Charlie Colin, the founding bassist of the popular pop-rock band Train, has passed away at the age of 58. Colin played a crucial role in the formation of Train alongside Pat Monahan, Rob Hotchkiss, Jimmy Stafford, and Scott Underwood in the 1990s.

During his time with Train, Colin contributed to the recording of several hits, including the chart-topping "Drops of Jupiter" and "Meet Virginia." "Drops of Jupiter" reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Train their first Grammy nominations for best rock performance by a duo or a group and record of the year. The band's self-titled debut album also made its mark, reaching No. 76 on the Billboard 200 in 1999.

However, Colin's journey with Train was not without its challenges. He left the group in 2003 due to substance abuse issues, but his impact on the band's early success was undeniable.

After parting ways with Train, Charlie Colin, along with former Train members Rob Hotchkiss and Scott Underwood, formed the band Painbirds in 2015, adding Tom Luce to their lineup. The band allowed Colin to continue pursuing his passion for music.

Colin's musical journey began in Newport Beach, where he first met Hotchkiss during middle school. Both musicians eventually attended Boston's Berklee College of Music, albeit at separate times. Destiny brought them back together when Hotchkiss formed his own band, the Apostles, and Colin joined as well.

It was through this connection that Colin eventually became a part of Train, alongside Monahan, Hotchkiss, Stafford, and Underwood. The band's chemistry and commitment to songwriting and live performances were paramount to their success.

Reflecting on their friendship, Hotchkiss fondly recalled how Colin always prioritized their music. In a 2015 interview with The Los Angeles Times, he said, "Charlie called me up and said, 'It's been this weird synchronicity where we're not even willing to consider quitting.' First and foremost, our priority is writing songs, and we really enjoy playing live."

The passing of Charlie Colin is a tremendous loss for the music industry and for Train fans worldwide. His contributions to the band's early music will forever be remembered and cherished. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow bandmates during this difficult time.