Pat Monahan, the frontman of the rock band Train, has revealed that the inspiration for the band’s iconic song “Calling All Angels” stemmed from a pivotal moment during a therapy session. In an interview with PEOPLE, Monahan reflected on the struggles he faced during the creation of the band’s third studio album, *My Private Nation,* while navigating personal challenges, including a tumultuous marriage and the demands of fatherhood.
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Monahan recounted a transformative experience with his therapist in the Bay Area, who encouraged him to recognise his own worth. “I was very unhappy, despite career success, and she made me stand up and said, ‘We’re made up of traitors and angels and it’s time for you to call your angels,'” he shared. The 57-year-old singer was struck by the statement, describing his reaction: “I was like, ‘Ooh, I’m gonna steal that.'”
This therapy session had a profound impact on Monahan, prompting him to examine the human tendency to overlook one’s achievements. He pointed out that the struggle to celebrate personal success often stems from a relentless pursuit of improvement. “We’re so caught up in, ‘I need to get better, I need to do better, I need more,'” he explained. “She helped me slow down and appreciate what I was able to do and not what I wasn’t.”
During the period when *My Private Nation* was being produced, Monahan found himself in a particularly challenging phase of life. He was dividing his time between Seattle, San Francisco, and Pennsylvania, all while trying to navigate the difficulties of his family life. “It was a very difficult time for me,” he reflected, commenting on the stresses of managing a troubled marriage while raising two children.
Monahan’s marriage to Ginean Rapp lasted over 15 years before their divorce in 2006, with the couple sharing two children, son Patrick and daughter Emelia. He later married Amber Peterson in 2007. The lead singer acknowledged that balancing family obligations with a burgeoning music career created a complex and often overwhelming situation.
Now, with several years behind him, Monahan is focused on continuing to produce lyrically rich albums. “I’m still trying to make albums that the entire thing is special, not just one song,” he expressed. “It’s hard to write 10 beautiful songs.” His commitment to maintaining high standards in his songwriting has been a hallmark of Train’s enduring success.
Recently, Train unveiled their latest single, “The Weekend,” released on March 4, 2026. The band is also preparing for their *Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years in the Atmosphere* tour, set to commence in July 2026, marking a significant milestone for the group.
As Train prepares for this anniversary tour, Monahan’s reflections on personal growth and artistic inspiration highlight the complex interplay between an artist’s internal struggles and their creative output. His journey underscores the notion that even in times of hardship, artistic expression can flourish, often serving as a cathartic outlet through which deeper insights about life and self-appreciation emerge.