Train and Edwain McCain Roll into Utah with an Unforgettable night at Red Butte Gardens
September 13, 2025
The first time I saw Train live was 15 years ago at Salt Lake City’s Earth Fest at the Gallivan Center. I already liked their music but seeing them on stage was something else entirely. Pat Monahan was unstoppable—full of energy, sprinting across the stage, dancing, and even crowd surfing. From that night forward, I promised myself I wouldn’t miss a Train show if I had the chance.
Fast forward to this week, and I found myself once again in the crowd—this time at the breathtaking Red Butte Gardens Amphitheater. Nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, it’s one of Utah’s most picturesque venues. On this perfect summer evening, Train brought a set filled with hits, mashups, and surprises that proved they’re still one of the best live acts in the business.
Opening the night was 90’s and early 2000’s hitmaker Edwin McCain. Even if you didn’t recognize his name at first, you knew his songs. With charisma and a self-deprecating sense of humor, McCain joked that he now feels like a cover band of his 26-year-old self. But the voice that made his music wedding playlist staples hasn’t lost its charm. His eight-song set included fan favorites like “I Could Not Ask For More” and his career-defining ballad “I’ll Be,” both of which had the crowd singing along word for word.
When Train finally hit the stage, the sold-out audience erupted. If McCain’s set carried a relaxed, soulful vibe, Train’s opening number “Brokenhearted” instantly flipped the switch. From there, the energy never let up. The second song, “Calling All Angels,” had fans on their feet, arms raised, belting out the chorus in unison.
Pat Monahan’s voice has barely changed in 15 years—still powerful, smooth, and one of the best live voices touring today. While the days of crowd surfing may be behind him, the passion and showmanship remain. And with even more hits in their catalog now, the setlist felt like a journey through some of music’s most recognizable anthems.
The band’s 19-song set was packed with classics, mashups, and covers that kept the crowd riveted. Early in the night, “Meet Virginia” transitioned into a mashup with Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” sparking a big singalong moment. Later came “Marry Me,” usually the soundtrack to at least one proposal, but surprisingly no engagements happened this time. Monahan joked afterward, “How do you follow up a song like ‘Marry Me’? I’ll show you,” before launching into the upbeat “50 Ways to Say Goodbye.”
The mashups didn’t stop there. Fans were treated to “Hey Soul Sister” blended with “Come And Get Your Love,” and later “Drive By” intertwined with “Hey Jude,” turning Red Butte Gardens into one massive chorus.
Instead of walking off before the encore, Monahan quipped, “This is where I used to walk away for a few minutes, but I’m too old for that. Instead, I’m just gonna sing two more songs.” The crowd roared with approval. The night closed with Edwin McCain rejoining Train on stage for a blistering cover of “Hotel California,” before the band wrapped things up with their signature hit, “Drops of Jupiter.”
The night was the perfect blend of nostalgia, energy, and natural beauty. The songs that have soundtracked so many lives were brought to life again, not just as a greatest hits package, but as a celebration of a band that continues to deliver memorable live performances. Train reminded Salt Lake City why, after all these years, they remain one of the most beloved rock acts around.
