Train Band Mourns Former Bassist Charlie Colin's Unexpected Passing

Train Member TK Reacts to Former Bassist Charlie Colin’s Sudden Death

Jimmy Stafford, Rob Hotchkiss, Scott Underwood, Patrick Monahan, and Charlie Colin on July 3, 1998 in Chicago. Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Following the unexpected passing of former Train bassist Charlie Colin, the band paid tribute to him.

A statement posted on their social media accounts expressed, "When I first met Charlie Colin on the front left, I immediately felt a connection with him. He was such a kind and good-looking guy. It was only natural for us to form a band together. His exceptional bass skills and beautiful guitar playing helped us gain recognition in San Francisco and beyond. He will always have a special place in my heart. I always wanted to bring him closer, but he had his own vision. You will always be a legend, Charlie. Go charm those angels up above ⭐️."

News of Colin's passing at the age of 58 surfaced on Wednesday, May 22. He tragically slipped and fell in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Belgium, as confirmed by his mother to TMZ. His friends discovered him five days later upon returning from their trip.

According to his mother, Colin had recently made Brussels his permanent residence. He was actively involved in teaching a music master class at a conservatory, alongside working at a music studio. Additionally, he was also occupied with composing music for a film project.

Colin, a founding member of Train, was known for his role in the band alongside Pat Monahan, Rob Hotchkiss, Jimmy Stafford, and Scott Underwood. He and Hotchkiss became friends in seventh grade, even though they went to different colleges. (Colin pursued jazz composition guitar at Berklee School of Music in Boston.)

After moving to Los Angeles, Hotchkiss invited Colin to join a band. Train was officially formed in 1996. Unfortunately, due to alleged substance abuse issues, the bassist left the group in 2003.

Colin looked back on his decision to leave the band in a 2023 interview. He mentioned that there were many reasons that eventually led to his departure.

He reminisced about the band's non-stop schedule, mentioning how they went straight from touring to recording their second and third albums without any breaks. In Philadelphia, they even managed to work on what he called their "one-and-a-half record." Colin expressed that they never took a moment to pause, feeling like the success they were experiencing was almost too good to be true. He noted that most bands typically have a limited lifespan of just a few years.

After departing from Train, he played in different bands such as Slipknot and Puddle of Mudd. He later reunited with Hotchkiss in Painbirds, formed in 2015. His latest project was collaborating with Stan Frazier, Joel, and Scott Owen to form The Side Deal in 2017.

Editor's P/S:

The untimely demise of Train's founding bassist, Charlie Colin, has cast a somber shadow over the music world. His exceptional talent and amiable nature left an indelible mark on the band's formative years, contributing to their rise to prominence. Colin's decision to leave Train in 2003 was a difficult one, but it paved the way for a diverse musical journey that showcased his versatility and passion.

Colin's post-Train endeavors highlighted his adaptability, from collaborating with renowned bands like Slipknot and Puddle of Mudd to forming his own projects such as Painbirds and The Side Deal. His teaching and music composition pursuits in Belgium reflected his unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and sharing his musical knowledge. Charlie Colin's legacy will live on not only through Train's enduring success but also through the countless musicians he influenced and inspired throughout his remarkable career.