Andy G
Well-known member
My wife and I visited London to see Toto, courtesy of EBMM Strings and Things. If you've read my previous post you know how this arose so I won't duplicate it here. Only to say that one forum member here (Ming) is a total gentleman and put all this together for us for being a winner in the TG competition. Let me tell you, boy was it worth it. Strings and Things (Ming) not only sent Jo and I complimentary shirts, but were awesome in their communication of events to us. We were made to feel special (and we most definitely are not) through all their friendly and efficient communications, even up to including well wishes e-mails before and after the show.
I have to give a public apology to Lukather101 at this point. I forgot my iphone charger and typically it packed up on the journey to London. He rang me from the queue but I only found this out once arriving home and charging the thing up again. Sure enough there he was on the voicemail. I am sorry mate, I would have loved to have met you in person - apologies.
We were sat on the balcony so had a good view of the show, something which sadly my camera did not communicate. There was no support act and Toto came on to an atmospheric Child's Anthem which was spine tingling in its energy and power. Luke played his usual enthusiasm on the LIII for this song. The olive gold colour looked great under the stage lights, and even from the back we could make out the reflective pickup covers. The guitar sounded powerful and Les Paul like, but Lukes tone was still there. From this song we were treated to Till the End. Accurate yet relaxed is how I would describe the band and never have I heard live vocals sound so well pitched. From there, Lea, with Luke playing beautiful harmonies and call/ answer phrases on his acoustic. Again, you know you're witnessing something special with the note choice in this song.
Then the hits came thick and fast; Pamela, Stop Loving You, Human Nature (which was very very special - to hear this played live by these guys...) Home of the Brave, Africa, Georgy Porgy and many many more. The show culminated with Trevor (Luke son) joining his dad and band for Hold the Line. Again, great energy, accuracy and most importantly soul in the music.
Jenny Douglas sang perfectly, as did Joseph Williams and of course Luke. We were treated to seeing the both LIII protos (i think) and the true gold made a few appearances. What I found interesting from where we were seated was the difference in the power of sound from the guitars. I'm sure that the EMG equipped TG was louder and cut through better in the band mix, but this is purely speculative. Both guitars obviously sound very different and both are outstanding. Their characters were quite different. Up until he pulled out the TG I thought the sound was awesome. When the TG came out the sound became more surgical and cut straight through the mix, like a blanket had been lifted from the cabs. That is not a criticism; I will be purchasing at least one LIII when they are released but the only thing they really have in common is the shape and feel. (IMHO) But the LIII did look and sound wonderful. I'm too used to EMGs.
Dargie did not make an appearance, so perhaps she has been retired to rest for a while. I missed her. ;(
In summary Luke's new setup sounded phenominal. I think as long as he uses EBMM guitars he could plug in to a matchbox and still sound amazing.
Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Luke in person despite Big Poppas and Mings best intentions and both chaps going above and beyond the call of duty. Some things fall in the hands of the venue themselves. That would of course been the icing on the cake, but at the end of the day...we are greatful to EBMM for giving us the chance to see who I consider to be a living legend play his equally legendary instruments and I for one don't take that lightly. So thanks again Ming, Strings and Things, EBMM and Sterling Ball. We have some fantastic memories of the show. What a company...thats all I can say.
Lucky to play EBMM - cheers guys.
BTW got some lovely photos with Jenny, Steve P and Simon P. Generous people.
Andy (& Jo)
I have to give a public apology to Lukather101 at this point. I forgot my iphone charger and typically it packed up on the journey to London. He rang me from the queue but I only found this out once arriving home and charging the thing up again. Sure enough there he was on the voicemail. I am sorry mate, I would have loved to have met you in person - apologies.
We were sat on the balcony so had a good view of the show, something which sadly my camera did not communicate. There was no support act and Toto came on to an atmospheric Child's Anthem which was spine tingling in its energy and power. Luke played his usual enthusiasm on the LIII for this song. The olive gold colour looked great under the stage lights, and even from the back we could make out the reflective pickup covers. The guitar sounded powerful and Les Paul like, but Lukes tone was still there. From this song we were treated to Till the End. Accurate yet relaxed is how I would describe the band and never have I heard live vocals sound so well pitched. From there, Lea, with Luke playing beautiful harmonies and call/ answer phrases on his acoustic. Again, you know you're witnessing something special with the note choice in this song.
Then the hits came thick and fast; Pamela, Stop Loving You, Human Nature (which was very very special - to hear this played live by these guys...) Home of the Brave, Africa, Georgy Porgy and many many more. The show culminated with Trevor (Luke son) joining his dad and band for Hold the Line. Again, great energy, accuracy and most importantly soul in the music.
Jenny Douglas sang perfectly, as did Joseph Williams and of course Luke. We were treated to seeing the both LIII protos (i think) and the true gold made a few appearances. What I found interesting from where we were seated was the difference in the power of sound from the guitars. I'm sure that the EMG equipped TG was louder and cut through better in the band mix, but this is purely speculative. Both guitars obviously sound very different and both are outstanding. Their characters were quite different. Up until he pulled out the TG I thought the sound was awesome. When the TG came out the sound became more surgical and cut straight through the mix, like a blanket had been lifted from the cabs. That is not a criticism; I will be purchasing at least one LIII when they are released but the only thing they really have in common is the shape and feel. (IMHO) But the LIII did look and sound wonderful. I'm too used to EMGs.
Dargie did not make an appearance, so perhaps she has been retired to rest for a while. I missed her. ;(In summary Luke's new setup sounded phenominal. I think as long as he uses EBMM guitars he could plug in to a matchbox and still sound amazing.
Unfortunately we didn't get to meet Luke in person despite Big Poppas and Mings best intentions and both chaps going above and beyond the call of duty. Some things fall in the hands of the venue themselves. That would of course been the icing on the cake, but at the end of the day...we are greatful to EBMM for giving us the chance to see who I consider to be a living legend play his equally legendary instruments and I for one don't take that lightly. So thanks again Ming, Strings and Things, EBMM and Sterling Ball. We have some fantastic memories of the show. What a company...thats all I can say.
Lucky to play EBMM - cheers guys.
BTW got some lovely photos with Jenny, Steve P and Simon P. Generous people.
Andy (& Jo)
Last edited:
