Train partied to the oldies at Sigma Chi at SDSU
On Friday March 27th San Francisco based pop-rock band Train brought a very unique and intimate concert performance to the campus of San Diego State University. The band played a special private show celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their multi-platinum album Drops of Jupiter which was originally released on March 27, 2001. The show was held at the Sigma Chi fraternity house at SDSU and a several hundred lucky fans were treated to a very special and unique concert experience. The college aged crowd for this concert were absolutely packed into the small Sigma Chi courtyard, and this arena level band played their hits on a small makeshift plywood stage that was actually slightly titled to the right for the entire performance.
This show was basically a frat party, and a bit of an odd one at that. Considering most of the audience in attendance was hovering between the ages of 18-22, that means everyone there was born after this Train album was actually recorded and released in 2001. However very surprisingly indeed, almost every single person in the audience was singing along a the top of their lungs to every single song. Blame their parent’s Spotify mix or maybe Glee? According to signer Pat Monahan the band chose to play this fraternity show, as one of his nephews is a member and had talked him into it. Perhaps the fact Train was in Temecula for a show at Pechanga Casino the night before and also has some new music coming out, had something to do with it? Regardless, the show was an absolute blast from top to bottom with Train really pumping up the young crowd, the whole show had incredible energy.
Train’s performance at the Sigma Chi house was a mix of hits and covers with a bit of a college/party theme. The songs included “50 Ways To Say Goodby”, “Fight For Your Right” Beastie Boys Cover, “Hey Soul Sister/Redbone” “Vacation” Dirty Heads Cover, “Don’t Stop Believin’” Journey Cover, with a great crowd singalong, “Play That Song” “The Weekend” “Drive by/Hey Jude” Beatles Cover, “Hotel California” Eagles Cover, and ending on another giant crowd singalong to “Drops of Jupiter” as the sun was setting over the campus for the evening. The singalong from the crowd was so loud that the band was almost drown out at points.
This show was an experience to remember, the crowd was absolutely crazy, and everyone in Train looked so genuinely happy to be there getting a crazy big reaction from the young audience. The show, which was live streamed on Train’s Instagram channel, was an absolute blast and a great celebration of Train’s music. The band definitely could have gone longer and perhaps played a few more songs from the album they were celebrating, but apparently Pat Monahan and company read this crowd perfectly. Good music has the power to transcend age barriers and bring people together, and this show was clearly a great example of that magical force in action.
