The best music concert video I have ever seen.
As part of their 35th Anniversary celebrations, Toto recorded this live show in Poland at the Atlas Arena in Lodz. Both the crowd and band were on top form and that really comes across on this DVD. The sound quality is absolutely fantastic and available in dts, Dolby Surround 5:1 and Dolby Digital Stereo.
After thirty-five years in the business, three original members still remain: the ever present Steve Lukather, David Paich and Steve Porcaro who are now accompanied by old school friend and ex-member Joseph Williams, along with Simon Phillips and Nathan East who had the unenviable task of replacing brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro respectively. Jeff passed away back in 1992 and Mike was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) a few years ago. Add the tragic passing of vocalist Fergie Frederiksen last year and it’s clear that this band has had their fare share of tragedy; however, they have continued to produce wonderful music and play live to their loyal fans throughout their career.
The usual classics are played perfectly and receive the expected response from the partisan crowd; ‘Rosanna’, ‘Africa’, ‘White Sister’ and ‘Hold The Line’ plus the ballads ‘I’ll Be Over You’, ‘I Won’t Hold You Back’ and ‘Stop Loving You’; however it is the other, deeper cuts that will be of most interest to long-time fans. Toto have never rested on their laurels and have always mixed up their set and this show includes songs that range from their 1978 self-titled debut to their last studio album, 2006’s ‘Falling In Between’.
The concert begins in heavyweight style with a medley of ‘On The Run’/‘Child’s Anthem’/ ‘Goodbye Elenore’. ‘Goin’ Home’ from the ‘XX’ album has Williams in fine voice accompanied by five backing vocalists including Amy Keys and Mabvuto Carpenter whom do a sterling job throughout and really augment the “Toto sound”. ‘Hydra’ sees Paich take lead vocal duties before handing back to Williams for ‘St. George And The Dragon’. ‘It’s A Feeling’ is simply stunning as is ‘Wings Of Time’ from 1993’s ‘Kingdom Of Desire’ which is a real highlight. ‘Falling In Between’ shows Toto at their musical jamming best whilst ‘Pamela’ has Williams in fine voice and ‘99’ is pure magic. ‘Better World’ sees Toto at their Progressive best and the final encore ‘Home Of The Brave’ is spectacular beyond words.
The filming cleverly alternates between band close-ups and long-distance shots and occasionally jumps from colour to black and white as well as split screen with very little distraction to the viewer. The bonus material is a short documentary ‘Behind The Scenes’ which includes a brief history of the band.
In terms of filming, sound quality and set-list, I would go as far as to say that this is the best music concert video I have ever seen. For Toto fans this is an essential addition to your collection and if you have ever wanted to know what all the fuss was about this incredible band, then this DVD highlights the reasons in abundance.
Mark Donnelly
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