edited Indonesian version published at Soundup Magazine #4, June 2006

Truthfully, I wasn’t that excited when some months ago Toto was scheduled to perform at Surabaya (later cancelled) on May 12^th  and Jakarta on 14^th 2006. I wasn’t even excited to rush the ticketbox, when they were confirmed. Even when I already got the press IDs and entered Jakarta Convention Center, I was still ‘somewhere else’. The camera was in my hands, and the team was also there (Bayu, David, and Yanti, among others). Everyone was ready at their post, while I was still wandering around in the front of stage. Looking at the crowd behind us. Press were allowed to took pictures only during the first three songs.

The show started at 08.40 pm and TOTO started the night with their opening track from latest album, Falling in Between. This title track was among my favourite, especially it had that Led Zeppelin touch with a bit of progressive tempos here and there. It was fun to see Mike Porcaro (bass) and Simon Phillips (drums), and I took lots of their pictures. Their section wasn’t crowded as other press chose Bobby Kimball (vocals) and Steve Lukather (vocals & guitars), but I was a huge fan of these rhythm section. Bayu took a picture of me with Steve Lukather playing his guitar on my back. Cool!

The band continued with another song from latest album, King of the World, and I was still playing cool. It was fun to see Greg Philliganes on vocals and keyboards. I remember his 1981’s hit I Don’t Want To Be The One was a huge hit here. Finally saw him in person. But the third track on their setlist really rocked me to the bones. They played Pamela! Oh my God! This was my favourite from their 1987’s The Seventh One, and this song really changed my world last night! I almost jumped with craziness and I realized this unforgettable night was just begun. I shouted to my friends,” Do we really have to take pictures? I’d rather sing along with the crowd!” I instantly called my wife at home and let her enjoyed Pamela as well.

Toto continued with Bottom of Your Soul, Caught in the Balance, Make Believe and Hold The Line, totally rocking the house. From the farthest spot in the festival (press must be dismissed after 3 songs, and I reentered the house), the soundmixing was close to perfect. My only complaint was Bobby’s part was a bit undermixed. Some words were not that clear, although he seemed to be performing at max. But the guitar, bass, drums and keyboards parts were absolutely perfect. Especially Greg Philliganes dancing fingers behind his keyboard sets. You could hear every single notes. Suddenly I didn’t miss David Paich’s absence in this tour.

The group rearranged their positions and instruments, then they delivered some songs in semi-acoustic. Tony Spinner, their session guitarist, lead the band with Stop Loving You. He wasn’t Joseph Williams, but sure do his vocal was amazing and I really enjoyed one of my all time fave. The crowd was in hysteria when Steve Lukather sang I’ll Be Over You. The lyric that was so both romantic and sad really turned the house into a passion and love atmosphere. Some couples back here hugged romantically, including some old friends of mine. I really hated being alone here with my love. The band continued with Cruel (which wasn’t recognizable by the crowd) and I Will Remember You.

Greg showed his virtuostic behind the keyboards and I really loved this guy whom works enriched my younger days some 25 years ago. He played some improvisations including some notes from Till The End and Georgy Porgy. He was really fantastic and truly an entertainer! He really knew how to made us astonished and forgot that actually he was playing alone!

The band returned with a rearranged of Rosanna, with a jazzy touch. It didn’t stay long and after some paragraphs they returned to the original rocking arrangement. As usual the crowd sang along, but turned to silent when Toto played Let It Go, taken from their latest album. Personally for me, that night became one of the greatest night ever in my whole life, when the intro of Endless and Isolation (both from their 1985 album Isolation) filled my ears. Oh how I really love these two songs!!!! It was a dream come true, as I knew they never played these live with Bobby. From this section, I saw only my friend Joga who was singing along with me, accompanying Bobby on stage. It was no wonder, as Isolation wasn’t that popular in Indonesia. But it was one of my favourite album. Ever. Fergie Frederiksen (he was the vocalist back then) was one of the most powerful Toto ever had.

Some favourite tunes like (at least in my pocket) Gift of Faith and Kingdom of Desire filled my night. The crowd applaused loud when Steve and Simon proved that their big names weren’t there for nothing. Simon Phillips chops were marvellous and he was definitely on par with the late Jeff Porcaro. You won’t see a drummer like Simon everyday. He even played some bars from Hydra.

Toto contineud with another track from Falling in Between, Taint Your World, and floored with a heavier version of I Won’t Hold You Back and another long time favourite, Girl Goodbye. Again only some heads were actually enjoying Girl Goodbye, as it wasn’t that familiar to many ears. But I really definitely enjoying every single riffs in this 1979 song.

When the guys went backstage, as usual the crowd as for encores and they returned with one of the most progressive work they made. Home of the Brave filled the house and I couldn’t stop singing along! Trying to imitate Joseph was always in my book, but sure do I would never reach his notes. Greg took David’s part, and Bobby took Joseph’s part, and still they were outstanding!!!

After leaving and entering the stage again, the crowd was still waiting what was next. When I shouted “Africa!”, it was only two seconds before Toto actually played their 1982 masterpiece. A bit worried of course, as this song was David Paich’s trademark and he’s not here. But again Greg took his part, the rest followed his lead. This latest arrangement was wonderful and we really enjoyed it. When the members left the stage one after another, the crowd realized it was definitely their last. Simon Phillips was the last. The clock was 10.30 pm when the lights were on and we were leaving the venue.

All I could say about this night: IT WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!!