Live Nation Did It Again: A Night of 80s Magic at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

On Friday, July 18th, the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in Palm Beach became a vibrant time machine, transporting thousands of fans back to the golden age of 80s music. Three legendary acts—Men at Work, Christopher Cross, and Toto—shared the stage for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, energy, and top-tier musicianship.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Men At Work: Reviving Aussie Cool with Global Talent

The night kicked off with a fresh, revamped version of Men at Work, led by the unmistakable voice of Colin Hay. Although the original lineup has evolved, the heart and soul of the music remain intact—now powered by a multicultural ensemble of virtuosos: Jimmy Branly (drums, Cuba), Yosmel Montejo (bass, Cuba), San Miguel Perez (guitar, Cuba), Scheila Gonzalez (saxophone, flute, keyboards, USA), and Cecilia Noël (backing vocals, Peru).

Their performance was both authentic and exciting, capturing the quirky, upbeat essence that made Men at Work global icons. Fan favorites like Be Good Johnny, Who Can It Be Now?, and Down Under had the crowd instantly on their feet. It’s a Mistake and Overkill brought a thoughtful edge, while Down by the Sea added a trippy, almost psychedelic flavor to the set. It was 80s fun with a modern twist—and a truly international groove.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Christopher Cross: Smooth Sailing into Sentimentality

Next on stage was Christopher Cross, bringing with him an air of romance and elegance. Known for his smooth blend of soft rock and yacht rock, Cross turned the amphitheater into a mellow, dreamlike escape. His silky vocals and intricate arrangements were as captivating as ever, perfectly suited to a warm South Florida night.

He serenaded the audience with timeless classics like Never Be the Same, Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do), and the haunting Think of Laura. Sailing was a clear highlight, eliciting a sea of swaying hands and nostalgic smiles. He also delivered energetic renditions of No Time to Talk and Ride Like the Wind, proving that mellow doesn’t mean boring. It was a heartfelt, reflective set that felt like a warm breeze from the past.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Toto: A Thunderous, Soul-Stirring Finish

Toto took the stage last—and from the very first note, they commanded it like true rock royalty. The band launched into Child’s Anthem, a deep cut that instantly thrilled devoted fans. For me, it was a bucket-list moment; that iconic instrumental intro set the tone for a set that would be nothing short of explosive.

The current lineup was on fire: Steve Lukather’s guitar work was as sharp and soulful as ever, and Joseph Williams delivered pitch-perfect vocals with passion and strength. Greg Phillinganes brought groove and finesse on the keys, Shannon Forrest anchored the rhythm with surgical precision on drums, and John Pierce kept the low end tight and punchy. The band introduced Dennis Atlas, the newest member on keyboards and vocals, who slid into the mix seamlessly and brought a fresh dynamic to the group’s signature sound.

A standout moment came when Joseph Williams introduced Warren Ham as “the Swiss Knife band member”, a nod to his jaw-dropping versatility. And rightly so—Ham moved effortlessly between saxophone, flute, percussion, and backing vocals, layering each track with texture and soul that perfectly matched what longtime fans have come to expect from such an iconic band.

From the danceable rhythm of Georgy Porgy to the soft ache of I’ll Be Over You, the band offered a masterclass in musical versatility. The crowd sang at the top of their lungs during Pamela, swayed to 99, and erupted during Rosanna, a song that remains as powerful today as it was when it first hit the charts.

And just when it seemed like the energy couldn’t go any higher, Toto closed the night with an epic trio: I’ll Supply the Love, Hold the Line, and their global megahit Africa. The amphitheater lit up—literally and figuratively—as thousands of fans danced, clapped, and belted out every lyric. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a communal celebration of timeless music.

A Night to Remember

For me and so many others from my generation, this wasn’t just another summer concert—it was a celebration of the soundtracks of our lives. Live Nation delivered a masterfully curated experience, blending fun, romance, and pure rock energy. From the quirky charm of Men at Work, to the smooth, sentimental vibes of Christopher Cross, to the arena-shaking power of Toto, every artist brought something unforgettable to the stage.