TOTO’s performance for The Dogz of War tour stop at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on March 11, 2023, was a rock and roll spectacle that demonstrated the band’s enduring legacy in the music industry. With a setlist of 15 songs, TOTO showcased their extensive musical catalogue, drawing primarily from their self-titled debut album from 1978 and their massive 1982 release, IV.
Led by Steve Lukather’s virtuosic guitar skills and Joseph Williams’ soaring vocals, TOTO delivered an electrifying performance that left the audience breathless. The band’s tight musicianship was on full display, as they flawlessly executed complex arrangements, seamlessly transitioning from rock ballads to upbeat hits. Rounded out by John Pierce on bass, Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Steve Maggiora and Dominique “Xavier” Taplin on keyboards, and Warren Ham on multiple instruments and vocals, proved that even though this is the 15th incarnation of of the band, they are still at the top of their game.
While the band’s biggest hits such as “Hold the Line” and “Rosanna” drew thunderous applause, it was the lesser-known tracks like “Kingdom of Desire” and “Waiting for Your Love” that truly highlighted the band’s musical depth.
The highlight of the night, however, was “Falling in Between,” where Steve Lukather’s guitar skills were nothing short of remarkable. His powerful playing elicited a rousing response from the crowd, leaving them cheering. You could see Lukather’s passion and love for the song and its guitar parts throughout.
The show ended with the band’s iconic hit, “Africa,” which has achieved over one billion streams. The song was performed flawlessly, cementing the band’s status as rock legends, but they also tossed in a surprising encore – a stunning cover of The Beatles “With a Little Help From My Friends,” demonstrating their versatility as musicians.
This was the band’s third performance at Caesars Windsor since 2014, and aside from the incredibly lengthy 40 Trips Around The Sun stop in 2018 that had the band perform a massive 22-song European setlist rarely performed in North America, this was the TOTO fans wanted to see.
Overall, TOTO’s performance was a masterclass in musicianship and showmanship. The band’s ability to connect with the audience was undeniable, and their musical prowess left no doubt that they are one of the most enduring and influential bands in the history of rock and roll.
TOTO
Caesars Windsor
Windsor, ON
March 11, 2023
All photos by Dan Savoie
Setlist:
- Afraid of Love
- Hold the Line
- Falling in Between
- I’ll Be Over You
- White Sister
- Georgy Porgy
- Pamela
- Kingdom of Desire
- You Are the Flower
- Waiting for Your Love
- I’ll Supply the Love
- Home of the Brave
- Rosanna
- Africa
- With a Little Help From My Friends