This summer’s "Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years In the Atmosphere Tour" is not merely a celebration of iconic hits but a profound generational bridge, showcasing the musical talents of the next generation alongside rock veterans Train and Barenaked Ladies. Headliners Train, renowned for their Grammy-winning anthems, and supporting act Barenaked Ladies, celebrated for their witty lyricism and eclectic sound, are both taking the stage each night with an unprecedented twist: father-son combinations that are electrifying audiences and signaling a vibrant future for rock music. This unique confluence of seasoned artistry and burgeoning talent has become a central talking point of the tour, adding layers of familial pride and fresh energy to the established acts.
A Star in the Making: Rock Monahan Joins Train
Train frontman Pat Monahan introduces his 14-year-old son, Rock Monahan, to the spotlight, a move that has garnered significant attention and praise. Rock, though young, is far from a mere novelty act. He commands the stage with an impressive display of vocal prowess and guitar skill, particularly during a powerful cover of Journey’s classic "Stone in Love." His performance includes going "toe-to-toe" with lead guitarist Butch Walker on the solos, a testament to his burgeoning talent and confidence. Beyond this classic rock staple, Rock also contributes to Dirty Heads’ "Vacation" (a song Pat Monahan featured on in a 2021 version) and the band’s own beloved "Save Me, San Francisco," seamlessly integrating into Train’s setlist.
Pat Monahan, speaking to Billboard via Zoom with Rock by his side, exudes palpable pride. He describes his son as possessing an innate maturity, a "40-year-old man" in a teenager’s body, characterized by a great sense of humor, talent, and an easygoing demeanor. Monahan emphasizes Rock’s strong work ethic, noting that while audiences might initially approach a child performer with a "this will be cute" mentality, Rock’s genuine skill quickly transforms that into awe. "When it’s great they go, ‘Oh, sh-t! Karen, get your phone!’ It’s really fun to watch," Monahan quips, highlighting the enthusiastic audience reception.
Rock’s musical journey began early, born into the touring lifestyle in Seattle as the youngest of three siblings. He made his first stage cameo at the tender age of seven. While initially drawn to singing, his focus shifted dramatically to guitar after being exposed to Joe Satriani playing Van Halen songs with Sammy Hagar. This pivotal experience, Rock recounts, revealed a new dimension of guitar playing, leading him down a "rabbit hole" of discovery. Led Zeppelin quickly became a foundational influence, with Rock expressing deep admiration for Jimmy Page’s songwriting and David Gilmour’s ethereal solos, which he says "feel like you’re literally floating." His expanding palette includes heavy metal legends like Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield, Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, and Ozzy Osbourne’s iconic guitarists Zakk Wylde and Randy Rhoads. The Monahans even attended the Back to the Beginning Osbourne/Sabbath farewell festival in Birmingham, England, last summer, underscoring Rock’s deep immersion in rock history. More recently, he’s delved into the nuanced playing of the late Jeff Buckley. "All I do is listen to music and play music," Rock states, embodying the dedication of a true musician.
His talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by his bandmates. Butch Walker, who suggested "Stone in Love" as a showcase for Rock, praises his "musical sponge" quality and obsession with guitar, reminiscent of his own youth. Walker notes Rock’s incredible vocal range at just 14, enabling the band to perform a wide array of songs with him. His confidence and comfort on stage, having grown up around the band, allow him to "hang around and joke and talk shop, kinda like another band member." This sentiment is echoed by Pat Monahan, who observes how Walker and Train bassist Hector Maldonado have "really taken Rock under wing," even accompanying him on guitar shop visits. These excursions have led to significant acquisitions for Rock, including a sparkly purple ESP from Nashville and a Gibson Custom Murphy Lab Flying V (similar to Kirk Hammett’s signature model) acquired during a recent trip to Chicago – an "expensive little afternoon," his father jokes.
The buzz around Rock Monahan extends beyond the stage and into the industry. Pat Monahan reveals that Rock has caught the attention of music heavyweights. His manager, who also represents Green Day and Keith Urban, received texts from both artists. Keith Urban, impressed by Rock, even asked if he could "come out and jam with Rock" – explicitly "not Train, Rock." Urban subsequently joined the band for a cover of Player’s "Baby Come Back" on August 7 in Chicago. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong texted the manager, proclaiming, "Pat’s son’s kinda f—kin’ awesome man." Even Journey’s legendary guitarist Neal Schon recently followed Rock on Instagram, a significant nod of approval from one of his primary inspirations.
Looking ahead, Pat Monahan, Rock, and Butch Walker are collaborating on a new song, aiming to release it after the viral success of "Stone in Love" on social media. The plan is for Rock to continue "habitually writing" between school and other activities, emphasizing the need to put in "10,000 hours" to hone his songwriting craft. Rock, for his part, expresses profound contentment: "I’m just doing what I love with people I love… I’ve grown up with this band around me, and it’s really fun and amazing to be part of it like this."
Barenaked Ladies’ Enhanced Sound: Lyle Robertson Steps Up
On the Barenaked Ladies’ front, Ed Robertson’s multi-instrumentalist son, Lyle Robertson, 26, has seamlessly integrated into the band as a utility player. His role extends across guitar, bass, keyboards, and backing vocals, filling out the band’s sound throughout their hour-long sets. Lyle’s involvement initially arose from a period of personal difficulty for the band. The original plan was for Lyle to be on call as a substitute for bassist Jim Creeggan, whose father passed away last month, offering Creeggan the flexibility to be with his family. Lyle had previously performed with the group in November and December during their nearly five-week run on the CPKC Holiday Train, demonstrating his capability and familiarity with the band’s repertoire.
Ed Robertson elaborates on the decision to keep Lyle on the tour: "The original plan was to have Lyle on retainer in case Jim needed to slip home last-minute… Then we thought, ‘Why not keep Lyle out here? He’s already here. He can play some guitar, do some vocals, and if Jim needs to split in a hurry he can slide over to bass.’" It was Jim Creeggan himself who wholeheartedly supported the idea, recognizing Lyle’s talent and existing rapport with the band: "Jim’s the one who said right away, ‘Lyle’s a great musician, such a great player. We all know and love him. Let’s bring him along,’ and it’s been a real pleasure to have him out."
Lyle’s presence marks a significant shift for Barenaked Ladies, allowing them to perform as a quintet for the first time since co-founder Stephen Page’s departure in 2009. This expanded lineup has visibly enriched their live sound. Ed Robertson notes the positive impact, stating, "It’s really nice… There are certain songs, like ‘Falling For the First Time,’ where I’ve missed having an extra guitar. Playing ‘Brian Wilson,’ it’s great to have that second acoustic guitar. It’s sure nice having an extra live player to fill out the sound." The added instrumentation brings a fuller, more dynamic texture to their performances, allowing for richer arrangements and a more robust stage presence.
Lyle’s musical path is as diverse as his contributions to BNL. He’s been "fiddling around with things" since childhood, starting drums at seven, inspired by AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. He transitioned to guitar around age 11, then picked up bass at 16, which he considers his favorite instrument, before teaching himself piano more recently. Currently, Lyle is a student at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto, furthering his musical education. He also fronts his own band, High Flyer, which began releasing music in 2023, dropping a new single, "Come a Little Closer," in July, with more material slated for future release.
BNL’s Kevin Hearn praises Lyle as "a really accomplished musician" who grew up immersed in their world, making him an "easy fit." For Lyle, the experience has been "a crazy learning curve, in the best way." He acknowledges that while some BNL songs were already familiar, others required dedicated learning, particularly the specific parts played live, offering a valuable opportunity to master them at a professional level. Despite his father having a private plane for travel between shows, Lyle often chooses to ride the tour bus, relishing the camaraderie with his "uncles" – Kevin Hearn, Jim Creeggan, drummer Tyler Stewart, and tour manager Ike Schaible. He appreciates the "great lifestyle" of shooting the breeze, watching movies, and reading on the bus, finding comfort in the routine.
Lyle remains committed to his studies and his band High Flyer, but is open to any future opportunities with BNL. Observing Rock Monahan’s experience on tour, particularly the guitar acquisitions, sparked a playful thought: "Yeah, I made a joke the other day — ‘Hey, dad, think if I spend the next day off with Pat he’ll get me a guitar, too?’"
A Summer Camp of Rock and Legacy
Beyond their respective stages, the two young musicians have forged a bond, a testament to the "summer camp" atmosphere of the tour. Lyle recounts a dinner with the Train band members where he and Rock instantly connected, quoting lines from comedy movies like Tropic Thunder and Hot Rod – films they believed only they found funny. This easy camaraderie extends throughout the tour, fostering a supportive and joyful community. In an industry often plagued by "train wrecks of people on tour not getting along," this tour stands out as a harmonious collaboration, a "huge community in the very best way," as Lyle describes it. For both Rock and Lyle, being part of this tour is unequivocally "a dream come true."
The "Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years In the Atmosphere Tour" is more than a concert series; it’s a living narrative about musical legacy, mentorship, and the exciting emergence of new talent. Train’s "Drops of Jupiter," released in 2001, became a global phenomenon, winning a Grammy for Best Rock Song and propelling the band to superstardom. Celebrating its 25th anniversary on this tour underscores the enduring appeal and cultural impact of the band’s catalog. Similarly, Barenaked Ladies have cultivated a devoted following over decades with hits like "One Week" and "If I Had $1000000," making their continued evolution on stage all the more compelling. The tour, which also features opener Matt Nathanson, offers a multi-generational appeal, drawing in long-time fans eager to relive classic moments and new audiences intrigued by the dynamic stage presence of the sons.
The implications of this tour extend beyond immediate performances. It highlights a unique model of family integration in the music business, showcasing how established artists can foster the next generation not just through passive encouragement but active, on-stage collaboration. This passing of the torch, from father to son, is a powerful statement about the continuity of musical passion and the enduring spirit of live performance. For Rock Monahan, the experience is a fast-track education in the rigors and rewards of touring, while for Lyle Robertson, it’s an opportunity to apply his diverse skills on a large scale, contributing to a band he’s known his entire life.
As the tour progresses towards its conclusion, both bands are also looking to the future with new material. Train is set to release their upcoming studio album, Mad Dog in the Fog, on August 28, offering fans fresh tracks alongside their classics. Concurrently, Pat Monahan is preparing for the September 6 opening of Begin Again, a stage musical adaptation of the 2013 John Carney film, for which he has penned new songs, premiering in San Diego. Barenaked Ladies have also unveiled new music for the summer trek, releasing two new songs, "Almost Ready" and "Careful (For Dee)," and plan to commence writing in earnest in early 2027 for a follow-up to their 2023 album, In Flight.
The "Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere" tour, featuring Train, Barenaked Ladies, and Matt Nathanson, continues to electrify audiences across North America, culminating in a final string of dates:
- August 19, 2026 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
- August 21, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- August 22, 2026 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
- August 24, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
- August 25, 2026 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic
- August 26, 2026 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
- August 28, 2026 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
- August 29, 2026 – Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
- August 30, 2026 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
This tour stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of music, celebrating quarter-century milestones while simultaneously ushering in a promising new chapter for two beloved bands, marked by the harmonious blend of seasoned artistry and the exciting emergence of a new generation.
