Review: Toto Live at Hard Rock Live Orlando
- Jade Read
- Mar 1
- 5 min read
Updated: 54 minutes ago
As March rolled in, there was no better way to start it than with Toto. Many bands of their stature treat each show as just another gig, but Toto delivered a true spectacle of musicianship. Their lineup has changed significantly since the era of their classic hits, with guitarist Steve Lukather the only remaining member from the masterpiece Toto IV. Still, that evolution hasn’t hurt them. Rebranded as Dogz of Oz presents Toto, the current lineup was nothing short of spectacular.
This era brought both new and familiar faces to the stage, led of course by Steve Lukather on guitar. Alongside him were longtime favorite Joseph Williams on vocals, Steve’s womb mate John Pierce on bass, Nashville’s designated drummer Shannon Forrest behind the kit, Warren “Mr. Fabulous” Ham on percussion, sax, harmonica, flute, and backing vocals, the pianist from down under Rai Thistlethwayte on keys, and the ever energetic Dennis Atlas on synths and vocals.
Before the show, a few die hard fans gave us a warning. Some made passionate claims, placing Lukather above the rest when it comes to guitar legends and insisting that what he does live sets him apart from anyone else in the conversation. After the show, it was a claim we wholeheartedly stood behind. That belief came from the jazz fueled jam that erupted when the exemplary “Jake to the Bone” riff kicked in. It was a direct display of Lukather’s ability with his iconic Music Man Luke III HH. Before the song, he asked if there were any musicians in the room, saying they would have to help the rest dance to the irregular 7/8 groove. What followed was an instrumental masterclass that showcased the band’s talent, with Lukather at the center, leaving the musicians in the audience stunned.
Still, the night belonged to more than just Lukather. Each member was given a moment to wow the audience, and when their time came, they delivered.
Warren “Mr. Fabulous” Ham came in strong with his saxophone performance on the classic “Rosanna.” Long considered a first call player when top bands are searching for a saxophonist, it is easy to see why, as the crowd seemed to anticipate every moment he lifted his horn.
Rai Thistlethwayte was left alone under a theatrical spotlight for a keyboard solo, playing beautifully and reinforcing the shock that he had only been with the band for four days prior to the start of their 2026 tour. The shift came as Toto and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagarswapped keyboardists, with longtime member Greg Phillinganes joining Hagar for a lighter touring schedule.
Soon after, 27 year old Dennis Atlas stepped from the keys to lead vocals as “Endless” hit the setlist, paying homage to the late Fergie Frederiksen, who toured with the band in the mid 80s. When Atlas took the mic, curiosity filled the room. By the end, that curiosity had turned into amazement. Atlas proved himself a natural fit for the power ballad sound of the 80s, embodying it with precision.
That was not Atlas’ only moment. Just one song later, he received the same spotlight treatment as Thistlethwayte and transformed into what could best be described as the keyboard equivalent of a mad scientist. The experimentation he brings to his playing feels unmatched in a live setting. His style runs parallel to his namesake, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, whom he has likely drawn inspiration from given his 14-year tenure with the Styx tribute band Styxology.
Returning to the ingenious “Jake to the Bone,” drummer Shannon Forrest was handed its peculiar groove, a departure from his typical Nashville sound. He handled it with ease, no surprise given his extensive career and reputation as one of the finest drummers in the industry.
The same challenge fell to bassist John Pierce. Tasked with playing the complex, funk driven bass lines originally laid down by the quiet giant of rock, Mike Porcaro, he executed them flawlessly. Lukather has called Pierce one of his closest friends, noting they grew up on the same block with their mothers pregnant at the same time, a connection that shows in their onstage chemistry.
Joseph Williams, the band’s longtime vocalist, had the entire room’s attention. On “Hold the Line,” his range was on full display, moving through each shift with immense vocal power. In a short and sweet surprise moment, Williams reminded the audience of his past work with a brief performance of “Hakuna Matata,” catching many off guard when he revealed he was the singing voice behind the animated classic.
In and out of the band over the years, Williams grew up with Steve Lukather, playing in high school bands and knowing him since the age of 14, often recalling the trouble they would get into. He was never brought in simply on a friend to friend basis Off stage, his résumé extends far beyond Toto, with extensive work in film and composing.
But, he is not the only Williams to leave a mark in film composition. If that last name sounds familiar, it is because he is the son of legendary composer John Williams, known for some of the most iconic scores in film history.
Before the chart topping hits, there was also a story behind the songs handpicked by the band. One that stood out was the deep cut “Tale of a Man,” featured on their 1998 compilation album Toto XX. Prior to this show, the song had not been played in 25 years, last appearing in 2001 during the Mindfields World Tour.
Later in the set came “99,” a song Lukather has long been rumored to dislike. He cleared up those rumors on stage, offering some backstory and joking that the title may have stemmed from the number featured in the Kama Sutra.
Given the musicians, the set, and the venue, Toto’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. The lineup remains as passionate as ever, blending new faces with seasoned experience. The wisdom passed to the younger members shows through the band’s chemistry. The songs were performed as if it were their most important concert to date, never allowing touring fatigue to creep in.
The band clearly loves to perform and gives everything they have, no matter the venue size. They interacted with the audience through steady crowd work, and when the smash hit “Africa” arrived, Joseph Williams led vocal exercises with the crowd, making the audience part of the performance. It added something special to the night, as Williams lit up the faces of the dedicated fans.
Overall, Toto showed that time has only sharpened them. Led by Steve Lukather, the current lineup balances experience with new talent, giving each member a moment to shine while maintaining tight chemistry throughout. From technical masterclasses to crowd favorites, the performance proved that Toto is far more than a legacy act.
Writer: Jade Read
Photographer: Jade Read
Editor: Stephanie Rodriguez
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