Charlie Colin: the founder of the American rock group Train has died at the age of 58

American rock band Train have paid tribute to their founding member Charlie Colin, following his death aged 58, calling him “the nicest guy”.

The band formed in San Francisco in 1993 and had one of their biggest hits eight years later, with Drops of Jupiter.

Colin left the group in the early 2000s, before releasing one of their other major hits, Hey Soul Sister, in 2009.

“He was THE nicest guy and what a handsome boy. Let’s start a band, it’s the only reasonable thing to do.

“His unique bass playing and beautiful guitar work helped people notice us in SF and beyond. I will always have a warm place for him in my heart.

“I always tried to bring him closer but he had his own vision. You’re a legend, Charlie. Go charm those angels.”

He then continued to work in the music industry, playing guitar and singing for other bands.

Train is led by singer Patrick Monahan and had a breakthrough hit in 2001, Drops of Jupiter.

They toured with Barenaked Ladies and Counting Crows, and in 2003 their album, My Private Nation, went platinum.

Train continued to have hits, including the song Drive By in 2012, and their most recent studio album was 2022’s AM Gold, their first studio album in five years.