Train Brings an Energetic and Worthy Performance to Virginia
8/24/25 - Roanoke, VA
Photo by Cody Cooksey
Since their formation in 1994, Train has been a staple in the music industry, and proved such a fact at their recent show at the Elmwood Park Amphitheater. While storms were cautioned, it ended up being perfect weather for a setlist and performance that only Train could provide. The band, currently composed of lead singer and frontman Pat Monahan, as well as Hector Maldonado, Jerry Becker, Matt Musty, and Taylor Locke, gave a more than worthy performance to the city of Downtown Roanoke. Having been on the scene for 30+ years, do they still have it? To put it simply, yes!
The amphitheater, combined with the atmosphere of summer weather and energetic fans, was a perfect contender for Train to perform a summer show. The show began with a familiar face, that being the opening act Edwin McCain. Edwin gave a solid acoustic performance, telling stories about his kids and playing 90s hits such as I’ll Be. As the sun went down, Train walked onto the stage and began. Pat was immediately drawn to the crowd, showing love and gratitude towards the fans surrounding him. It was obvious that songs like Meet Virginia would be ecstatic in this state, and that was proven to be true quickly, as the crowd sang every word.
Photo by Cody Cooksey
It was instantly noticeable that Pat loved crowd interactions, as that would be a key theme of the night. He teased the crowd by shouting “HEYYY HEYYY… yeah, I don’t think you’re ready for that one yet”. It was so cool how he and the band signed a shirt and threw it to a fan! Early into the show, fans in the front row began throwing their phones onto the stage, hoping that Pat would take a selfie with it, and he surely delivered this promise. Pat took probably a dozen or more selfies on fans phones, and then threw them back into the crowd. To my recollection, no phones were harmed!
Photo by Cody Cooksey
Photo by Cody Cooksey
It is also nice to see bands do covers that you would not expect. Train performed Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and Hozier’s “Too Sweet.” Pat made the claim that “Mississippi” is his favorite song from Drops of Jupiter, which adds some specialty to it. The band concluded the night with the big ones, beginning with their newest single “Brokenhearted.” They finished off with the hits “Hey Soul Sister,” “Drive By,” and “Drops of Jupiter,” as well as interludes of covers of “Hotel California”and “Hey Jude.” The night was full of music from all corners of the industry, giving everyone in attendance something to cling to from the night. Pat gave such a memorable, charismatic performance, one that I will surely want to see again. The band, having been around for decades, must stick around for decades more.
