Three bands, three different styles, and decades of unforgettable songs

Rain threatened throughout the afternoon, but by showtime the weather had cooperated, allowing fans who had been arriving at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre since early afternoon to enjoy a perfect night of live music. Three bands, three different styles, and decades of unforgettable songs came together for an evening where the crowd was engaged from the opening note to the final encore.

The Romantics had the job of getting the night started, and they couldn’t have done it better. From the opening song, they came out ready to rock, quickly winning over an audience that, despite the Florida humidity, didn’t take long to get on its feet, singing, clapping and dancing along.

Guitarist Coz Canler was in top form, showing off sharp technique and powerful riffs with the signature sound that has defined The Romantics for decades. Wally Palmar kept the crowd in the palm of his hand with his charisma and nonstop energy, proving why this band continues to connect with audiences all these years later. It was the perfect way to kick off the evening.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Christopher Cross took the stage next and delivered exactly what fans came to hear. There was no need for elaborate visuals or over-the-top production—his songs did all the work. Backed by an outstanding band, Cross revisited classics like “All Right,” “Sailing,” and “Arthur’s Theme,” with thousands of fans singing every word. It was an elegant, understated performance that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the defining voices of soft rock.

If Christopher Cross delivered nostalgia, Toto delivered pure musicianship. From the moment they walked onstage, it was obvious the band hadn’t lost a step. Returning to the same venue just one year after their last visit, Toto wisely brought a refreshed set list and a show that felt different from last year’s performance. As a longtime fan, I really appreciated that. They got this one absolutely right.

The show kicked off with the powerful one-two punch of “Goodbye Elenore” and “Rosanna.” During the latter came one of the night’s funniest moments when Steve Lukather’s main guitar quit just before the song ended. True to form, Lukather laughed it off, grabbed a green Ernie Ball Music Man Luke 4 HSS, and asked the band to replay the ending so the audience could finally hear the solo that had been cut short. It was a small technical hiccup handled with complete professionalism, and the show never lost its momentum.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Joseph Williams sounded phenomenal all night long, once again proving why he’s still one of the best voices in melodic rock. The lineup also featured a couple of familiar changes, with Australian keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte joining the band and legendary drummer Keith Carlock returning behind the kit after replacing Shannon Forrest. From there, the hits just kept coming. “Hydra,” “Georgy Porgy,” “I Won’t Hold You Back,” and “Pamela” reminded everyone just how deep Toto’s catalog really is. Before “Pamela,” Williams had the audience laughing when he joked that his psychiatrist had prescribed singing that song at least once a week as therapy.

The updated set list also gave fans a few unexpected highlights. During “Kingdom of Desire,” Lukather reminded everyone why he’s considered one of rock’s greatest guitar players before introducing what the band calls the “Dennis Spot.” Keyboardist Dennis Atlas completely stole the spotlight with an incredible solo that, at times, reminded me of Keith Emerson and Jordan Rudess. Speed, precision, musicality and complete command of the instrument—it was simply brilliant. Earlier in the evening, Atlas had also impressed the audience by taking over lead vocals on “Endless,” showing off an incredible vocal range that caught many fans by surprise.

The final stretch of the show was simply outstanding. During “Taint Your World,” Keith Carlock delivered a drum solo that, as a drummer myself, I truly appreciated. It was a reminder that our instrument is about so much more than keeping time. Technique, feel, creativity and jaw-dropping chops all came together in one unforgettable performance. His final snare hit flowed perfectly into the opening crack of “Hold the Line,” sending the amphitheater into a frenzy. By then, everyone was on their feet, singing one of rock’s greatest anthems at the top of their lungs.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

With the audience completely in the palm of their hand, Toto wrapped up the night with “Africa,” turning the entire amphitheater into one massive singalong.

More than four decades after the band’s formation, Toto continues to prove they’re as strong as ever. Their musicianship is second to none, their songs have stood the test of time, and their connection with the audience remains as powerful as ever. Some music grows old… and some music simply becomes timeless.