Train rolled through the Bank NH Pavilion in Guilford, NH, as part of their 2024 Summer Road Trip Tour.
On any given night at the Bank of NH Pavilion, the entertainment can shift from metal to comedy to country to rock within just a few days. The outfits of the attendees typically match the show they’re about to see, and for this particular evening, pastels, Hawaiian shirts, and a sea of captain’s hats were the attire of choice. Train, the headliners for the night, embraced the fun, immersive atmosphere. Known for their energetic and engaging performances, Train has captivated audiences with their catchy tunes and dynamic stage presence since their formation in 1993. With a career spanning over two decades, they delivered a show that seamlessly blended their classic hits with interactive moments, reflecting their extensive experience and showmanship.
First up was Yacht Rock Revue, the opening band from Atlanta, Georgia, which might be the reason behind all the captain hats. Their name and nostalgic yacht rock style perfectly match the nautical-themed attire of the audience, adding to the fun, immersive experience of the night. Since their formation in 2007, they have cultivated a dedicated following and made a significant name for themselves in the tribute band world. They capture the essence of yacht rock—smooth, soft rock music that was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Think Toto, Kenny Loggins, and Steely Dan.
The band took the stage just after 8 PM, embracing a retro style that perfectly complements their musical repertoire. Nicholas Niespodziani (vocals), dressed in white bell bottoms straight out of the ’70s, a blue shirt, and aviators, kicked off the night with “Sweet Freedom” by Michael McDonald, igniting cheers from the crowd. The evening continued with a string of classics like “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Africa” by Toto, and “Brandy” by Looking Glass, providing hit after hit for the audience to sing and dance along to.
A major highlight of the set was the band’s impressive talent and rich sound, a testament to the versatility of its members. Each musician not only played their primary instrument but also took on additional roles, creating a dynamic and full experience. David Freeman on saxophone, in particular, played with such passion that he elevated the songs to a whole new level. His soulful solos added depth to the performance, enhancing the seamless vocal harmonies and crisp instrumentation provided by the rest of the band.
The night wasn’t entirely composed of cover songs. The band also performed one of their original tracks, “Tropical Illusion,” from their 2020 album Hot Dads in Tight Jeans. While the album maintains the smooth, groovy tone of the 70s and 80s, it also incorporates a modern twist, blending nostalgic vibes with contemporary sounds.
To close their set, they paid tribute to REO Speedwagon by covering “Roll With the Changes,” acknowledging their role in the Summer Road Trip tour. Yacht Rock Revue’s performance accomplished exactly what an opening band should: energize the crowd and set the tone for an enjoyable night at the pavilion.
As the clock struck 9:15, “Jump Around” by House of Pain blared over the PA, and the pavilion lights dimmed. The audience, already on their feet, erupted in cheers as Pat Monahan took the stage and began singing “Calling All Angels” from their 2003 album My Private Nation. The stage lights then illuminated the set, revealing the members of Train. The stage had been transformed into a road trip-themed spectacle, complete with huge suitcases adorned with stickers representing locations and symbols from the band’s over two-decade career. One suitcase even served as a podium for the piano, adding to the immersive, nostalgic atmosphere of the performance.The attention to detail on the stage was just the beginning of the interactive and immersive experience Train had planned for their fans. As “Is This Love” from Save Me, San Francisco began playing, Pat Monahan invited fans in the first few rows to toss their phones onto the stage for selfies. Throughout the song, Monahan caught phones, held them up in the air, took selfies with their owners, and then tossed them back into the crowd. Remarkably, he managed to catch all but one phone, which appeared to have been thrown a bit off-target. After taking the photo, he humorously pretended to launch it back at the owner before tossing it gently into the crowd, eliciting a good laugh from everyone. The song ended with Monahan pulling out his own phone to record the crowd, which was displayed for the entire pavilion to see. This moment was an incredible way to connect the band with the audience and set the tone for the rest of the night.
The night continued with confetti cascading from the stage and rafters and huge beach balls being tossed into the crowd. At one point, Pat Monahan began singing the opening lyrics to “Hey, Soul Sister” from Save Me, San Francisco but quickly stopped, playfully stating that they weren’t quite ready for that song yet. During “Meet Virginia” from their self-titled 1998 album, Monahan appeared on stage wearing one of the band’s t-shirts. He humorously explained that Taylor Locke (guitar) had insisted on giving out t-shirts to the audience, joking that he wasn’t initially keen on the idea but was convinced by Locke. Monahan began tossing shirts into the crowd, then took off the shirt he was wearing, had all the band members sign it, and threw it into the audience before dropping it. He transitioned from “Meet Virginia” to “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band, and once they returned to “Meet Virginia,” he tossed the signed shirt to one lucky fan.
Train demonstrated their mastery of seamless transitions between songs, effortlessly moving from one tune to another throughout the night. They transitioned smoothly from “Hey, Soul Sister” off Save Me, San Francisco to “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, and from “Drive By” off California 37 to “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. These transitions showcased the band’s talent and experience developed over the years.
Another highlight was when they invited members of Yacht Rock Revue to join them on stage. David Freeman came out to play saxophone on “Mississippi,” from their 2001 album Drops of Jupiter and later in the night, Yacht Rock Revue returned to perform an incredible rendition of “Hotel California” by The Eagles.
The show wrapped up with “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” off Drops of Jupiter. The entire night was filled with the crowd belting out lyrics to songs they’ve loved since first hearing them. Train delivered an incredible performance that would captivate even the newest fan. The tour will continue with REO Speedwagon through September.
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