There's something wild about reviewing and photographing a band you used to listen to on the way to primary school drop-off.
Yep, little JakeyVass in the back seat belting out 'Hey, Soul Sister', and now here I am, camera in hand, capturing Train in action. Life's weird. Beautiful, but weird.Train rolled into Adelaide (20 May) with KT Tunstall and Jason Wade (from Lifehouse) as support, and the vibe was chill in that 'everyone's having a genuinely great time' kind of way.
Wade opened with those amazing, heart-hitting vocals we all know and love. KT followed with her signature loop-pedal magic and endless charisma. Both brought supporting musicians along for the ride, and together they warmed the crowd up perfectly.
It's almost been 25 years since Lifehouse gave us 'Hanging By A Moment', and Jason Wade still delivers that same emotional punch. His voice hasn't aged. If anything, it's matured like a fine wine.
He brought a quiet intensity to the stage, balancing nostalgia with sincerity. The spotlight stayed on his raw, honest vocal energy that made Lifehouse what it was.
Jason Wade - image © JakeyVass Media
KT Tunstall is an absolute force. From the moment she hit the stage, she had the crowd vibing with her mix of folk-pop and Scottish-rock spirit. She's the kind of performer who can hold and navigate a crowd, and that's exactly what she did.
She brought the house down with her loop-pedal tricks and returned onstage for some of Train's biggest highlights later in the night. Infectious energy, powerhouse vocals, and just straight-up cool as hell.
KT Tunstall - image © JakeyVass Media
The mood was rising before Train even hit the stage. The crowd were dancing and singing along to the general background intermission music, building hype for one another.
As soon as Train took the stage, you could feel the excitement. The kind of buzz that says 'yeah, this is going to be something special'. Pat Monahan strutted out and within minutes had us all wrapped around his mic stand.
Let's talk range. His vocals, ridiculous! Smooth, gritty, emotional. He gave it all. And the band? Credit where it's due. Every member showcased multi-instrumental wizardry at some point during the night, swapping instruments and genres mid-song like it was no big deal. I'm no musician, but that can't be anywhere close to easy to do.
The set list was packed with everything from hits like 'Drive By' and 'Drops Of Jupiter' to some more unexpected turns. They loved a good mash-up moment, often ending songs with snippets of other classics. One song ended with a spin into Hozier's 'Too Sweet', which was a chef's kiss.
Train - image © JakeyVass Media
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Monahan discussed a low point in his life and performed a solo track without a microphone. No backing, no amp. Just his voice floating around the centre. You could hear a pin drop. That kind of silence in a venue that size? Rare, magical, and just plain fantastic!
There were also more playful moments. He took a fan's phone to record a video (future lock screen content, sorted), signed a shirt onstage with the whole band while everyone screamed like they'd just won the lottery, and announced a 2027 tour, which sent the place into full-blown excitement mode.
Train - image © JakeyVass Media
The duets were a massive highlight. KT came back out for a cover of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know', and it worked. Like, really worked. They turned the song into a showstopper. She stayed on for 'Bruises' and brought her signature emotion to it.
Later, Jason Wade came out for a stunning rendition of 'Hotel California'. It was a moment where voices blend and everyone just stands, waving their hands, singing along.
In classic show-biz fashion, Train did the whole 'we're done' wink, wink and pretended they were going to walk off stage, knowing full well we weren't going to let them leave like that. The crowd cheered them right back, and the encore delivered with a mega sing-along.
Train - image © JakeyVass Media
From start to finish, this show had it all. Nostalgia, surprises, emotional depth, and the kind of lighting that makes a photographer weep with joy (hi, that's me). Train reminded us why they've had such long-lasting success. They still know how to put on a damn-good show.
It wasn't just a concert. It was a full-circle moment. The kid singing along in the car is now the adult behind the lens, capturing the magic; and let me tell you, the magic is still very real.
More photos from the concert.
