REVIEW: TOTO LIVE in Manila was a nostalgic, nerdy joyride
The last time TOTO was in Manila, fans were left grumbling that they hadn’t played many of their biggest hits. This time around, in front of a sold-out crowd at the MOA Arena, the band seemed more willing to oblige. Sort of.
They opened with the instrumental Child’s Anthem, the very first track off their debut album. Then came Carmen, a deep cut from 1984. It wasn’t until the unmistakable opening chords of Rosanna rang out that the crowd truly came alive, rising to their feet with cheers. But just as quickly, the energy dipped with Mindfields.
And so the night unfolded: pockets of enthusiasm as the crowd recognized songs like I Will Remember and Don’t Chain My Heart, followed by euphoric responses to ballads like I’ll Be Over You and I Won’t Hold You Back.
That’s not to say the setlist lacked hits. Hold the Line, Pamela, and Georgy Porgy were all there. Even tracks like Chain My Heart, I’ll Supply the Love, and Angel Don’t Cry could make a case for hit status. But TOTO was never about just chasing chart-toppers. The band’s allure has always been rooted in its musical pedigree. TOTO has been attracting music geeks and aficionados alike throughout their career. After all, when your members have crafted the songs that helped launch Michael Jackson into superstar status and served as the go-to session players for generations of artists, you’ve earned the right to show off a bit.
And showcase they did.
Few bands can match TOTO’s sheer musical prowess. From original members like the late Jeff Porcaro (drums), the retired David Paich (keys), and Mike Porcaro (bass), to an ever-evolving roster of all-star musicians, TOTO has consistently attracted the best of the best: Gregg Bissonette, Leland Sklar, Nathan East, Bobby Kimball, Simon Phillips—the list is staggering.
In Manila, guitarist and vocalist Steve Lukather introduced the current lineup. Keyboard wizard Greg Phillinganes, who’s worked with Stevie Wonder and served as Michael Jackson’s musical director. Multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham, formerly of Kansas. And Joseph Williams (son of legendary film composer John Williams) who continues to hit every note with precision.
Lukather noted that, aside from new member Dennis Atlas, they were all longtime friends. And it showed. Whether trading solos with Phillinganes or getting lost in a blistering guitar run, Lukather played with visible joy. Shannon Forrest (drums) and John Pierce (bass) each had their moments to shine, and the band’s chemistry carried them through even the more muted moments of the set.
Then came Africa. As the familiar intro echoed through the arena, the band brought out a surprise: the Philippines’ own, Arnel Pineda. The crowd finally erupted. Alas, it was the final song of the night. The band thanked the audience and exited. Crew members began packing up. The show was over.
The crowd left smiling, seemingly content. But among them were music geeks of all ages who were absolutely glowing from the chance to witness a group of world-class musicians doing what they do best. If only they’d had front-row seats.
