The music world mourns the loss of Charlie Colin, a founding member and bassist for the immensely popular rock band Train. Colin, a California native with a deep passion for music, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58.
A Tragic Fall: The Circumstances of Colin’s Passing
Details surrounding Colin’s death are still emerging. According to TMZ, who spoke with Colin’s mother, the musician died from a fall in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels, Belgium. The exact date of his passing remains unclear, with reports indicating his body was discovered by his friends upon their return from a trip – a timeframe suggesting he may have been alone for several days.
A Life Filled with Music: From California to Brussels
Colin’s journey with music began in Newport Beach, California. It was there that he first met and bonded with future bandmate Rob Hotchkiss during their middle school years. Their shared passion for music led them both to pursue further education at prestigious institutions. While they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston at different times, fate ultimately reconnected them when Hotchkiss formed the band “The Apostles.”
The Birth of Train: A Band Forged from Friendship
The disbanding of “The Apostles” marked the beginning of a new chapter for Colin and Hotchkiss. Their paths crossed once again with vocalist Pat Monahan, sparking a creative partnership that would soon evolve. Stafford and Colin were later invited to join the burgeoning band, with Colin bringing in drummer Scott Underwood to complete the lineup that would become known as Train.
Bass Lines and Chart-Topping Hits: Colin’s Legacy with Train
Colin’s musical contributions were instrumental in Train’s rise to fame. His distinctive bass lines formed the backbone of the band’s sound, perfectly complementing the powerful vocals and catchy melodies that became their signature. During his tenure with the band, Colin played a pivotal role in crafting some of Train’s most iconic hits, including “Drops of Jupiter,” a song that reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered the band their first Grammy nominations. Other notable hits include “Meet Virginia” and the band’s self-titled debut album, which reached No. 76 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1999.
A New Chapter: Beyond Train and Embracing New Horizons
Colin’s journey with Train wouldn’t be a permanent one. In 2003, he made the difficult decision to leave the band due to personal struggles with substance abuse. This marked a shift in his musical path, but his creative spirit continued to flourish. In 2015, he joined forces with former Train bandmates Hotchkiss and Underwood to form a new band called Painbirds, showcasing his versatility and enduring love for music creation.
Colin’s recent move to Brussels reflects his adventurous spirit and lifelong pursuit of artistic evolution. News reports indicate he had relocated to teach a music masterclass at a conservatory and was actively working on new music for a film project at the time of his passing. His social media presence further suggests a deep appreciation for his adopted city, with a March post declaring Brussels his “officially [his] favorite city.”
A Life Cut Short: The Music World Remembers Charlie Colin
The news of Charlie Colin’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry. Train’s official Instagram account paid tribute to their former bandmate, calling him “the sweetest guy and what a handsome chap” and expressing their admiration for his technical prowess and contributions to the band. Countless fans have also taken to social media to express their sadness and share their favorite Train songs featuring Colin’s signature bass lines.
Charlie Colin’s legacy extends far beyond his time with Train. He leaves behind a rich musical tapestry – from the infectious energy of Train’s early hits to the promise of new musical ventures. His story is a testament to the enduring power of music, the importance of collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of a true artist.
