(Toronto, ON) – On Tuesday June 23rd, Live Nation presented Train at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre along with supporting acts Matt Nathanson and The Fray. I would love to tell you about the Matt Nathanson performance. However, I incurred nearly an hour delay getting to the venue. The irony is that I was late getting to the Train concert because of the train.
By the time The Fray performed their set, the venue – which holds approximately 16,000 spectators – was about 75 percent filled to capacity. They performed an 8-song set which comprised of some of their most popular songs, including “Hold My Hand” and “How To Save A Life“. The latter of the two songs was certainly the crowd favorite, bringing people their feet. Their stage performance was a little subdued, maybe even a little lack luster. But the musicianship was tight. It wasn’t my favorite part of the evening. Although there certainly were dedicated fans in the audience.
At nearly 9:00 p.m. American rock band Train took the stage. The fans went wild. At this point the venue was close to capacity. The stage set up was massive with an incredible light show. During certain moments the lighting reminded me of fireworks with bursts of multi-colored luminous rays. The lighting tech crew demonstrated an impressive array of craftsmanship. The composition and technicality emanated from this talented bunch exuded excellence.
The first couple of songs had the vocalist Pat Monahan sounding a little pitchy, as if he hadn’t warmed up for the performance. But that certainly didn’t last for long. Progressively improving his tone to showcasing his superior vocal abilities, rivaling the studio recordings. The live performance among guitarist Jimmy Stratford, bassist Hector Maldonado, drummer Drew Shoals and complimenting backing vocals of Sakai Smith and Nikita Houston is like a well-oiled machine.
“Just A Memory” from their latest studio album Bulletproof Picasso was their first song of the evening. The hit song “50 Ways To Say Goodbye” followed, much to the delight of the audience. Lead man Pat Monahan joked mid song saying “Nice huh?” Referring to the funny ways to say goodbye. During the song “If It’s Love“, Pat demonstrated his fondness for the audience by declaring it “Selfie time”, grabbing fans’ cell phones and taking images of himself along with the excited fans in the background. This lasted the entire length of the song, finishing up with his own cell video of the audience. “Angel In Blue Jeans” had the crowd singing the melody loudly. During “Meet Virginia” Pat threw multiple Train tee shirts to the audience, even going as far as having the entire band sign one and throwing it in the crowd. I realized at this point how amazingly interactive he was with the audience. Providing incredible memories and souvenirs for their avid fans.
The track “Free” brought word play between Monahan and the crowd with the lyrics “So High“. The song meshed into “Freedom ’90” (a George Michael cover). Pat takes over the drum kit and provides the back beat, showing off his multifaceted talents. “Look To The Sky“, although is over 20 years old, is Train‘s most requested songs according to Monahan. “Calling All Angels” followed. Once again, Pat took the audience by storm with the song “Bruised“, making his way through the crowd. I’ve seen smaller acts in tiny venues do this, but certainly didn’t expect it from a current act within such a large venue.
He slapped multiple people’s hands and had audience participation in singing the song. Next song, “Save Me, San Fransisco” Pat confiscates the videographer’s camera and records the audience, commenting on how great everyone looks. Then he has a friendly competition among the crowd where he sings “I’ve been high, I’ve been low, I’ve been yes and I’ve been” completed by the audience participation of the song with “Oh hell no”. He calls out each section and deems the winners to be the folks up in the grassy area, located at the back of the venue. Beach balls emerge and are bounced around the amphitheater.
“Wondering What You’re Doing For The Rest Of Your Life” meshes with cover song “Loco Motion“. Pat states that he is aware that his dance moves are far from fresh or funky, so he introduces a group of young local children that made their way to the stage. They danced and jumped around during the entirety of the song. At the end of the song, they all holds hands for a group bow.
Next guests to join Train on the stage where Matt Nathanson and Isaac Slade. They sang the Beatles song “Get By With A Little Help“. The combined vocals within this song where incredible, complementing each other perfectly. The Tempo slowed down as Train performed “Give It All“, a song off their latest release. Keeping the same pace, the song “Marry Me” had the audience swayed back and forth. Rounding off their set with their ever popular songs “Hey Soul Sister” and “Drive By” leaving the crowd wanting more. For their encore they performed “Bullet Proof Picassa“, “Dream On” (Aerosmith cover song) and ending the night with their radio sensation”Drops Of Jupiter“.
The evening was filled with hit after hit and believe me, there are plenty with the band Train. Pat has a way of being very genuin and easily likable. Almost like he could be a great friend of yours. This show was by far my favorite concert of 2015. A special “Thanks” to Live Nation for making this possible.
To connect with Train please visit:
(WEBSITE) (FACEBOOK) (TWITTER)
To connect with The Fray please visit:
(WEBSITE) (FACEBOOK) (TWITTER)
To connect with Matt Nathanson please visit:
(WEBSITE) (FACEBOOK) (TWITTER)
Check out Live Nation for all your concert needs.
(WEBSITE) (FACEBOOK) (TWITTER) (TWITTER1) ontario division
All images captured by Sue Sadzak.
© 2015. All photos are copyrighted. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
[tribulant_slideshow gallery_id=”11″]
SHARE THIS POST:
