Hot off the back of last year’s acclaimed Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary, two icons of the smooth-sailing sound, TOTO and Christopher Cross, have announced Australian dates for April 2025. The acts will hit Sydney and Melbourne for what promises to be a nostalgia-packed celebration of polished grooves and breezy melodies. Fans heading to Bluesfest this year will also get a chance to see TOTO and Cross live in action.
TOTO, the architects of yacht rock staples like ‘Africa’, ‘Hold The Line’, and ‘Rosanna’ (a silky ode to Rosanna Arquette), are legends of their genre. Steve Lukather, the band’s original lead guitarist and all-around virtuoso, has been the backbone of TOTO’s signature sound since day one. In a chat with The New York Post, Lukather reflected on the band’s pivotal role in Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Lukather played on ‘Beat It’ and layered shimmering guitar work on ‘Human Nature’, a track co-written by his TOTO bandmate Steve Porcaro. Add in the contributions of David Paich (synths) and Jeff Porcaro (drums), and it’s clear that Thriller owes more than a little to this powerhouse band.
“It’s basically Toto with Michael singing” – Steve Lukather on ‘Thriller’
Meanwhile, Christopher Cross—the man who practically defined yacht rock with ‘Sailing’—is bringing his Grammy-winning magic Down Under. His debut album not only delivered the ultimate easy-listening anthem but also served up hits like ‘Ride Like The Wind’ and ‘Never Be The Same’, proving Cross wasn’t just a one-hit wonder but a captain of calm seas.
Catch these legends while you can—it’s not every day two of yacht rock’s titans dock on Australian shores.
TOTO & Christopher Cross 2025 Tour Dates
Wed 16 Apr – John Cain Arena (Melbourne)
Sat 19 Apr – ICC Sydney Theatre
Head HERE for ticketing information.
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