Roanoke, VA — Christian music titan TobyMac switched things up on his recent fall tour. Instead of the usual massive arena shows with some of the best energy and production elements of any genre, he chose to play just eight intimate theater venues across the country. On November 8th, he brought his “Heaven on My Mind [Start to Finish] Live + The Hits” tour to Roanoke, Virginia’s Berglund Performing Arts Theatre. He has nine solo albums, and this is the first time he has sung all songs from one album beginning to end at a concert. The performance was divided into two parts: the first dedicated to songs from the new album, and the second to a collection of celebrated hits.
The smaller theater setting made the whole night feel more personal, like you were sitting in on something special rather than just attending a concert. The stage in the first half of the show was set up like a comfy family room including a sofa, chair and coffee table. The curtain’s rise revealed a TobyMac performance that was a different experience — a masterful mix of energy, soul, and heart.
His previous album Life After Death reflected his life after losing his firstborn son Truett in 2019. The Heaven on My Mind album came out in March 2025 and Toby shared online that this was his “figuring out how to relate to God again” while still experiencing grief, and that he’s had “Heaven on his mind a little more,” looking forward to seeing his son again.
Singing through the entire album meant the audience could experience a small part of his healing process by relying on the Lord every day. Toby said his journey since Truett’s death has been “total ashes, to crawling, to walking, to standing up strong. That’s kind of what the Heaven on My Mind record is.” No. 1 hit songs like “Nothin’ Sweeter” and “a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)” hit differently when you hear them as part of the bigger story. The last song on the album “Goodbye (For Gabe)” was written in honor of his backup singer/dancer and friend Gabe Patillo who died of cancer last year. Throughout the album, we’re reminded that the Lord never abandons us — He brings light, strength, and hope.
Check out Annette Holloway Photography’s gallery from the first half of the show below.
After finishing songs from the new album, TobyMac played some of his classic hits, and the energy in the room shifted. Fan favorites like “Love Broke Through“, “Move (Keep Walkin’)“, and “I just need U.” got the crowd moving, and a fun medley of “7 hits in 7 minutes” had everyone on their feet singing along.
The biggest surprise of the night came when TobyMac called Nirva Ready to the stage for the medley as the crowd chanted, “Nirva! Nirva!” Longtime fans went crazy because Nirva was a beloved member of TobyMac’s Diverse City Band for 17 years before leaving to make music with her husband Seth. She is currently a professor at Liberty University. Her powerful voice was a huge part of TobyMac’s sound on so many tours and recordings. Having her back on stage was like a family reunion.
By the end of the night, it felt less like you’d been to a concert and more like you’d been a part of something meaningful. This wasn’t just entertainment—it was a night about healing, hope, and community. For everyone there, it’s a show they won’t forget anytime soon. Some prefer his incredible arena shows, but TobyMac proved that sometimes the most powerful moments can happen when you strip everything back, share your heart, and watch God work.
About TobyMac
TobyMac is one of the biggest names in Christian music with a career that spans over 30 years. He has won seven Grammy Awards and has sold over 16 million units worldwide, with more than four billion streams across all platforms. He first became famous as part of the groundbreaking group DC Talk in the 1990s before launching an even more successful solo career in 2001.
Fun Fact: Toby’s 1st date with his wife Amanda was in Roanoke.
TobyMac’s Diverse City Band Members
Deondra “Dee” Marowa – background vocals, dancer
Jayson “J Rock” Fogerty – background vocals, dancer
Timmy Rose – guitar, trumpet
DJ Maj – DJ, percussion, trombone
Keith Smith – trumpet, keys, guitar, percussion
Brian “B” Ramey – drums
Loren “Snoopy” Clark – bass guitar
David Alastre – keys
Setlist of TobyMac Heaven on My Mind [Start to Finish] Live Tour at Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA 11-8-2025
Set 1: Heaven On My Mind
- Heaven on My Mind
- Lord It Feels Good
- Rearview
- God Did It
- a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)
- Resist
- Been Through It
- Can’t Stop Me
- Nothin’ Sweeter
- Oh My Soul
- Campfire
- Goodbye (for Gabe)
Set 2: The Hits
- I just need U.
- Everything
- Love Broke Thru
- Help Is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)
- Move (Keep Walkin’)
- Faithfully
- Cornerstone
- The Goodness
- Beyond Me / Get Back Up / Backseat Driver / Funky Jesus Music / Diverse City / Feel It / Me Without You
- Promised Land
TobyMac Online:
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Show date: 11-8-2025
