Toto Homecoming @ the Wiltern

[Rockinreggie]

Reggie Boyle - Toto at the Wiltern L.A.
Sunday 10 September 2006 19:04 by Arend
The room was just full of energy. The place was packed.
It was both a homecoming and family reunion for Toto @ the Historic Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. It was a show in their hometown with Steve Porcaro, David Paich & Trevor Lukather watching, waiting in the wings & jumping up on stage.
Steve was in attendance, Paich watching and cheering his replacement from the side of the stage and Trevor jumping up and trading guitar licks with his dad. Steve Lukather gave lost "brother" Jeff Pocaro an even more heartfelt remembrance than usual on the extra special night. We saw the many sides of leader Luke throughout the night. His comedic side rang through with an extended Michael Jackson imitation, jokes about Paris Hilton and Luke refering to himself feeling like comedian Dane Cook on acid. Luke also said "We were never hip so we can't be unhip"! After ripping through a few raunchy jokes Luke then dedicated I can't hold you back to his mother.
He then informed the crowd that Paris Hilton had the number one downloaded song in the country. One of the many highlights was seeing the look in Lukes eyes when his son Trevor jumped up on stage and jammed on Hold the line. Later at the end of the night with Trevor watching from the pit amongst his friends Luke nodded for Trevor to come up again to join the celebration. Trevor told me after the show "It was great. I had alot of fun up there. The room was just full of energy. The place was packed". David Paich told me when asked about the show "It was great. They were great".
The show itself was a roller coaster ride of heavy hitting rockers to touching ballads. The heavy hitters were Kingdom of desire that Luke dedicated to the "Musos" and Girl goodbye which brought the already energetic crowd to another level. Luke said he hated to use the "U" word (Unplugged) for the acoustic set which included I'll be over you. The softer side also included the # 1 smash hit Africa, Pamela and Rosanna which hits both soft and hard. Luke informed the Wiltern crowd that Toto turned into the Greatful Dead for a minute as they changed their setlist in the middle of the show.
Sometimes lost in all of Lukes guitar magic is his voice. Shouts of Luuuuke rang throughout the night during his searing guitar show. During Bottom of your soul Lukes voice reminded us of how multi-talented he truly is. Jokingly Luke said his favorite part of the show was humiliating the rest of the band. For as much as he does poke fun of everyone his true admiration and love comes through during this time. Bobby Kimball (v), Mike Porcaro (b),Greg Phillinganes (k,v),Simon Phillips (d) and Tony Spinner (g,v) were all the victims of Luke jokes and recipients of much love and respect. The homecoming was a success as the always tough Los Angeles crowd was easily won over by the effortless musicianship of this group of world class talent. With HUNDREDS of family and friends in the crowd it was a great family reunion.
stevelukather.net, September 10th 2006
pictures @ http://www.stevelukather.net/Picture.aspx?id=169

[WalrusOct9]

One of the best shows I've ever seen. Totally worth the flight out from Chicago.

[JrnySuxBalls]

Really good show that nite. I especially liked the 2 new opening tunes, the slightly "dark"
Rosanna intro, and Bottom of Your Soul. Great mix too.