The Charlatans Drummer Jon Brookes Dies After Cancer Battle

Jon Brookes, the drummer of British alt rock quintet The Charlatans, has died following a 3-year battle with brain cancer.

The 44-year-old was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2010 after suffering from a seizure while on tour in Philadelphia. Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess broke the news via Twitter last night, posting, “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.”

The band also posted a collective statement on their official website:

“Jon was a founding member of The Charlatans, who formed in the West Midlands in 1989. He was much loved by those who knew him and regarded as one of the finest drummers of his generation and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“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.”

Brookes had been through many surgeries and treatments following his diagnosis, with The Verve drummer Pete Salisbury stepping in to replace him on tour, although Brookes had begun working on new material with the band in recent times. He is survived by his wife Debbie and their three children.

The Charlatans formed in 1988 and have seen massive success in their home country, each of their 11 albums hitting the UK top 40 with 3 going to number 1.

Music Feeds sends our condolences to Brookes’ family, friends and Charlatans fans everywhere.

(via Artist Direct)