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Our Complete List Of Train Band Members looks at a band formed in 1993 in San Francisco, California, Train is an American rock band best known for hits like “Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Drive By.” The band’s original lineup consisted of Pat Monahan (vocals), Rob Hotchkiss (guitar), Jimmy Stafford (lead guitar), Charlie Colin (bass), and Scott Underwood (drums). The band had to battle through local club gigs and numerous lineup changes before landing a deal with Columbia Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1998, gained traction after “Meet Virginia” became a radio hit.
Train’s breakthrough came with their second album, “Drops of Jupiter” in 2001. The title track was a monumental hit, earning two Grammy Awards and keeping the band on the chart for almost a year. The band continued to evolve, experimenting with different genres, including country influences in “Hey, Soul Sister” (2009) and more pop-oriented tunes in “Drive By” (2012). Various line-up changes occurred over the years; however, Pat Monahan remains the constant face of Train.
TRAIN CURRENT MEMBERS
Pat Monahan
Pat Monahan, originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, is the frontman and founding member of Train. He’s been the lead vocalist since the band’s inception in 1994 and also played drums during the initial years. He has appeared on all of Train’s albums and is the primary songwriter for the band, penning hits like “Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Drive By.” Monahan took a brief hiatus from Train from 2006 to 2009 to pursue a solo career, releasing the album “Last of Seven.” In addition to his work with Train, Monahan has also collaborated with other artists and written songs for other projects, expanding his influence in the music industry.
Jerry Becker
Jerry Becker joined Train in 2008 and has been a constant presence on keyboards, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals. Hailing from San Francisco, California, Becker has contributed to albums like “Save Me, San Francisco” (2009), “California 37” (2012), and “Bulletproof Picasso” (2014). While not the primary songwriter, his multi-instrumental skills have been crucial in shaping Train’s evolving sound. Before joining Train, Becker had an extensive career as a session musician and continues to engage in other projects alongside his commitment to Train.
Hector Maldonado
Hector Maldonado stepped in as Train’s bassist in 2009 and has also provided backing vocals. Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Maldonado has been a part of albums like “Save Me, San Francisco,” “California 37,” and “Christmas in Tahoe” (2015). His rhythmic bass lines have added depth to the band’s musical arrangements. Prior to joining Train, Maldonado was active in various bands and musical projects, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Nikita Houston
Nikita Houston became a part of Train’s lineup in 2014 as a backing vocalist. Her exact place of origin is not widely reported, but since joining the band, she has been a part of albums like “Bulletproof Picasso” and “A Girl, a Bottle, a Boat” (2017). Her vocals have added a richer texture to the band’s sound, particularly in live performances. Before her tenure with Train, Houston was involved in various singing endeavors, although specific details are less documented compared to her bandmates.
Sakai Smith
Sakai Smith has served as a background vocalist for Train
Matt Musty
Matt Musty currently tours with Train in the drummer’s seat. He has also recorded with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Grace Potter, and others.
Taylor Locke
Taylor Locke joined Train in 2021 as the band’s lead guitarist.
TRAIN FORMER MEMBERS
Rob Hotchkiss
Rob Hotchkiss was a founding member of Train, serving from 1994 to 2003. He played rhythm guitar, provided backing vocals, and also played lead guitar and bass. Hotchkiss contributed to some of Train’s early breakthrough albums, including their self-titled debut and the commercially successful “Drops of Jupiter.” He left the band in 2003, prior to the release of “My Private Nation.”
Jimmy Stafford
Another founding member, Jimmy Stafford was with the band from its inception in 1994 until 2006 and rejoined from 2009 until 2016. He played lead guitar and provided backing vocals, switching to rhythm guitar from 2003 to 2006 and 2009 to 2014. Stafford was a part of major albums like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Save Me, San Francisco.”
Charlie Colin
Charlie Colin was the band’s bassist from 1994 until 2003. He was part of the foundational lineup and contributed to Train’s initial albums. Colin left the band around the same time as Hotchkiss, in 2003.
Scott Underwood
Scott Underwood served as the drummer and percussionist from 1994 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2014. He also played keyboards. Underwood was part of the band during its formative years and during the periods of its significant commercial success.
Brandon Bush
Brandon Bush joined Train as a keyboardist from 2003 to 2006, filling the void left by departing members. He was a part of the band’s transitional period.
Johnny Colt
Johnny Colt was the bassist for Train from 2003 to 2006. He joined the band during a period of significant change in its lineup.
Drew Shoals
Drew Shoals served as the drummer and percussionist for Train from 2014 to 2019. Shoals was part of the band’s more recent history and participated in some of their latest projects.
Luis Maldonado
Luis Maldonado played lead guitar for Train from 2016 to 2021.
Complete List Of Train Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
