Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men at Work Bless the Dad Rock Gods in Irving

On a sweltering Monday night in August, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving rewound it back to the ‘80s, an era of yacht rock, dad rock and unadulterated musical craftsmanship. The Texas stop of the Toto, Christopher Cross and Men at Work tour was a sweaty, spirited celebration of nostalgia, talent and camaraderie. With each act bringing their unique flavor to the stage, the night was a testament to the enduring power of music that transcends decades.

Kicking off the evening was Men at Work, led by the ever-charismatic Colin Hay, the band’s sole original member. Dressed in a vanilla ice cream suit that somehow defied the Texas heat, Hay exuded a blend of class and free-spirited charm. The band, though reimagined with new members, stayed true to the Men at Work legacy, delivering a set that was as tight as it was entertaining. Multi-instrumentalist Rachel Mazer was a standout, seamlessly switching between saxophone, flute and keyboard while swaying to the rhythm. Equally captivating was Cecilia Noel, whose backup vocals, cowbell mastery and karate-like stage moves (complete with a “Don’t Be a Dick” drinking cup) added a layer of infectious energy. The band’s camaraderie was palpable, with members leaning on each other’s shoulders and sharing the spotlight in a way that felt genuine and generous.
Hay’s vocals were as crisp as ever, and his humor was on full display, joking about the band’s early days and their creative process. The crowd couldn’t help but join in on the fun, shouting “hey-o’s” and clapping along to hits like “Down Under” and “Who Can It Be Now?” Men at Work set the tone for the night, proving that their music and spirit remain timeless.
Next up was San Antonio’s own Christopher Cross, whose smooth voice and heartfelt performance brought a touch of Texas pride to the evening. Sporting a Landman hat and expressing gratitude for the showrunner Taylor Sheridan’s use of his music, Cross was a picture of humility and grace. His voice, remarkably unchanged by time, soared effortlessly through hits like “Sailing” and “Ride Like the Wind,” pulling the audience into a serene, almost meditative state.

Cross’ band was a well-oiled machine, with each member given moments to shine. A highlight was Andy Suzuki’s use of a futuristic wind instrument, which added a modern twist to the classic sound. Cross himself was more reserved than his counterparts, but his calculated, purposeful performance was a masterclass in musicality. His ability to hit high notes with precision and emotion, particularly on “All Right,” was nothing short of mesmerizing.

The set ended on a sweet note as Cross brought his two dogs on stage, a gesture that underscored his warmth and humanity. It was a reminder that behind the Grammy-winning artist is a man with a lot of love to give.
Closing out the night was Toto, whose jam-heavy set got people to their feet. From the first note, it was clear that this was a band that thrives on pushing the boundaries of their songs, turning each performance into a unique experience. Guitarist
Steve Lukather, an original member, was a force of nature, delivering solos that were as intricate as they were electrifying. Watching him bend strings and hammer on and off was like witnessing a rock-and-roll symphony.
Singer Joseph Williams, another original member, brought a theatrical flair to the performance, sharing personal anecdotes about the songs and inviting the audience into his “therapy sessions.” Newer member Dennis Atlas, dubbed the band’s “secret weapon,” was a revelation. His hair-metal style and powerful vocals added a fresh energy to the set, earning him a place in the hearts of the crowd.
The band’s history was woven into the performance, with Lukather sharing stories about their long-time collaborator Greg Phillinganes, who hammered the keys with a passion that bordered on ferocious. The light show was equally impressive, with multicolored beams dancing across the stage and creating a visual spectacle that complemented the music.

A standout moment came during “I’ll Be Over You,” when the crowd lit up the venue with their cell phone lights, creating a constellation of stars that mirrored the magic on stage. It was a moment of collective awe.

As the night ended, the crowd spilled out of the Pavilion, sweaty, exhilarated and buzzing with nostalgia, carefully navigating a sea of spilled drinks and foldout chairs. From Hay’s sharp humor to Cross’s heartfelt Texas pride to Toto’s jaw-dropping musicianship, the night was one for the mental scrapbook. And, as Toto so famously put it, “love isn’t always on time,” but on this unforgettable Monday in Irving, it arrived right on cue.

See more photos from Monday's show: