In Memoriam: Charlie Colin

Sad news to report today as Train bassist and co-founder Charlie Colin has died. He was 58 years old. The band shared the news with a tribute to Colin on Instagram.

“When I met Charlie Colin, front left, I fell in love with him,” the post stated. “He was THE sweetest guy, and what a handsome chap. Let’s make a band; that’s the only reasonable thing to do. 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.”

Colin was born in Newport Beach, California, where he began his musical adventures on guitar at just eight years old. He attended Berklee College of Music, after which he went to Singapore to write and play jingles. Colin then moved to San Francisco with Jimmy Stafford and Rob Hotchkiss, where they formed the band Apostles. It didn’t last, but the three would come together again when Hotchkiss formed Train with singer Pat Monahan.

Train was formed in 1993, scoring a top 20 hit in 1999 with “Meet Virginia.” Their 2001 song “Drops of Jupiter” became a smash hit, leading to international touring. The song also won two Grammys for Best Rock Song and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist.

Colin was dismissed from the band in 2003 due to substance abuse, but he continued in the music industry. He collaborated with bands including Food Pill, Painbirds, Days of the New, The Side Deal, and more.

Our thoughts are with Charlie Colin’s family and friends.