The Charlatans' drummer Jon Brookes has passed away following treatment on a brain tumour.
Despite many of their contemporaries falling by the wayside, The Charlatans retain an evergreen popularity. It could be the band's back catalogue, or their give-it-everything approach to performing live – or maybe it's simply due to the down-to-Earth personalities of the people involved.
Drummer Jon Brookes has been a stalwart with the group, despite being diagnosed with a brain tumour back in 2010. Playing and recording with the band throughout his illness, the musician was admitted to hospital earlier this week.
Sadly, Jon Brookes passed away this morning (August 13th). Tim Burgess broke the news on Twitter, saying simply: "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 Charlatans issued an official statement, confirming the news:
"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."
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