Train returns to roots, celebrates new album with SF block party in front of Mad Dog in the Fog
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco band Train returned to its roots Thursday evening with a block party celebration in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to mark the release of its new album, Mad Dog in the Fog.
The event took place at Mad Dog in the Fog, the bar that inspired the album's title and, according to those involved, played a key role in the band's early history. Several blocks of Haight Street were closed for the gathering as fans assembled for a special performance by the group.
"Lots of excitement" surrounded the event as fans of all ages turned out to celebrate one of the city's best-known bands.
Train performed at the Haight-Ashbury bar after playing Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View the previous night.
"That's pretty wild to be honest," said Olin Borse, manager of Amoeba Music.
Borse said the band's success remains a source of pride for San Franciscans.
"I think it's just a point of pride for a lot of people from here," Borse said. "To see them go as far as they did...From the 2000s, everyone knew Drops of Jupiter. It's the biggest song."
Mad Dog in the Fog owner Cyrill Hackett attended Train's Shoreline performance and said he was thrilled to host the band at his bar.
"It was fantastic," Hackett said. "They got a great fan base here. For me it's really incredible, it's a real honor."
Hackett said the venue holds special significance in the band's history.
"Mad Dog was the first bar that paid them to play," he said.
Train frontman Pat Monahan has credited the pub with helping the band get started, and the group's new album is named after the establishment.
One of the songs on the album is also titled Mad Dog in the Fog.
"It's very catchy for sure," Hackett said. "When they first played to me, I really thought it was a joke. Pat was playing a joke. But it's really catchy."
Fans traveled from near and far to attend the performance.
"I think it's awesome. It's super cool that 25 years later and they're coming back to the place they started," said Los Altos resident Dave Blockhus.
Rachael Hendy traveled from England to attend.
"We love Train. We see Train as much as we can," Hendy said.
Jennifer Ani of Las Vegas said the location made the celebration especially meaningful.
"It's amazing. It's so very Train that they're solid to their roots; it's a perfect place for this party," Ani said.
Hackett said the event benefits more than just the band and its fans.
"It's great for the fans, it's great for the people, its great for the city, the neighborhood," he said.
During the block party, Train performed eight songs, including its hit "Drops of Jupiter" and the new track "Mad Dog in the Fog."
The celebration transformed several blocks of Haight Street into a showcase of hometown pride, as fans gathered to celebrate the band's latest album and its longstanding connection to San Francisco.
