The Hard Rock Etess Arena in Atlantic City pulsed with electrifying rock ’n’ roll energy as the highly anticipated legendary band Toto took the stage. Known for timeless hits like “Africa,” “Hold the Line,” and “Rosanna,” they delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd singing along from beginning to end. Iconic opening acts Men at Work and Christopher Cross set the stage for this packed event, where fans eagerly arrived early to secure their spots for a night of smooth yacht-rock vibes.
Christopher Cross, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, took the stage as the first act of the night, transporting the crowd to the golden era of soft “yacht” rock with a flawless set of classic tracks. He opened strong with “All Right,” immediately showcasing his signature musicianship. The crowd erupted as the first chords of “Sailing” rang out, the song’s dreamy melody perfectly complementing the summer shore vibes.
The energy lifted again with “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” which had the audience singing along to every word. He closed his set with a triumphant rendition of “Ride Like the Wind,” the song’s driving rhythm and soaring saxophone solo sending waves of energy through the arena. As the final notes played out, Cross thanked the crowd with genuine warmth before walking off.
Men at Work, the Australian new wave legends who dominated the early ‘80s with their unique blend of reggae and rock, took the stage next. Frontman Colin Hay, still radiating charisma and wit, led the band through an electrifying set that had the crowd singing along and dancing in their seats. They commenced with “Touching the Untouchables” and “No Restrictions,” and Hay’s voice was nothing short of remarkable.
Between songs, Hay joked around with the audience with humorous anecdotes, sharing stories about the band’s early days. The current band’s chemistry was undeniable as they powered through hits like “Overkill” and “It’s a Mistake.” Men at Work concluded their set with “Who Can It Be Now?,” instantly recognizable by its iconic saxophone riff, before transitioning into the playful “Down Under,” which transformed the Etess Arena into a massive sing-along of the smash hit.
As the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Child’s Anthem” reverberated through the speakers, Toto emerged to a thunderous ovation. From the very first note, it was evident that Toto was in top form. Their setlist was a masterclass in hits and deep cuts, including the iconic shuffle groove of “Rosanna,” a soulful rendition of “I Won’t Hold You Back” featuring an incredible keyboard solo by Greg Phillinganes, and “Anger Don’t Cry.”
While Toto’s music is rooted in the ‘70s and ‘80s, their performance felt anything but dated. The band infused classic tracks with a fresh energy that made them feel relevant and exciting. The encore, a triumphant duo of “Hold the Line” and their biggest hit “Africa,” left the audience in awe knowing they had witnessed something truly special.
