Train at the O2 Arena

The band has the audience’s attention the moment the sounds of the locomotive echo through the O2 arena: hissing, squeaking, rattling. Unlike the sounds of the heavy vehicle that accompany their first appearance on stage, Train deliver a light and entertaining feel-good show.

Even though the stage is black, without fancy graphics and only a simple light show, lead singer Pat Monahan is energetic enough to make up for the plain design. The San Franciscan band, who have been around for more than 20 years, open their first-ever concert at the O2 with the catchy Just a Memory, from their latest album Bulletproof Picasso. 

Train’s infectious rock/pop songs make it impossible to sit still, even though the band pick up pace rather slowly. The lead single of their seventh album, Angel in Blue Jeans, has the audience humming with Monahan, but it isn’t until the last half hour that the party really starts. The bouncy hits Hey, Soul Sister and Drive By ensure that most of the fans get up out of their seats. Throughout the night, the band plays songs which cover a range of their seven albums. Alongside the cheeky 50 Ways to Say Goodbye, the cheerful crowd are presented with tunes from their 1999 and 2009 albums, such as Meet Virginia and Save Me, San Francisco.

Monahan proves that he still has his distinctive voice, hitting every note, even while jumping around stage. Give It All, his “favourite song of all time”, stands out with its minimal instrumental support, allowing for him to show his vocal skills. The almost anthemic I Will Remember gives a bit of variety to the mainly upbeat pop songs and driving beats.

In a successful attempt to charm his audience, the lead singer gives out several oversized T-shirts, labelled by by him as “one size fits no one,” including the T-shirt that Monahan himself has worn and signed that night. In a generous mood, the singer also hands out some of his drumsticks and guitar picks. Much to the delight of the audience, he takes selfies with the entire front row during the country-pop song Bruises.

At the end, Monahan has yet another gift for the audience. Not only does he perform the encore together with supporting band The Magic Numbers, but he also welcomes Natasha North and Newton Faulkner as surprise guests on stage. Drops of Jupiter, Train’s most successful song from 2001, marks the end of a joyous, exuberant concert.

Friederike Trumpa
Photos: Guifré de Peray

For further information about Train and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Bulletproof Picasso here: