Train at Ruoff Music Center on August 1, 2026
- llfoxphotos
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere Tour
Noblesville, IN
Photos by Laura Fox (LLFoxphotos)
Review by Dave Fox and Laura Fox
Mother Nature was not kind to the fans at Ruoff Music Center Saturday night, but those who endured the lightning-related delays and downpours were treated to a fantastic show by Train.
Although opener Matt Nathanson's set had to be cancelled because of the weather, Barenaked Ladies put on a fun, entertaining show for the somewhat soggy, but enthusiastic crowd.
After a dramatic curtain drop, Train hit the stage grinning to "She's on Fire." Currently out on tour celebrating the 25th anniversary of their breakout album, Drops of Jupiter, Train pulled out all the stops during their entire 20-song set.
Frontman and founding member Pat Monahan's vocals were strong and versatile, with an impressive range. Whether gently crooning "Marry Me" or gustily belting out "50 Ways to Say Goodbye," Monahan's distinctive voice IS the sound of Train.
As a seasoned performer, Monahan's stage presence was warm and friendly. I don't know if he ever played ball or if he's just well-practiced, but he caught and tossed fans' cell phones with remarkable accuracy from the stage to the barrier during "If It's Love." He also goofed with the other band members and kept the crowd engaged with eye contact and bits of conversation.
Lead guitarist Butch Walker, a legend in the music business and the newest member of Train, looked as though he was living his best life on stage. Throughout the show, his face and body language clearly expressed what he was feeling. We enjoyed watching his fancy guitar work, along with his interaction with the audience and the rest of Train. He also completely shredded his solo in "Mississippi!"
Jerry Becker, who has been with Train since 2008, switched effortlessly between rhythm guitar and keyboards. His expressions and eye contact made him engaging to watch as he confidently made his way around the stage.
Bassist Hector Maldonado's nearly constant grin made it impossible to watch him without smiling!
As the heartbeat of Train, drummer/percussionist Matt Musty skillfully kept Train locked in throughout the set.
There were too many great moments of the show to list here, (and we don't want to post too many spoilers) but one highlight was when Monahan invited Matt Nathanson and his entire band onstage for a rollicking cover of John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane." As you can imagine, the crowd went wild.
Another special moment was when Monahan introduced his 14-year-old son, Rock Monahan, who proceeded to take center stage for a cover of "Summer Nights," by Dirty Heads. We watched and listened critically, and were impressed that his guitar playing was clean and his vocals were strong and on point. Rock Monahan even acted the rock star with the wide stances, crowd engagement, and guitar pick flicks.
It was a fun evening, even though we had soggy shoes all night. If want to have a feel-good night out, be sure to catch Train before they wrap up this tour at the end of the August.
For Train tour dates, merch, videos, etc., click here:
Train will be dropping their 12th studio album, "Mad Dog in the Fog" on August 28, 2026 via Columbia Records. Here's a link to the video for the title track:
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