In The News

Drummer Jon Brookes passes away

Drummer Jon Brookes passes away

THE drummer Jon Brookes, who was one of the founding members of the indie bank The Charlatans, has passed away. He was 44.

Mr. Brookes had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour. His condition had been diagnosed in 2010 after he had collapsed during a concert by the band in the United States.

At the time, the drummer had stopped breathing but a doctor who was in the audience at the concert in Philadelphia had rushed to his aid. The band had immediately cancelled the remainder of their tour and Mr. Brookes was brought back to the U.K. to begin treatment.

Since that time he had undergone several operations and had been able to begin working with the band on new material only weeks before his death. However, in July the band had revealed that the drummer had undergone further surgery.

The remaining band members paid tribute to their friend. In a statement they said: “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.”

The statement continued:”Losing someone who was always so full of life is a tragedy that will be shared by so many.”

Mr. Brookes is survived by his wife Debbie and three daughters.

The Charlatans were formed in the West Midlands in 1989 and have had 22 UK top 40 hits. These include The Only One I Know (see below), One To Another and Can’t Get Out Of Bed.

This is the second tragedy to hit the band. In 1996 another original member, Rob Collins, was killed in a car accident.

To view an archive interview with Mr. Brookes, click here.

To see an excerpt of the band’s video for The Only One I Know, click here.

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