Train, KT Tunstall, Jason Wade @ Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide 20/5/2025
Train arrived in Adelaide at full steam for was touted and was a great night out joined by friends KT Tunstall and Jason Wade (Lifehouse). It might have been a Tuesday night but that did stop a massive turn out from enjoying three stellar acts all bringing something quite unique to the show. It has been a long time in between drinks for Train so there was a sense of making up for lost time. Plus, it was really great to see lots of people there early to see the entire show.
With some erractic driving I made it just in time to catch Jason Wade from the band Lifehouse millions of records and whilst the name might not be obvious when you hear some of his iconic songs you could see that light bulb moment with people going “oh, he’s that guy”. Playing as an acoustic duo he promised he wasn’t here “selling timeshares”. Opening with Somewhere In Between he spoke of Halfway Gone getting played on major radio stations and just about everywhere such as “hammer stores” such as Home Depot with the realisation they have made it.
Describing themselves as “just little carnies getting their kicks on” he was in full admiration of The Wiggles (like “wizards”) who they hoped to meet on this tour. All Of My Life and Broken followed. In an attempt to get the crowd involved and not make things awkward he encouraged everyone to stand so they could have a moment on You And Me. Blind was a good one followed by his monster hit Hanging By A Moment. Definitely a nice piece of nostalgia with these songs still just as popular now as they were back then.
How good was KT Tunstall? Wow! Talk about grabbing a show by the scruff of its neck and kicking it up a notch. Definitely one singer I have been waiting for a long time to come to Adelaide and finally that happened. Night made! KT’s Scottish rockness came to the fore for the next thirty five minutes more than warming the stage. Also playing as duo, on drums and guitar was Andy Burrows from UK indie rock band Razorlight (what an acquisition) later admitting to making him “cheat” on his substantive band making all the right noises as a duo. KT did say that you “can’t ride the Train if you are not warmed up”. Absolute powerhouse making full use of loop pedals, this was seriously good. All the hits were with standouts Black Horse and the Cherry Tree and Suddenly I See plus a surprise cover of Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn. Other Side of the World was another highlight. Whilst KT’s set was done that wasn’t the last we would see of her returning later during Train.
Train were brilliant! It isn’t until you see them live when you can fully appreciate how many great songs they have in the armoury and there was probably just as many that could have been played but weren’t. With the noise of an incoming train sounding over the Train the band took to the stage led by their fearless leader Pat Monahan. First song went bang! Calling All Angels was an epic opener launching the show in a big way. Encouraging the fans to get their hands in the air to “send some love to those who need it” it was full steam ahead. Drink Up continued in much the same vain and the crowd were well and truly up and about prompting Monahan to film a live Instagram video during If It’s Love.
Get To Me was one for the highlights reel and Monahan asked the crowd to pretend that their big US hit Meet Virginia was big here also. Morphing in to a teaser of The Joker which was well played. Disappearing side of stage to return sporting a Train t-shirt later asking who wanted one with lucky fans receiving a free t-shirt with one being fully signed by the band (nice score). Save Me, San Francisco was awesome but the real surprise of the night came by way of Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know teaming fabulously with KT Tunstall. There was also a story of an almost chance meeting of Wally De Backer in a San Francisco restaurant. KT hung around for another one in Bruises which was great.
Monahan spoke about the lowest point in his life which inspired Almost Midnight which he sung without a microphone and just one of those poignant moments singing flawlessly and passionately tugging away at the heart strings. Literally could not hear a pin drop! Monahan said that this one “goes alright” but “if you want your money back, I can’t help with that!” With a promise to not take so long to return to Australia Monahan did say a 2027 has been booked which is something to look forward to. Big hit Play That Song got the crowd going followed by plenty of gems in the ilk of Angel In Blue Jeans, Parachute, Marry Me and the wonderous 50 Ways To Say Goodbye. One of their most streamed hits on Spotify Long Yellow Dress proved popular as did Hey, Soul Sister which moved in to Come And Get Your Love (Redbone).
So many great moments with Drive By being another highlight and the crowd rousing sing-a-long to Hey Jude. Gold! Monahan said in their younger days they would walk off and come back on but conceded they were to old for that shit. Hotel California was another cover played and the band was joined by Jason Wade. All I’ll say is c’mon Jason, learn the words! The final moment was the epic and surreal Drops Of Jupiter. Mobile phones were out to capture this one and what a way to bring the show to an end. Lots of happy people leaving, let’s do it all again in 2027!
Live Review By Rob Lyon