29 Apr Train Returns to SunFest, This Time with Purple Rain

In 2013, San Fran’s favorite band came to headline our fair festival. Pat Monahan and his incredibly talented troupe of musicians performed a set (that years later, many of us are still buzzing about) partly in a torrential downpour.

Even then, fans knew it was a special performance. And if we’re being really honest, the rain added something whimsical, tangible to their set. (I can recall almost every band I’ve seen through a storm, and not one has a sour memory. Never let a little water deter you from attending, it certainly doesn’t stop the artist.)

However, last night Train returned to our Ford Stage backed by crystal clear skies and a gorgeous breeze.

Before Monahan and his six accompanying musicians took the stage, our Ford Stage lights again slipped into a violet hue, and we all came to a pause hearing:

Photo by Chris Salata for Sunfest | Copyright 2016

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.”

Train graced the stage and immediately launched into Prince’s 1984 hit, “Let’s Go Crazy.” The crowd went crazy.

Not to spoil the grand finale, but this wouldn’t be the only Prince song Train would cover. For their final encore performance, the band beautifully covered “Purple Rain,” which Monahan called “the all time greatest song ever written.” Our hearts broke all over again.

I think it’s so important to note the loss that Prince had not only us fans, but the music community as a whole. Our world truly seems to glimmer and shine less when we lose an artist so great. I know I wasn’t the only one in the crowd last night who swallowed tears hearing such a talented band cover such a legendary artist. When a band plays his songs, I hope it helps them heal. It certainly helps our struggling hearts.

Back to the beginning, after going crazy, Train quickly transitioned into their own beloved hits. First with “50 Ways To Say Goodbye.”

“It’s great to be back in West Palm!” Monahan called out. We welcomed him back with our adoring screams and raised glasses.

Of course they played our favorites, “If It’s Love” and “Meet Virginia,” early on.

Photo by Chris Salata for Sunfest | Copyright 2016

“Is anyone even old enough to know this song?” Monahan teased. For most of us, we’ve been listening and loving Train since the song came out in 1998. I’ll spare you all how old I was when, but know I’ve grown up with the band, as I know you have too.

Train treated us to “Drive By,” “Marry Me,” “Hey Soul Sister,” and their smash hit “Drops of Jupiter.” They took selfies with the adoring crowd, and threw out T-shirts to thankful fans.

I was thinking about the band, while swaying in the crowd. What makes them so great? Why do we love them so? I think I found an answer.

Train is so perfectly in sync with our needs. We crave steady, blissful music that can help us get through a long day at work, a giddy happy hour, or even lead us down the aisle to the love of our lives. Train creates beautiful music was built to carry us through all of these events. Heartbreak, heartache, friendship, true love– Monahan and friends put these major influences into poetry (and add some key rock and roll elements) to give us something wonderful.

I haven’t seen Train an absurd amount of times, yet, but I know in my soul that their consistent talent and demeanor should not be missed.

We hope to see you again, Train. You will always have a stage in South Florida.