Founder of American rock band Train dies aged 58

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

His sister confirmed the bassist’s death to the Associated Press Wednesday.

The cause of his death is not confirmed, but his mother would have declared to the American site TMZ he died after slipping in the shower while house-sitting for a friend in Brussels.

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.

Train paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “When I met Charlie Colin, I fell in love with him.

“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.”

Colin played bass for the band and in 2022 he told the Power Players With Dan Clark podcast that he “technically left Train in 2005”.

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.