Photos and writing by Dillon Reesor
Not many legacy acts can roll into town on an “evening with” tour and make it feel like a masterclass instead of a nostalgia lap. Toto is, without a doubt, one of those bands; and they proved it once again in Charleston, SC on their ‘An Evening With Toto’ tour.
Even the crowd at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center told a story. There were lifelong fans who likely bought Toto IV on vinyl, young couples on date night, and whole families out to enjoy the show. It wasn’t made up of one specific demographic, it was a cross-section of people who have found something to connect with at some point in the band’s nearly 50 year career. As the house lights dropped, the venue was buzzing with anticipation.
Instead of leaning only on the obvious hits, the band delivered a career-spanning set that dug into deeper cuts alongside the staples. Songs from across their catalog were given room to breathe, often extended with instrumental passages that reminded everyone why Toto is held in such high esteem among musicians.. The sound quality was among the best I’ve heard at a concert; crisp, balanced, and powerful without ever being harsh or chasing volume.
The lighting design matched that ethos. It was professional and polished but refreshingly restrained without any over-the-top production tricks. Just thoughtful washes, spot work, and color schemes that enhanced the mood. It felt intimate for the size of the venue, almost like a scaled-up version of a smaller theater show, letting the music remain the focal point.
And the musicianship? Unreal across the board. Steve Lukather continues to prove why he’s one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His playing is fluid, expressive, technically jaw-dropping and somehow always seemingly effortless. Keyboardists Dennis Atlas and Rai Thistlethwayte traded parts seamlessly, stacking lush textures one moment and pulling off mindblowing solos the next. Joseph Williams was in top form, delivering those signature high, commanding melodies with a strength and polish that made it clear his voice hasn’t lost a step. The whole ensemble played at a worldclass level; it’s the kind of lineup where you could spotlight any one member and be impressed every time.
By the time the closing stretch arrived, the entire venue was on its feet. “Hold the Line” turned into a full-room singalong, voices bouncing off the walls in unison. And when the unmistakable intro to “Africa” kicked in, it felt less like a concert and more like a communal celebration. The whole venue joined in on the choruses, serving a reminder that some songs simply refuse to age.
In a night packed with technical brilliance and deep catalog nods, what stood out most was how alive it all felt. Not a museum piece. Not a greatest-hits retread. Just world-class musicians playing timeless songs at the highest level and truly enjoying themselves while doing it.
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