There was no pretense here, just seasoned musicians who clearly respected one another and understood the power of their shared histories.

Throughout the night, the Kia Forum proved a fitting venue for such a celebration of legacy. The crowd was comprised of longtime fans and younger listeners alike—each was fully invested. The energy in the building didn’t falter once in three hours, a testament to the enduring power of these artists and their connection to their audiences.

In the end, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of songwriting, craftsmanship, and camaraderie. Each act brought something different to the table: Christopher Cross with his serene musical sensibility, Men at Work with their joyful wit, and Toto with their towering musicianship and passion.

Together, they created a night that wasn’t merely about chasing nostalgia—it was about honoring the kind of timeless music that continues to move, inspire, and unite. I highly recommend catching this musical trio any time you get the chance!

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