Toto // Live @ Riverbend Music Center // 8.3.25 -

Article and photos by: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center hosted a night of nostalgia for a crowd nearing 10,000 fans. For August in Cincinnati, fans can expect to experience an outdoor show in a swirl of heat and dense humidity, but this night brought the joy (and relief) of low humidity and a gentle breeze.

On a typical concert evening, it is not uncommon for the audience to fill a venue slowly, as opening bands give way to the headlining act. On this night, however, the parking lots filled quickly and early, as the three bands performing have a dedicated and committed fan base who came to experience all three performances.

This was a lineup drawing fans of 1970s and 1980s classic rock.

First to perform was Men At Work, the Grammy Award winning Australian band formed in 1979, known especially for their iconic songs, “Who Can It Be Now?” and ”Down Under.” After some tumultuous lineup changes and several years of inactivity, founding member Colin Hay remains to jazz up the crowd along with a rousing lineup of supporting musicians.

Next to grace the stage was singer-songwriter and guitarist Christopher Cross, accompanied by a bevy of musicians and background singers. Cross began his career with a bang in 1979 as well, winning five Grammys in 1980, including best new artist, record of the year, and album of the year.

With an easy smile and an even demeanor, Cross put on a beautiful show, performing many nostalgic favorites, including “Sailing,” “Never Be The Same” and “Ride Like The Wind.”

The daylight gave way to night as Toto came on stage. Formed in 1977, the band has released albums consistently over the years – 14 studio albums in total, the most recent (Old is New) in 2018.

The band is currently comprised of founding members Steve Lukather (guitar, vocalist) and David Paich (keyboards, vocals), and long-time member Joseph Williams (lead vocals). The band’s touring line-up includes a host of supporting musicians who bring depth to the live performance.

With each song, the crowd cheered as memories were revived and relived of a rock era that is much loved, and much missed:

Child’s Anthem
Carmen
Rosanna
99
Mindfields
Pamela
I Won’t Hold You Back
Angel Don’t Cry
Georgy Porgy
White Sister
I’ll Be Over You
Stop Loving You
I’ll Supply the Love
Hold the Line
Africa

The tour runs strong through the end of August. Check the band’s website (link) for a show near you, and the carousel of images below for more photos of the Cincinnati performances.

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