Jon Brookes, the founding drummer for the Charlatans, died in hospital this morning (August 13) at the age of 44. The sad news was confirmed by the band on their website.
While their statement explained that Brookes had been working on new material with the rest of the group over the summer, it added that he was still in the process of recovering from his 2010 onstage seizure in Philadelphia, which was later revealed to have been triggered by a brain tumour. Since the incident, Brookes had undergone several operations.
Brookes helped found the West Midlands-based Charlatans in 1989, who racked up three No. 1 LPs in the UK — their baggy-styled 1990 debut Some Friendly, 1995's The Charlatans and 1997's Tellin' Stories. Described by the group as "one of the finest drummers of his generation," his playing was instrumental on singles like "The Only One I Know," "Weirdo," "One to Another" and "North Country Boy." The group's last LP with Brookes was 2010's Who We Touch.
The outfit 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 [Brookes's wife] Debbie and all of Jon's family."
Frontman Tim Burgess likewise tweeted his condolences, 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."
While their statement explained that Brookes had been working on new material with the rest of the group over the summer, it added that he was still in the process of recovering from his 2010 onstage seizure in Philadelphia, which was later revealed to have been triggered by a brain tumour. Since the incident, Brookes had undergone several operations.
Brookes helped found the West Midlands-based Charlatans in 1989, who racked up three No. 1 LPs in the UK — their baggy-styled 1990 debut Some Friendly, 1995's The Charlatans and 1997's Tellin' Stories. Described by the group as "one of the finest drummers of his generation," his playing was instrumental on singles like "The Only One I Know," "Weirdo," "One to Another" and "North Country Boy." The group's last LP with Brookes was 2010's Who We Touch.
The outfit 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 [Brookes's wife] Debbie and all of Jon's family."
Frontman Tim Burgess likewise tweeted his condolences, 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."
