Jon Brookes (pictured, centre), the drummer for the hugely influential British rock band The Charlatans, has died aged 44.
Brookes had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour after suffering a seizure in Philadelphia in 2010. Brookes was undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy as a result of the tumour, but continued to perform with The Charlatans until September 2012, when he suffered a relapse. Today the a spokesperson for the band confirmed that Brookes had passed away peacefully this morning at the hospital, with his family at his bedside.
The band released a statement following Brookes’ death, saying: “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.”
The Charlatans’ singer Tim Burgess also took to Twitter to express his grief, saying: “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.”
