A band is only going as far as its lead singer can take it. In the case of Train, that explains the seemingly non-stop run that the trio has been on since 2009. Front man Pat Monahan is one of the most durable singers in the business; known for performing two acoustic showcases and a full band live set in a day’s work. But as Monahan found out last week, he is still human.
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“I had to get on this steroid,” revealed Monahan of medical treatment he received after he essentially burned out during a stretch of holiday show performances. “I’ve never had to do before. I’ve heard about other singers doing it but, I just was incapable of singing.”
Not wanting to cancel on Train’s fans, the physical ailment didn’t stop Monahan from trying. But once the singer lost his voice mid-show in Tennessee, he knew that it was time to seek help.
“I’m in the league of, the more I use (my voice), the better it gets,” he explained. “It’s more like practice than it is singing incorrectly.”
Monahan has used his voice quite a bit as of recent, and not just for performing in arenas. In addition to a hectic year-end schedule that included a guest spot during the Miss Universe Competition, a music video shoot for “Mermaid” and a collaboration with the “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition,” Train recently stopped by Sandy-ravaged Sea Bright, NJ. The band performed for storm victims at the local fire hall to raise awareness and funds for the recovery efforts. Footage of the show will be broadcasted Christmas Day on VH1.
“Before what happened in Connecticut, (Sandy) was the one, profound heartbreaking event in my life,” Monahan said. “Sea Bright was closed down. You couldn’t even get in. There were places that were on the beach that are now behind buildings. There’s not one business that works currently. Many people don’t have homes. Everything is bad there.”
It seems the benefit show affected Monahan positively, as he hinted at possibly lending a helping hand (or voice) to Newtown, Conn. in 2013.
“My pursuit is not to make more and more money,” Monahan said. “It’s to make a difference in somebody’s life.”
Monahan continued, citing the letters he received from people who were moved by “Hey, Soul Sister.”
“I don’t know how to write about these events and make people feel better, but man I have to do something,” he said. “I certainly would like it to be better for people.”
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