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Train

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Band Timeline

1993

Formation of Train in San Francisco

Train was formed in 1993 in San Francisco by lead vocalist Pat Monahan after he relocated from Erie, Pennsylvania. Monahan met Rob Hotchkiss and together they recruited Jimmy Stafford, Charlie Colin, and Scott Underwood to complete the initial lineup. This group began performing locally, blending rock and pop influences. Their formation set the stage for what would become a long-lasting and successful career in the music industry.
1998

Release of debut album 'Train'

Train released their self-titled debut studio album in 1998 through Aware/RED and Columbia Records. The album included singles like 'Meet Virginia,' which eventually reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album's production cost was notably low at $25,000, yet it succeeded in gaining Billboard 200 chart placement and a platinum certification from the RIAA. This album established Train's presence in the mainstream music scene.
2001

Breakthrough success with 'Drops of Jupiter'

In 2001, Train released their second studio album, 'Drops of Jupiter.' The title track 'Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)' achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best Rock Song. The album itself was certified double platinum and solidified Train's reputation as a prominent rock band with both critical and commercial acclaim.
2003

Release of 'My Private Nation' and continued success

Train's third album, 'My Private Nation,' released in 2003, was certified platinum. It featured hit singles like 'Calling All Angels,' which reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album demonstrated the band's sustained popularity and consistent ability to deliver mainstream rock hits, building on the momentum from their previous albums and Grammy success.
2006

Lineup changes and release of 'For Me, It's You'

In 2006, Train experienced lineup changes when Rob Hotchkiss and Charlie Colin departed. The band added Brandon Bush on keyboards and Johnny Colt on bass. They released their fourth album, 'For Me, It's You,' which despite receiving generally positive reviews from critics, did not achieve commercial success. This led Train to take a hiatus from recording new music for about three years, marking a challenging period in their career.
2009

Return with 'Save Me, San Francisco' and hit single 'Hey, Soul Sister'

Train regrouped as a trio consisting of Pat Monahan, Jimmy Stafford, and Scott Underwood in late 2009, releasing the album 'Save Me, San Francisco.' The album included the wildly successful single 'Hey, Soul Sister,' which was certified 13× platinum by the RIAA and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was certified gold in the US and Australia, revitalizing Train's popularity and marking a major comeback for the band.
2012

Release of 'California 37' and the hit 'Drive By'

In 2012, Train released their sixth studio album, 'California 37,' which included the lead single 'Drive By.' The single reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoyed international success, including a Top 10 position in the UK. The album itself peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200. This release demonstrated Train's ability to maintain their commercial appeal and continue producing charting singles well into the 2010s.
2014-2017

Subsequent albums and diverse projects

Between 2014 and 2017, Train released several albums: 'Bulletproof Picasso' (2014), 'Christmas in Tahoe' (2015), a Led Zeppelin tribute album 'Train Does Led Zeppelin II' (2016), and 'A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat' (2017). These albums varied in style and theme, including holiday music and homage to classic rock, displaying the band's versatility and ongoing creativity in their music output.
2022

Release of 'AM Gold'

Train released their most recent studio album, 'AM Gold,' in 2022. Continuing their presence in the music industry nearly three decades after formation, this album added to their extensive catalog and reinforced their sustained activity and relevance in the contemporary music scene. Train's longevity is notable, with millions of albums and singles sold worldwide over their career.

Albums

train_1st_album
Train
13 tracks
1996
train_2nd_album
Drops of Jupiter
11 tracks
2001
train_3rd_album
My Private Nation
11 tracks
2003
train_4th_album
For Me, It’s You
14 tracks
2006
train_5th_album
Save Me, San Francisco
12 tracks
2009
train_6th_album
California 37
15 tracks
2012
train_7th_album
Christmas in Tahoe
20 tracks
2013
train_8th_album
Bulletproof Picasso
12 tracks
2014
train_10th_album
A Girl a Bottle a Boat
11 tracks
2016
train_9th_album
Train Does Led Zeppelin Ⅱ
9 tracks
2016
train_11th_album
AM Gold
11 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Drew Shoals

2014

Drums (drum set)

Scott Underwood

1994

Piano

Membranophone

Keyboard

Percussion

Pat Monahan

1994

Acoustic guitar

Vibraphone

Saxophone

Percussion

Lead vocals

Harmonica

Trumpet

Jimmy Stafford

1994

Ukulele

Slide guitar

Mandolin

Guitar

Background vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Rob Hotchkiss

1994
2003

Piano

Harmonica

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Charlie Colin

1994
2003

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Guitar

Brandon Bush

2003
2006

Keyboard

Hammond organ

Piano

Johnny Colt

2003
2006

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Story of Train

Train: From San Francisco Streets to Global Chart-toppers

Train, the beloved American pop-rock band, emerged from the vibrant music scene of San Francisco in 1993. Their journey has seen them evolve through numerous lineup changes, with the current roster featuring frontman Pat Monahan, guitarists Taylor Locke and Jerry Becker, bassist Hector Maldonado, and drummer Matt Musty.

The band's breakthrough came in 1998 with their self-titled debut album, propelled by the hit single "Meet Virginia." This success was further cemented by their 2001 album "Drops of Jupiter," which garnered widespread acclaim with the lead single "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)." The single's impact earned Train two Grammy Awards in 2002, while the album achieved double platinum status.

Their third studio album, "My Private Nation," released in 2003, continued their momentum with the platinum-selling hit "Calling All Angels." However, lineup changes followed, with the departures of Rob Hotchkiss and Charlie Colin. Train's fourth album, "For Me, It's You," released in 2006, featured the contributions of Brandon Bush on keyboards and Johnny Colt on bass. While receiving generally favorable reviews, the album fell short commercially, leading to a three-year hiatus from recording new material.

Despite the challenges, Train's legacy is undeniable, marked by their signature blend of pop sensibility and rock energy. Their infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, making them one of the most enduring and beloved acts of the 21st century.

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