Questions
When did Train form and where are they from?
Train formed in 1993 after frontman Pat Monahan moved to California from Erie, Pennsylvania, with the lineup solidifying in 1994. The band is from San Francisco, and their hometown shows up in their name and album titles.
Who founded Train and who is in the band?
Pat Monahan is the founder and only constant original member. The early lineup included Rob Hotchkiss, Jimmy Stafford, Charlie Colin, and Scott Underwood, and as of 2025 the band features Monahan, Butch Walker, Hector Maldonado, Jerry Becker, and Matt Musty.
What is Train’s biggest song?
"Hey, Soul Sister" from 2009 became a 13 times platinum international hit, the most downloaded iTunes song of 2010, and the best-selling single in Columbia Records history.
What about "Drops of Jupiter"?
"Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)," released in 2001, is a RIAA Diamond-certified international hit and remains one of the band’s signature songs.
Has Train won any Grammy Awards?
Yes. "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" won two Grammy Awards in 2002, for Best Rock Song and Best Arrangement.
Who did the famous string arrangement on "Drops of Jupiter"?
The strings were arranged by Paul Buckmaster, known for his work with Elton John. The band reportedly hired him specifically to capture a sound similar to his earlier arrangements.
How many records has Train sold?
The band has sold over 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide.
What is Train’s highest-charting album?
"California 37" from 2012 is their highest-charting US album, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
What are some of their other big hits?
"Drive By" (2012) peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their early hit "Meet Virginia" (1998) reached number 20.
How did "Hey, Soul Sister" get so popular?
Beyond its own success, the song got a boost when it was used as the soundtrack to launch Samsung’s 3D television during the Oscars.
Did Train make a Christmas song?
Yes. Their holiday single "Shake Up Christmas" was featured internationally as part of Coca-Cola’s Christmas commercial series in 2010.
Is it true Train has their own wine?
Yes. The band founded the Save Me, San Francisco Wine Company in 2011, with labels named after songs like "Drops of Jupiter California Red" and "Calling All Angels Chardonnay," and proceeds benefiting the Family House of San Francisco.
Did Train ever cover a whole album?
Yes. In 2016 they released "Train Does Led Zeppelin II," a song by song replication of Led Zeppelin’s classic 1969 album.
Did the band ever take a break?
Yes. Train took a three-year hiatus from recording between roughly 2006 and 2009 after their album "For Me, It’s You" underperformed commercially.
