Jon Brookes was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 (thecharlatans.net)
Jon Brookes was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 (thecharlatans.net)

Jon Brookes, drummer with British indie band the Charlatans, has died at the age of 44 three years after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The band said that founding member Brookes died peacefully in hospital with his family by his bedside.

He had been diagnosed with a brain tumour after he had a seizure and collapsed while on tour in Philidelphia in 2010.

After undergoing several operations and chemotherapy sessions, he relapsed in September 2012 and underwent further operations as recently as July.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three daughters.

The band 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. 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.

"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."

The Charlatans lead singer, Tim Burgess, paid tribute to Brookes via Twitter. He said: "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 formed in 1989 and had a total of 22 UK top 40 hits singles, including four top 10s.

The band have released 11 studio albums, three of them reaching No 1 on the album chart.

Founder member and keyboard player Rob Collins died in a road accident in 1996.

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