Friday, June 25, 2004
Clubbing, but not in Kansas
Toto - KB, Malmö, Sweden, June 24, 2004
Following the cancellation of this year's Midtfyns Festival, a string of bands found themselves with a gaping hole in their schedules. Deep Purple were soon booked for Ringsted Kongrescenter on June 26, a show I'm seeing, and Toto managed to squeeze in two shows instead of Midtfyn. One in Ringsted, which was the debut show of their summer tour, and one at Malmö's cozy little KB club, which holds less than 1000 people. Tickets were steep, but hey, how often do you get the opportunity to catch these guys up close and personal? If I had to review this show...I'd waffle endlessly about how brilliant it was to witness the inimitable Simon Phillips again as he effortlessly whisks around his Tama playground, while locked tightly into that bouncy groove only he can muster with bass player Mike Porcaro, a man who seems to break into a sweat from just moving his fingers.
I'd mention how David Paich has taken a break and has been substituted by 'A Black Guy' who plays well, but never sounds like anything other than someone copying someone else's parts almost well enough.
I'd certainly make a point of applauding the very inspired setlist, which included a whole string of unexpected favourites of mine. Songs that I never thought I'd hear Toto play, but seemed to have been included because they'd been voted for online somewhere. A few were strung together in a medley, but nonetheless felt like surprise visits by dear old friends. (And not one single cover song in sight. Thank you!)
I'd tell you how pointless it was to have Steve Lukather occupy the center third of the stage, thus relegating Bobby Kimball and a second guitarist/backing vocalist to a spot almost behind the P.A. - especially when Lukather's vocals were so rough and not at all impressive. To have Bobby Kimball redundantly standing there while Steve 'hoarsed' his way through about a third of the set seemed downright stubborn on Lukather's part.
I'd speculate that Steve Lukather only insists on singing so many of the songs because he knows how silly his busy toungue looks if he doesn't sing while playing guitar!
I'd also show you a couple of pics from the show.
But... I'm too tired and it's late and I've got an early start tomorrow.
I will give you a rough set list though... [unsure of a few titles]
Only the children
Pamela
I will remember (yes!)
Goodbye girl
I'll be over you
Good for you (yes!)
Africa /
jam
keyboard solo (incl. a Toto song the audience knew and sang along to)
Better world
5 minutes of acoustic guitar wanking
The road goes on (acoustic, Lukather only)
Medley:
Angel don't cry (yes!) /
Carmen (yes!) /
Dave's Gone Skiing (very short) /
Gonna get easier (?)
Mushanga /
drum solo (by the master)
Rosanna
Gypsy train (fabulous energy)
- - -
Hold the line (tired and highly predictable encore)
Onstage 21.15 - end of encore 22.55
Check back later for the 'enhanced and remastered' review...
Following the cancellation of this year's Midtfyns Festival, a string of bands found themselves with a gaping hole in their schedules. Deep Purple were soon booked for Ringsted Kongrescenter on June 26, a show I'm seeing, and Toto managed to squeeze in two shows instead of Midtfyn. One in Ringsted, which was the debut show of their summer tour, and one at Malmö's cozy little KB club, which holds less than 1000 people. Tickets were steep, but hey, how often do you get the opportunity to catch these guys up close and personal? If I had to review this show...
