Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the rock group Train, dies. He was 58 years old.
Colin's sister, Carolyn Stephens, confirmed his death to the Associated Press. No cause of death was provided, but TMZ reported that Colin died after slipping and falling in the shower.
Train wrote a post on Instagram confirming his death. “He was THE sweetest guy and what a handsome guy,” the band said. “Let's make a band that is the only reasonable thing to do. His unique bass playing and his beautiful guitar work helped people notice us in SF and beyond… You're a legend, Charlie. Go love those angels' pants.
Originally from Newport Beach, Colin attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. After Colin reconnected with his former bandmates Jimmy Stafford and Rob Hotchkiss in San Francisco, they formed Train with singer Pat Monahan and drummer Scott Underwood in the '90s.
The group settled into a light, timeless rock sound that proved commercially successful and long-lasting on the radio, scoring several hits, including “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)”, “Meet Virginia” and “Hey, Soul Sister”. The group was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2002, for record and rock performance for “Drops of Jupiter.”
Colin played on Train's first three albums: the 1998 self-titled LP, 2001's “Drops of Jupiter” and 2003's “My Private Nation.” He left the band in 2003, reportedly due to substance abuse problems.
Monahan said in a 2017 interview that “Charlie is an incredible bassist, but he was in a lot of pain and the way he dealt with it was very painful for everyone around him.”
Colin also served as musical director of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Festival co-founder Todd Quartararo said in a statement to the Associated Press that “Charlie was a special part of the Newport Beach Film Festival family. We will surely miss his heart, compassion and creativity.”
Colin is survived by his parents, sister and a niece.
