Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of Train, has died at 58. His sister, Carolyn Stephens, confirmed his death on Wednesday.
Colin died after slipping and falling in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels. He was in Brussels teaching a master class at a conservatory and completing music for an upcoming film.
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of Train, grew up in Southern California and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he played bass in a group called Apostles with guitarist Jimmy Stafford and singer Rob Hotchkiss.
After the band disbanded, they relocated to San Francisco and formed Train in the early 1990s with singer Pat Monahan. Train achieved massive success with hits like “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Marry Me.”
In 2003, Colin announced his departure from the band due to substance abuse issues.
“Charlie is one incredible bass player, but he was in a lot of pain, and the way he was dealing with it was very painful for everyone else around him,” Monahan told in 2017, noting that he told the band he would quit if Colin stayed.
“They weren’t happy about the choice. They were very clear that I put them in a very tough position.”
After news of Colin’s passing emerged, the band shared a heartfelt message on their official Instagram account.
“When I met Charlie Colin, front left, I fell in love with him. He was the sweetest guy and what a handsome chap. Let’s make a band that’s the only reasonable thing to do,” the caption read.
“His unique bass playing and beautiful guitar work helped get folks to notice us in SF and beyond. I’ll always have a warm place for him in my heart. I always tried to pull him closer but he had a vision of his own. You’re a legend, Charlie. Go charm the pants off those angels.”
Fans were quick to react to the news as well, offering their condolences.
“Charlie was my musical hero,” one follower commented. “His playing inspired me to become a musician. He was so gracious in letting me into his life. The world has lost a consummate artist and truly beautiful soul. Love and condolences to Charlie’s friends and family.”
“What an incredible loss to his family and the music world. Rest in Paradise,” another wrote.
According to his Instagram account, Colin was living as an artist in Belgium and serving as the musical director of the NBFilm festival.
