Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes passes away
Jon Brookes, drummer with the Charlatans, passed away this morning after a battle with brain cancer aged 44.
He was first diagnosed after suffering a seizure and collapsing on stage in Philadelphia while on tour with the band in 2010.
Singer Tim Burgess paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "Jon Brookes, my friend, our drummer and inspiration to so many, passed away this morning. We are torn apart. Love & thoughts to Jon's family."
Jon Brookes, my friend, our drummer and inspiration to so many, passed away this morning. We are torn apart. Love & thoughts to Jon's family
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) August 13, 2013
A statement on the band’s website added: "Jon was a brilliant drummer, an inspiration, a founding member of The Charlatans, part of our family and a friend to everyone in and around the band.
"Losing someone who was always so full of life is a tragedy that will be shared by so many. Our thoughts are with Debbie and all of Jon's family."
Jon had undergone a number of operations and rejoined the band to work on new material this summer.
After a recent operation he said: "I will never be able to express my heartfelt thanks for all the love and light I received.”
Speaking of his battle, he added: “I hope it influences [recording with the band] in some way. It will definitely have a profound effect on me, but God knows what will come out from the experience."
The band have previously suffered the tragedy of losing their keyboard player, Rob Collins, who died in a car accident in 1996.
