Concert Review
Toto
Christopher Cross
The Romantics
Empower FCU Amphitheater
Syracuse, NY
Saturday July 25, 2026
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
A moderate crowd was on hand Saturday evening as 80s heavyweights Toto played the Empower FCU Amphitheater. Toto brought Christopher Cross and the Romantics as support as each delivered a solid set featuring many of both artists hits of yesteryear.
The Romantics kicked off the night with their usual opener “Rock You Up” followed by “Do Me Any Way You Want Me” both culled from the bands best selling album In Heat. The band also did the Kinks cover of “She’s Got Everything” which appeared on the last album the band has recorded to date 2003’s 61/49.
The current band included vocalist, guitarist and last remaining original member Wally Palmar who has been around since day one. He was joined by longtime guitarist Coz Canler, bassist Bruce Witkin, guitarist Joey Malone and drummer Mike Rizzi.
The Romantics ended with their highest charting hit “Talking In Your Sleep” but it was “What I Like Abut You” that brought the patrons out of their seats and had em dancing in the aisles yelling Hey!!!! These guys haven’t been on a big tour package like this in quite a number of years but were an excellent choice to kick off the night.
Up next was Christopher Cross who needs no introduction. He played an hour long set that featured a very healthy portion of his massive debut album for which he won five Grammy’s with. Highlights included “Never Be The Same”, “Arthur’s Theme” and “Ride Like the Wind”. It was “Sailing” that stood out as he did it earlier in his set with the full band then ended the show with just himself and flutist David Mann tackling the song. Overall Cross put together a first class band that tackled the catalog with precision. It is always a treat seeing Cross perform live.
The night was capped off by Toto in fine fashion. Toto played a solid set as they normally do. Led by guitarist Steve Lukather, who remains one of the finest guitarists as demonstrated by his solid performance not only on this night but through the years. How can anyone argue with the caliber of fantastic musicians on the stage on this perfect evening out at Lakeview?
The band opened with “Goodbye Elenore” a track from the band’s third album Turn Back. They then launched into one of their biggest songs right away with “Rosanna”. Right out of the gate it was amazing how great these guys sounded. If you were in the audience you just knew by the start that you were in for a great show.
Joining Lukather was a solid troupe of performers who are in the upper echelon in their own performing categories. The solid rhythm section of drummer Keith Carlock and bassist extraordinaire John Pierce supplied a solid foundation. Carlock had a notable drum solo that rocked the house. Keyboardist Dennis Atlas got a turn on the microphone for “Endless”. Rai Thistlethwayte, the other keyboardist who recently played with Sammy Hagar was behind his rig and also played a wonderful solo that showcased his amazing ability. Multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham was a jack of all trades trading off on the many instruments he plays throughout the show. Hamm also joins Lukather in Ringo Starr’s All-Starr band when Toto is on a break. Last but certainly not least, vocalist Joseph Williams delivers solid vocals and helps deliver the songs to sound as they should.
“Hold The Line” brought the crowd to its highest peak. To round out the evening Christopher Cross, his three background singers and The Romantics Wally Palmar joined Toto for a full on, extended version of “Africa”. It was the perfect end to a glorious evening. Lukather has done a fabulous job creating the latter day Toto. He knew eventually due to reasons out of his control that to be able to continue honoring the band properly that he would have to reconstruct the musicians. He needed the band to not only do the catalog justice but at the same time create one that could carry out the legacy and he has succeeded. Let’s hope this lineup can stay together and keep it going for as long as Lukather wants to keep playing.
PHOTO GALLERIES
TOTO
CHRISTOPHER CROSS
THE ROMANTICS
Set Lists
Toto
Goodbye Elenore
Rosanna
Hydra
Georgy Porgy
Keyboard Solo
I Won’t Hold Back
Endless
Kingdom Of Desire
Keyboard Solo
Pamela
I’ll Be Over You
I’ll Supply the Love
Taint Your World
Hold The Line
Africa
Christopher Cross
All Right
Never Be The Same
I Really Don’t Know Anymore
Dreamers
Sailing
Think Of Laura
I Know You Well
The Light Is On
Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)
Say You’ll Be Mine
Ride Like the Wind
Sailing (Solo w/ Audience)
The Romantics
Rock You Up
Do Me Any Way You Wanna
When I Look Into Your Eyes
Got Me Where You Want Me
Real Good Thing
Bop
She’s Got Everything
Stone Pony
One In A Million
Talking In.Your Sleep
What I Like About You
For more info on the bands check out their websites
TOTO https://totoofficial.com/
CHRISTOPHER CROSS https://www.christophercross.com/
THE ROMANTICS https://www.theromanticsdetroit.com/
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