Train rolled into the Ozarks Amphitheater last weekend, Aug. 1, delivering an energetic, crowd‑pleasing set that cemented their reputation as masters of polished pop‑rock nostalgia.
Opening the evening, Edwin McCain brought a surprising comedic flair alongside familiar hits. His storytelling between songs felt more like watching a stand‑up routine than a warm‑up act, as he wove witty commentary between fan favorites. McCain’s mix of humor and emotion set a high bar, earning steady laughs and early cheers from the audience.
Train took the stage shortly after 8 p.m., kicking off with “Brokenhearted” and quickly moved into fan-favorite “Calling All Angels.” Frontman Pat Monahan connected with the crowd by taking selfies during the performance and even tossing a few T-shirts into the crowd.
The band leaned into nostalgia without sounding dated, delivering hits like “Drive By” and “Play That Song” with energy and polish. They also surprised fans with creative mashups, including blending “Meet Virginia” with a cover of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” and later weaving in Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” during extended transitions.
One of the night’s standout moments came during “Marry Me,” when the stage lights dimmed and phone flashlights lit up the amphitheater. They followed it up with the powerful “Bruises,” drawing a heartfelt response from longtime fans.
Train also dove into unexpected territory with a dramatic cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” and a spirited take on Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure,” showing their range and adding a rock flair to the night.
Before the encore, Monahan joked with the crowd, stating that back in the day they would leave the stage and make the crowd work for an encore. But he says they’re too old for that now. Without stepping offstage, the band launched into the final stretch of the show, ending the night with their biggest hit, “Drops of Jupiter.”
As the final notes of the night were played, the crowd’s cheers made it clear that even two decades later, Train still knows exactly how to move a crowd.
