Photos by Andy Argyrakis

There may be a generation or two between them, but that doesn’t mean Daryl Hall and John Oates’ pairing with Train isn’t shaping up to be a well-tailored tour. Besides both acts possessing a colossal arsenal of hits and continued popularity, all the main men come from Pennsylvania, plus Train’s Pat Monahan is no stranger to sitting in with the world’s best-selling duo as part of the “Live From Daryl’s House” web series.

The veterans also maintained the knack of their craft that warranted a slot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the sole new track “Philly Forget Me Not,” kicking off a mutual admiration set alongside Train’s Pat Monahan for Daryl Hall and John Oates’ piano-centered “Wait For Me” and his band’s rousing “Calling All Angels.”

While each is sharing co-headlining status with the promise of full sets, Train took the earlier slot at a fairly full United Center, blending some of the singer’s soulfulness from back home with the San Francisco-spiced pop/rock of the entire collective’s roots. And considering the group’s been ruling the radio since right around Y2K through tunes off its latest release “A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat,” that meant a ton of super catchy sing-a-longs (“If It’s Love,” “Call Me Sir,” “Meet Virginia,” “Hey Soul Sister,” “Play That Song,” “Drive By,” “Drops Of Jupiter”) accompanied by the snapping of selfies, tossing of T-shirts and a signed jean jacket, bouncing beach balls and an entire arena on its feet, which mirrored Train’s significant drawing power.

Though not nearly as engaging for the younger folks who might not have lived through Daryl Hall and John Oates’ MTV domination (let alone the singer/songwriter side of the 1970s that came before it), their musicianship more than spoke for itself, starting with the saxophone-filled opener “Maneater.” The troupe continued adapting a slower, jazzier approach throughout the tried-and-true likes of “Out Of Touch,” “She’s Gone,” “Sara Smile” and “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” while keeping die-hards on their toes with the unconventional “Is It A Star.”

The veterans also maintained the knack of their craft that warranted a slot in the Songwriters Hall of Fame with the sole new track “Philly Forget Me Not,” kicking off a mutual admiration set alongside Monahan for the pair’s piano-centered “Wait For Me” and his band’s rousing “Calling All Angels.” As if that wasn’t enough, Hall and Oates kept the celebratory vibe mounting with a four-pack of powerhouses (“Kiss On My List,” “Private Eyes,” “Rich Girl,” “You Make My Dreams”), all of which added to the reasons they’ve reaped so many awards and accolades.

Kathryn Randall contributed to this review.

For additional information on Daryl Hall and John Oates, visit HallandOates.com. For additional information on Train, visit SaveMeSanFrancisco.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Shania Twain (May 19); U2 (May 22-23); Depeche Mode (Jun. 1); Paul Simon (Jun. 6); Harry Styles (Jun. 30); Radiohead (Jul. 6-7); Panic! At The Disco (Jul. 17); Shakira (Aug. 3); Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 13-14); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Drake and Migos (Aug. 17-18); Childish Gambino (Sept. 8); Maroon 5 (Sept. 14); BTS (Oct. 2-3); Justin Timberlake (Oct. 5); Fleetwood Mac (Oct. 6); Eagles (Oct. 15); Phil Collins (Oct. 22); Elton John (Oct. 26-27) and Josh Groban with Idina Menzel (Nov. 6). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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