Train Brings the Soundtrack of Our Lives to Atlantic City
I’m just going to put this out there. I love Train. Always have. Always will. So when I got the email request to cover their show in Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Etess Center, I hit reply immediately and said, “I’m in.”
Walking into the packed arena, it was clear that Train’s music has done something very few bands manage—it has truly crossed generations. Parents, kids, and even grandparents filled the room, all ready to sing along to the band’s massive catalog of radio-friendly hits that have stood the test of time. And from the very first note, the night took off: Train opened with their recently released single “Brokenhearted”, igniting the room and setting the tone for what was to come.
One of Train’s unique trademarks is their seamless weaving of covers into their setlist, not as filler, but as thoughtful nods to artists they love. At the Hard Rock, these moments fit naturally alongside their own songs, creating a set that felt both familiar and surprising. A particularly touching highlight came during “Bruises”—originally recorded with Ashley Monroe. Instead singing all of the verses himself, Pat Monahan invited each of his bandmates to take turns singing the duet lines, making it feel like a true band moment that the crowd adored.
Pat, ever the charismatic frontman, gave the show its unforgettable surprises. In the middle of the night, fans started tossing their cell phones on stage, hoping Pat would snap a selfie with them. Without missing a beat, he picked them up one by one, grinning, striking poses, and sending the phones flying back into the crowd. It became a communal game—fans cheering, laughing, and doing whatever they could to get their phones to him. Gifts made their way to the stage too, a sign of just how much affection this band inspires.
Monahan’s voice was stellar, soaring effortlessly through the big choruses and tender ballads alike, while the band behind him showcased their exceptional musicianship. There was also the warm acknowledgment of the place they were in: Pat reminded the audience how much Train loves coming to New Jersey, saying there’s no reception warmer than the one they receive here. Judging by the deafening cheers, the feeling was mutual.
By the end of the night, the band had delivered exactly what Train fans have come to expect: a joyful, sing-along celebration of songs that have become the soundtrack of people’s lives. It was a reminder that Train isn’t just a band with a string of hits—they’re a band that knows how to connect, uplift, and make every show feel like a special night out with old friends. Train continues their trek across the U.S. through mid-November. Click here for additional tour dates.
Edwin McCain opened the night at Hard Rock Atlantic City with the kind of warmth and sincerity that instantly drew the crowd in. Best known for timeless songs like “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” his voice was as soulful and steady as ever, carrying a depth that only comes from years of performing songs that mean something to people. What stood out most was his ability to connect—whether through heartfelt storytelling between songs or the way he poured emotion into every note. It was the perfect setup for the evening, grounding the night in authenticity before Train took the stage.
