Train clicks with Manila crowd

MONAHAN. “Interactive” performer.

Grammy winner, Train — composed of Patrick Monahan (vocals), Jimmy Stafford (guitar) and Scott Underwood (drums) – didn’t disappoint its fans when they performed at the Big Dome last December 7.

The concert began with the sound of a train’s arrival at the half-filled venue. The crowd got to its feet when the band performed its second song, “If It’s Love.”  To the delight of his fans, Monahan tried to speak in Filipino. He screamed:  “Masaya kami makita kayo ulit sa Manila!”

He also belted out “Don’t Stop Believing.” He quipped, “If I see you singing along and you know the words, I might ask you to come up.” Thereafter, he chose two girls, and when he wasn’t satisfied with their singing, he told them to “get the hell out of the stage” — in jest, of course. Monahan danced and glided onstage all night, throwing T-shirts, hats, even an autographed guitar — he’s the most generously “interactive” performer we’ve seen so far.

Yuletide spirit

When the group played the popular soft-drink jingle, “Shake Up Christmas,” you could feel the Yuletide spirit in the air! This was followed by a rendition of “Marry Me,” which he sang as he went closer to the audience.

The San Francisco-based pop-rock band then sang its biggest hit tune, “Hey Soul Sister” — and the crowd went berserk and sang along! After the song, Monahan exclaimed, “Ikaw na!,” then he left the stage as the crowd clamored for more! When he returned, he sang “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).”

Train had kind words for its Filipino fans: “We’ve been to 35 countries in the last two years, and I must sincerely say for all of us that this is our favorite place to go to! Our new album is coming out in April, so we hope to see you again. Thank you for being the most beautiful people on the planet!”