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The music website with more fatLive: Steve Lukather – Bilston Robin 2 – 06/03/2009
There is no guitarist in the world with a pedigree to match that of STEVE LUKATHER. Although perhaps best known for his work with 80’s superstars TOTO, Lukather is one of the most prolific session musicians of all time, appearing on over a thousand albums. After calling it quits with TOTO last year, Lukather is now hell-bent on enjoying himself, touring the world with his solo material.
A sold out crowd packed Bilston’s cosy Robin 2 to the rafters, and Lukather delivered a set which matched all expectations. The majority of the setlist was made up of songs from Lukather’s four solo albums, with highlights being the excellent title track of latest opus ‘Ever Changing Times’, as well as a super rendition of ‘Hero with a 1,000 Eyes’. There was also room for a few TOTO tunes, and it was great to hear songs like ‘Live For Today’ and ‘Wings of Time’ - neither of which have featured in a TOTO set for a good length of time.
Lukather’s band is an extremely tight unit, and with someone like Lukather calling the shots, you really wouldn’t expect anything else. Towards the end of TOTO’s live appearances, you got the impression that Lukather wasn’t enjoying being part of what was fast becoming a live circus. However, tonight, he was obviously enjoying every minute, including a considerable amount of banter with the crowd, in between near enough every number. His vocals may be pretty standard fair, but the guitar work is just magnificent, both to watch, and to listen to. One of the best in the word? Absolutely!
As the set ran comfortably over 2 hours, by the end of final number, TOTO’s ‘Road Goes On’, all in attendance would have gone home satisfied, . Lukather even made the effort to meet his admiriers at the merchandise stand after the show. Seeing a guitarist of Lukather’s legacy in such intimate surroundings was a terrific experience, and tonight proves that Lukather certainly doesn’t need TOTO to be able to do what he loves, and that’s travelling the world, playing live music.
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Review by James Allman
Photography by Alexander Shaw (Steve Lukather photos)
michael hankinson said on Monday, March 9, 2009, 8:55
i was there travelled from bury in lancashire what a night the man is a legend,and proved he has a big heart as he showed at the end of wings of time when emotion overcame him, a fine artist who never forgets his friends.if you have not seen him yet why not. 10 out of 10.
Geoff Ellison said on Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:34
Many thanks to you guys for reviewing this gig, We travelled down from Warrington and I would have happily walked home. I’ve never seen Luke in better form and the band were incredible. They were happy to put some of their own gear away and then come down off the stage and pose for photo’s with anyone and everyone who wanted them to. What more can you want? Michael from Bury, you summed it up matey. He has a huge heart and he’s prepared to share it. Sad part: somewhere over the rainbow slotted into song for jeff (heartbreaking). Funny part: The guy who looked and dressed like Luke! geoff ellison, warrington.
sally cox said on Thursday, March 12, 2009, 12:11
I travelled from oxford with hubbie and daughter. We arrived at the Robin 2 early, so we got parked up and got in to the tiny venue when the que was just starting to form. Finally when the doors opened we were at the front, next to the stage. What a brilliant entertaining evening, had by all. The whole show was jaw dropping. Steve Lukather is amazing! And what a true gent, my daughter idolises him. We had no choice but to stay after the show to see Steve and we weren’t disappointed. Sophie was so overwhelmed just to meet him, so was I! 10 out of 10. Can’t wait to see him in the summer when he is supposedly coming back again! Whoopie!
Tony Singleton said on Sunday, March 15, 2009, 1:59
Great show, but sadly had to go at the end of the show, and missed out on meeting the legend himself. I agree whole- heartedly with the review, although I would beg to differ on the final number. Luke finished with “Shine on you crazy diamond”, and unfortunately did not return to play “The road goes on”. It was on the playlist, but I suspect that the Robin has an 11 p.m. curfew, and therefore no time for the second encore. Saw Luke at the same venue in 2005 when he was in his into his blues phase. This was so much better. My only gripe is that he doesn’t get to the UK more often. Come back soon!!