Steve Lukather at the Islington Academy

What a concert last night! Probably better known as a member of Californian rock band Toto, Steve Lukather is a highly talented artist and proved it once more (as if he needed to) with his performance at the O2 Islington Academy.

When not touring with Toto, Lukather focuses on a solo career and is currently promoting his seventh personal effort, Transition.

Backed by further extraordinary musicians, Lukather blew the venue away with an intense two-hour show. The gig was absolutely flawless and exceeded all expectations, hitting the ground running and finishing on a soberer yet nonetheless stylish note.

While all of the band were highly skilled, Lukather was without a doubt the shining star of the night. He fiercely showcased his ability, strumming hard on his guitar, and delighting the audience with heavy, virtuoso riffs throughout. The public enthusiastically acknowledged the artist’s talent praising him loudly after each and every track.

The band played a few songs off their new record, including Right the Wrong, which Lukather co-wrote with his son and dedicated to families all around the world, and Smile, an instrumental rearrangement of a tune used in Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, which played out the concert. Lukather and co also offered the crowd some extensive jam sessions and mash-ups of tracks like Transition and Song for Jeff (dedicated to the late Jeff Porcaro, formerly of Toto) as well as Jammin’ with Jesus and Darkness.

The synergy of the band was pure magic to witness, most notably in Hero with 1000 Eyes, which at a certain point sounded almost exotic and illustrated the group’s ability to blend different rhythms and styles.

Steve Lukather and his band are not to be missed.                                                                              

Verdict: •••••

Rita Vicinanza

For further information about Steve Lukather and future events visit here.

Watch a live performance of Song for Jeff here: