Train Biography

Train is an American roots rock band who dabbled between alternative rock and adult contemporary during their career.

Early Formation

In 1993 singer Pat Monahan found his way to vocalist/guitarist Rob Hotchkiss and both decided to form a band. The two were joined by guitarist Jimmy Stafford, bassist Charlie Colin, and drummer Scott Underwood as Train’s full group.

Career Beginnings

Following several years, the band gained an audience in San Francisco by performing and serving as opening acts. Under Aware Records, they released the self-titled and self-financed debut album in 1998.Later on Meet Virginia, the album’s single entered Top 40.

Success

Drops of Jupiter was their ticket to success. Issued in 2001, this LP was certified platinum multiple times, while the title single was in the Top 40 for almost 40 weeks. In 2003, because of the success of the single Calling All Angels the album My Private Nation went platinum. The following year,  the 2006 effort For Me, It’s You proved to be Train’s lowest sold album so far. Singer Monahan left the group for a while in 2007 to focus on a solo career. After he returned, Train issued the LP Save Me, San Francisco, a project that helped the band reemerge as fresh with hit singles like Hey, Soul Sister. Starting 2012, the group debuted at number 4 on the Billboard with the 6th album California 37. Drummer Scott Underwood left and was replaced by  Drew Shoals, before the production of Train’s next project. The idea was that the album should be more commercial but still reach people. Bulletproof Picasso was revealed in 2014, with the country inspired single Angel in Blue Jeans. The LP was able to reach number 5 on Billboard Top 200 after its debut but failed to spawn any hit singles. Play That Song was revealed in 2016 as the lead single from Train’s latest album A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat. Lead guitarist Jimmy Stafford left the group before the album’s release in 2017.

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