With an ageless sense of exuberance and unmatchable melodic charm, the San Francisco rock band Train pulled into Caesars Windsor on Saturday night (June 24, 2023). Their arrival was marked by a sonic explosion of old favorites and intriguing new offerings, wrapping the audience in a warm, familiar embrace and leaving a lingering sense of awe and admiration.
Train, led by the charismatic and dynamic frontman Pat Monahan, delivered a magnetic performance, capturing the essence of their Grammy Award-winning repertoire. The concert, only the second date on their current tour, was a display of not only their timeless hits but also the band's uncanny ability to recreate magic on the stage.
The atmospheric night was amplified by their latest single "I Know," performed for only the second time live. Monahan's voice layered over a reggae beat, showing that Train’s ability to create compelling and emotive new music remains undiminished. The studio recording includes Canadian country singer Tenille Townes and multi-platinum rapper and singer Bryce Vine.
What was perhaps most notable about the concert was the energy - the band eschewed the formalities of encores, preferring to fill the night with an unbroken chain of anthems. Their unique blend of pop-rock was enriched by covers from other legendary musicians, seamlessly integrated into the setlist. They saved all the hits for the end of the show, mixed with snippets of some classic cover songs.
Their concert was not just a showcase of musical prowess, but a testament to their ability to connect, resonate, and, above all, move their audience - both physically and emotionally.
Monahan's heartfelt performances of "Meet Virginia," "Drops of Jupiter," and the crowd's personal favorite "Hey, Soul Sister" (often blended with a Redbone cover of "Come and Get Your Love") echoed throughout the night. The renditions of classics such as "Hotel California" and "Hey Jude" were met with thunderous applause, further intensifying the band's connection with the audience.
The performances by Hector Maldonado on the bass, Jerry Becker on keyboards, Taylor Locke on guitar, Matt Musty on the drums, and the harmonious backing vocals by Sakai Smith and Nikita Houston were impeccably synchronized, creating a mosaic of sound that heightened the overall concert experience. It was even more heartfelt when Monahan introduced Detroit-born guitarist Locke as the newest member of the band.
Every beat, every note, every word sung by Train was soaked with nostalgia, yet exuded a freshness that is a testament to the band's enduring relevance. Even as the night drew to a close with the last strains of "Drops of Jupiter," the energy was unwavering, the atmosphere electric.
Monahan’s presence, both vocally and physically, was the magnet that kept the audience drawn in throughout the night. His passion for the music, his band, and his fans was infectious, making the concert an unforgettable experience.
Train proved that their journey is far from over. The band members, still riding high on their illustrious past, are on the track to an equally promising future. Their concert was not just a showcase of musical prowess, but a testament to their ability to connect, resonate, and, above all, move their audience - both physically and emotionally.
Thunderstorm Artis opened the show with a powerful set of heartfelt originals and crowd favourites from his appearance on The Voice in 2020. His emotional covers of "Blackbird," "Hallelujah," and "Ain’t No Sunshine" were brilliant, but his original closing track "I’m So In Love With You" earned him a standing ovation as he left the stage. His wife should be pleased the song he wrote for her brought the crowd to its feet.
