Newport Beach, California – Charlie Colin, the founding bassist of the pop-rock band Train, has passed away at the age of 58. According to reports, Colin died after slipping and falling in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels, Belgium. His body was discovered by friends upon their return from a trip approximately five days ago. Colin’s sister confirmed his death.
Colin had recently relocated to Brussels to teach a music masterclass at a conservatory and was also working on new music for a film at the time of his passing. The musician had been sharing his experiences in the city on Instagram, expressing his love for it in a post from March.
An integral part of Train’s original lineup in the 1990s, Colin contributed to hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Meet Virginia” before leaving the group in 2003 due to substance abuse issues. In a statement shared on Instagram, the band described Colin as a sweet and handsome person, expressing their fond memories and admiration for him.
In 2015, Colin, along with former bandmates Hotchkiss and Underwood, formed the band Painbirds with Tom Luce. Raised in Newport Beach, Colin and Hotchkiss had met in middle school before reconnecting at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Their collaboration eventually led to the formation of Train with Monahan, Stafford, and Underwood.
Reflecting on their musical journey, Hotchkiss recalled Colin’s commitment to writing songs and dedication to performing live. Despite challenges, the band remained steadfast in their pursuit of music, with Colin’s contribution shaping Train’s early sound and success.
The legacy of Charlie Colin lives on through Train’s music and the memories shared by his bandmates. His impact on the music industry and the fans who cherished his work will always be remembered.