You know that song “Hey, Soul Sister”? The one that has been stuck in your head since 2009, like a catchy but slightly annoying earworm that refuses to pay rent? Well, the guy singing it is Pat Monahan, and he is the lead singer of Train. But Pat isn’t just a voice; he’s a giant, a 6-foot-4 former basketball player with a bald head and a beard that could house a small family of birds.
Imagine a guy who looks like he could toss you through a window, but instead croons about “your lipstick stains on the front of my shirt”. That’s the beautiful contradiction of Pat Monahan. He’s the gentle giant of the adult-alternative airwaves.
The Most Surprising Fact About Pat Monahan
Here’s the kicker: Pat Monahan didn’t want to be a singer. No, seriously. He wanted to be a professional basketball player. He played college ball at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, and even tried out for the NBA. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work out.
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He once said, “I was a better singer than a basketball player,” which is like saying the Titanic was a better boat than a submarine. So, he pivoted to music, and we got “Drops of Jupiter” instead of seeing him foul out of a game in the minor leagues.
The Voice That Defies Genetics
Pat’s voice is a weapon of mass nostalgia. It has that distinct, honeyed rasp that makes you feel like you’re floating through a cumulus cloud of feelings. He can go from a whisper to a roar faster than your aunt can ask, “So, are you seeing anyone?”
And let’s talk about “Hey, Soul Sister” for a second. That song is one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, with over 6 million copies sold. Pat Monahan made a fortune singing about a lady who was “so gangster, I’m so thug.” Nobody knows what that means, but it pays the bills.
Train Performs On Cbs The Early Show August 9 2010 Photos et images de
But Wait, There’s More to the Band
Train isn’t just a one-man show, though Pat is the charismatic frontman who gets all the love letters. The original core included guitarist Jimmy Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood. Jimmy was the quiet guy with the cool guitar riffs, and Scott kept the beat steady.
Here’s a fun twist: Jimmy Stafford left the band in 2020 to spend more time with his family and pursue a career in comedy. Yes, comedy. He now hosts a podcast called “Scrubbing In with Jimmy Stafford” where he talks about hospitals and jokes. Train said, “Peace out, Jimmy,” and kept rolling.
The Name “Train” is a Weird Accident
You’d think the band’s name came from a deep love for locomotives, right? Wrong. They were originally called “Train” because they’d sit on a train platform in San Francisco and write songs. It was less “choo-choo” and more “low budget and romantic.”
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Pat once joked that if they’d been sitting at a bus stop, they’d be called “Bus.” Imagine that: “Hey, have you heard the new Bus song? It’s about a transfer pass and sad seats.” We dodged a bullet, people.
The Drama That Almost Derailed Everything
In the early 2000s, Train had a massive hit with “Drops of Jupiter,” but then things went quiet. The label dropped them, and Pat Monahan spiraled into a bit of a dark place. He even considered quitting music to become a teacher.
Thankfully, he didn’t. Instead, he wrote “Hey, Soul Sister” on a ukulele after a bad breakup. He said the song was like “kissing a hot girl” but also like “eating a bag of cookies.” The result was a global smash that saved the band’s career and made ukuleles cool again for like, three weeks.
Train chugs into Cascades with hits to spare
Pat Monahan’s Secret Life
Pat is also a licensed pilot. He flies his own plane to tour stops because, in his words, “I hate airports and I hate TSA.” He once landed a plane in a field because he saw a deer. That’s either a true story or a lie he tells at parties. I choose to believe it.
He also has a super surprising side gig: he’s a voice actor. He’s voiced characters in “The Simpsons” and “American Dad!” So when you hear him sing, you’re also hearing the voice of a cartoon squirrel or a grumpy neighbor.
The Current Lineup: Who’s on Stage Now?
Today, Train is Pat Monahan plus a rotating cast of very talented musicians. The current touring band includes guitarist Taylor Locke, bassist Hector Maldonado, and drummer Matt Musty. They’re all incredible, but let’s be real—you’re there for Pat.
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Pat is the only constant member from the original 1994 lineup. He’s like the chair in a game of musical chairs that never stops playing. Everyone else gets swapped out; Pat just keeps spinning and singing about soul mates and starry skies.
Why We Still Love Train (and Pat)
Let’s be honest: Train makes songs that are unapologetically earnest. They don’t try to be cool. They are the musical equivalent of a golden retriever in a sweater: fluffy, slightly goofy, and always happy to see you. Pat Monahan is the face of that dog.
He’s a bald, bearded, basketball-loving, plane-flying, cartoon-voicing giant who writes sappy love songs that make millions. And you know what? That’s magnificent. So next time you hear “Hey, Soul Sister,” just picture a 6’4” guy with a ukulele, and smile.
Because that’s the lead singer of Train: a guy who could have been dunking on you, but instead chose to serenade you.