Finally get to go see Toto!!

[G.I.Jim]

Now all you have to do is get a spinning keyboard jim

Lol!! That's what my Brother-In-Law told me.

[G.I.Jim]

Well today is the big day! About to hit the road to HOTLANTA!!! Can't wait.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Look forward to hearing your thoughts, Jim.

[G.I.Jim]

Look forward to hearing your thoughts, Jim.

Two words... FREAKING AMAZING!!! This is now my favorite concert of all time. The venue was the best I've ever been to for a concert (more on that in a minute), the band was FLAWLESS, and the sound quality was hands-down the best I have EVER heard at a concert. We could talk at a normal level in the audience, yet heard everything CRYSTAL clear. I've never heard anyone in any venue sound that good. It was surreal.

I have NO idea why, but Toto opened for Kansas. This is retarded to me as the only thing Kansas has over Toto is age. Kansas sucked. Let me re-phrase that... they didn't suck, but it wasn't good. They're now down to a 5 piece band and their stage set-up made high school bands look like rock stars. It looked ridiculous. They had a foot high platform for the keyboards and drums to be elevated and they had an ugly black curtain around the bottom of them. They had a guitar stand, bass stand and mic stands. That was their set. Nothing else! They had a curtain back-drop with a picture from one of the album covers, and it was crooked. Lol!!! They had about 3 lights on each side of the stage. I'd show you some clips from Kansas, but they don't exist. Lol!! It was bad.

Anyways, back to the REAL band of the evening, Toto was amazing and firing on all cylinders. I have all of their music, live dvd's, etc... I have NEVER seen them sound this good or look this good. AMAZING. Here's a clip from the night. Apparently nobody recorded that night, because I can't find shit except for this one solitary clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNnQMwWejXI

Their set list was great. They played all of the classics, as well as a couple deep cuts. I can't recall which ones they were, but they sounded awesome! Luke was his usual self in between songs and had us cracking up. He said David invented a new sexual position called "99" and they then went into my favorite song of the evening. Luke started out on the acoustic guitar and they did a version unlike anything I've heard. I had goosebumps from it, it was that good. I hope they record this version at some point because it blew me away!!

So, back to the venue... WOW!!! It was located in the rich part of Atlanta. I drove through neighborhoods there with houses in the several million dollar range, and the venue was surrounded by horse stables, tennis courts, golf courses, etc... When I got there, I paid $11.00 for a can of beer. DAMN!!! We get in there and nearly EVERYONE has t.v. trays set up with table cloths, bottles of wine, cheese spreads laid out, candles, etc... I was like "WTF???". Lol!! I have never seen a venue that lets you bring your own alcohol, let alone a wine and cheese spread. I was jealous. I bought 3 beers and was out $33.00!!

It rained on us which sucked, but the night was freaking amazing. I had high expectations for Toto, but they blew me away. As big of a fan as I've been over the years... it's now at a totally new level. I even bought a Toto coffee mug and T-shirt. Gotta support this band, and if I have to drive to Florida or Tennessee to see them again, I will be there!!!

Best concert I have EVER been to.

[The_Noble_Cause]

That's high praise. Their US dates are limited, so I may have to wait for a dvd. Excited for the new album. Amazing how far they've come from the stagnant last few years of touring with Bobby K. Journey could learn a thing or two or three. Gotta mix it up.

[kgdjpubs]

good to know they are still good. Saw them playing a free show in Virginia Beach for a festival circa 2005ish, and they were really good then also.

[Michigan Girl]

Great review, Jimbo ...and they played "99", I guess they brought it back for old time sake?

[G.I.Jim]

Great review, Jimbo ...and they played "99", I guess they brought it back for old time sake?

Thanks Lady! Yeah, it was hands-down my favorite song of the night. They sounded so amazing on it. Here's a version that's close to what they did, but it's just not the same. Luke sounded much better on the night I saw him, but this is close. I think it's the same arrangement, and they went right into "White Sister" afterwards like they do here.

They sounded the best on Pamela and Rosanna that I've ever heard also. Joseph has made the best comeback in vocal history! He's also lost probably 60 or more pounds. I hope he's done it in a healthy way. This concert has been a HUGE check off on my bucket list. Still many more things to do...

Anyways, here's the clip...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j99eElVQQoQ

[G.I.Jim]

Just remembered one of the songs they played... Hydra! I knew It sounded familiar, but couldn't remember it until I heard it just now. I don't think I'd heard them play that one before. It was very cool!


There's a dumb-ass in the audience singing that screws this up, but at least you can hear the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91CkuKc-_ww

[Everett]

This concert has been a HUGE check off on my bucket list. Still many more things to do...

You can see styx anytime bud

[G.I.Jim]

This concert has been a HUGE check off on my bucket list. Still many more things to do...

You can see styx anytime bud

I know... at every state fair, bingo hall, etc... Lol!! And they're still playing the same boring set list. I'll pass. Unless they get Dennis back, I'm good. I've seen them 2 or 3 times, and while it was fun, they're stagnant.

Same with Journey. When they get another singer, I'll go see them again. No offense to anyone who enjoys them, but I just don't have any interest in them anymore. But get you an elephant ear or cotton candy at the fair and enjoy the show!

[Michigan Girl]

Oh, but I didn't see these links, until now ...so yes, I will listen, thank you!! And I'm glad you had so much fun. I saw the Bare Bones show a couple of weeks ago, let me tell you, I was just as thrilled ...it wasn't my first BA show, but it had been a while.