Toto • Men At Work • Christopher Cross • August 27, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
With a catalog that bridges classic rock, pop, and progressive elements, Toto has long been revered not only for its massive hits but also for the virtuosity of its members. Seeing Toto in concert is more than just a trip down memory lane—it is a showcase of seasoned musicians who remain as sharp and passionate as ever. Their live performance brings together nostalgia, technical brilliance, and an undeniable joy that connects across generations.
Toto brought some friends to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Men at Work and yacht rock legend Christopher Cross joined Toto in what was a night filled with hit songs. The walk down this memory lane was a good one.
Christopher Cross
First to take the stage was Christopher Cross. He has always carried an air of elegance in his music, and seeing him in concert is like stepping into a world where melody and storytelling reign supreme. Known for defining the smooth soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s, Cross brought his signature warmth and sophistication to the stage. Cross delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and deeply gratifying.
The evening unfolded with a calm grace, each song flowing seamlessly into the next. Cross’s voice, instantly recognizable, retains the gentle clarity that made tracks like “All Right” and “Never Be The Same” such enduring favorites. While age has given his tone a slightly richer texture, the emotional core remains untouched, and every lyric carried a sincerity that resonated throughout the audience.
Backed by a seasoned band and fantastic vocalists, Cross recreated the lush arrangements that have long defined his catalog. The interplay between guitar, keyboards, and saxophone was particularly striking, providing both authenticity and freshness to familiar songs. The crowd responded warmly, rising to their feet during upbeat numbers and swaying together during the ballads that tugged at the heartstrings.
One of the most memorable moments came during “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” when the audience softly joined in, creating a shared experience that felt intimate despite the size of the venue. Between songs, Cross spoke humbly about his career, expressing gratitude for the fans who have supported him for decades. Have you been lost between the moon and New York City? I can now officially say that I have.
By the time “Ride Like The Wind” closed the set, it was clear the concert was a gentle reminder of the power of these timeless songs. Christopher Cross doesn’t rely on spectacle; instead, he offers honesty, beauty, and craft. The result was a night that felt like a smooth voyage through memory and melody.
Men At Work
When Colin Hay steps onstage to perform with Men at Work, it’s a nostalgia trip and a celebration of one of the most distinctive voices and catalogs of the 1980s. Featuring Hay at the helm, the concert is a vibrant mix of Men at Work classics and engaging stories that remind audiences why these songs have stood the test of time.
From the first strums of “No Restrictions,” the crowd was instantly transported back to an era when Men at Work’s quirky, reggae-infused rock dominated radio waves. Hay’s unmistakable voice—rich, emotive, and still full of character—sounded as sharp and charming as it did four decades ago. His witty delivery and effortless phrasing gave hits like “Who Can It Be Now?” a fresh energy that kept the performance from feeling like a mere rehash of the past.
The band behind Hay brought punch and precision, capturing the playful spirit of Men at Work’s sound while adding a modern edge. The horn lines popped, the guitars danced, and the rhythm section laid down the grooves that had the audience on their feet. Songs like “It’s a Mistake” and “Overkill” showcased the band’s ability to balance fun with thought-provoking lyrics, a hallmark of Men at Work’s appeal.
Of course, “Down Under” was the undeniable high point of the evening. As soon as the familiar opening riff began, the audience erupted, singing every word with Hay. The performance became a communal anthem, with Hay leaning into the humor and pride that the song represents. It was a reminder that some songs transcend their era, becoming cultural touchstones that still bring joy decades later. Even the rain that had started falling couldn’t dampen the spirits of this crowd.
Between songs, Hay’s signature storytelling added depth and intimacy to the evening. His Scottish-Australian charm, dry wit, and candid reflections gave the concert a conversational feel, as though he were performing for a group of friends rather than a large audience. These moments highlighted not only his musical talent but also his ability to connect on a personal level.
The show closed with “Be Good Johnny,” one of Hay’s most beloved works, performed with a high energy that left the audience uplifted. It was a fitting conclusion to a concert that balanced nostalgia with authenticity. As soon as the song was over, people ran for cover from the rain. But they waited until Men At Work were done. They wanted to catch every minute.
Toto
From the moment the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, there was a buzz of anticipation in the air. For many in the audience, Toto’s music had been the soundtrack of their youth, while younger fans were drawn in by the viral resurgence of “Africa” in recent years. This blend of demographics created a unique energy in the venue: parents pointing out their favorite songs to their children, longtime fans singing along word for word, and newcomers eager to experience the group’s legendary musicianship firsthand.
Toto wasted no time in diving into their hits, opening with a burst of energy that immediately reminded everyone why they remain a force in live music. Songs like “Child’s Anthem” and “Rosanna” carried a raw, infectious power, propelled by Steve Lukather’s soaring guitar work and the tight rhythm section behind him. Lukather, the band’s only continuous member since their formation, stood front and center, not only as a guitarist of extraordinary skill but also as a charismatic leader who clearly loves the music he is performing.
What stood out most was the band’s ability to balance crowd-pleasing hits with deeper cuts and instrumental flourishes that highlighted their virtuosity. Unlike many legacy acts that rely heavily on nostalgia alone, Toto embraces the chance to showcase the breadth of their catalog. Tracks like “Georgy Porgy” brought the entire venue to its feet. The song is as irresistible as ever. Yet quieter moments, such as “Pamela,” allowed the band to stretch out musically, layering their sound with rich textures that revealed just how accomplished they are as musicians.
The musicianship throughout the night was nothing short of stunning. Toto has long been known as a band of session legends—musicians who shaped the sound of countless records beyond their own—and their live show reflects that pedigree. Every note felt precise without ever being sterile, every solo brimming with creativity and emotion. Lukather’s guitar playing shifted seamlessly from blistering runs to delicate phrasing, while the keyboard arrangements added both atmosphere and punch. Vocally, the harmonies were tight and lush, showing that the band still holds to the same high standard that made their studio recordings timeless.
One of the most surprising aspects of the evening was just how much fun the band seemed to be having. Between songs, Lukather joked with the crowd, sharing stories about Toto’s early days and expressing gratitude for the fans who have kept their music alive for over four decades. The camaraderie onstage was amazing, with each member clearly respecting the talents of the others. It felt less like a band simply performing songs and more like a group of friends reveling in the joy of playing music together. They really seem to care about each other.
By the time the final notes rang out and the band took their bows, it was clear that Toto had delivered more than just a greatest hits concert. They offered a masterclass in musicianship, showmanship, and enduring relevance. While their songs may have been born in the late ’70s and ’80s, their resonance remains fresh and powerful today. In an era where music often comes and goes in fleeting trends, Toto’s live performance stood as a testament to the lasting impact of great songwriting and great playing.
Of course, the highlight of the night was “Africa.” As soon as the opening percussion began, the entire audience erupted, phones raised to capture the moment. But rather than simply playing the song as a by-the-numbers rendition, Toto infused it with new energy, stretching out certain sections and letting the audience take over the chorus. It became less a performance and more a communal celebration, one of those rare concert moments where band and audience seem to merge into one.
And on this night, almost as if it was scripted, Toto blessed the rains down in West Valley City. Literally the moment the song began, rain began to fall. And as the song progressed, the rain began to fall harder until the moment when the chorus began. We were in a downpour. I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed a rainstorm in the middle of a concert more. It reminded me of when I saw John Fogerty and it started raining as he began “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.”
Walking out of the venue, fans of all ages were buzzing with excitement, humming melodies, and sharing their favorite moments from the night. Some reminisced about the first time they heard “Rosanna” on the radio, while others admitted that this was their first time seeing the band live. Regardless of background, everyone seemed united in agreement: Toto still has it. Their concert was a reminder that true artistry never fades—it only grows stronger with time.