Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes has died aged 44.

According to a statement released on the band’s website today, Brookes passed away despite receiving treatment for a brain tumour following a seizure while on tour in Philadelphia three years ago. He had undergone several operations but died in hospital early this morning with his family at his bedside.
Frontman Tim Burgess followed this announcement by tweeting that the band was “torn apart” at the news: “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,” he wrote.

Following his collapse on stage in 2010, the rest of the band’s US tour was cancelled as Brookes was flown to the UK for treatment. After this incident, he explained how he was now on the “start of the long road of treatment for cancer” and was “feeling fit and positive”.
Last month, the band revealed that Brookes had undergone further surgery for the brain tumour and had recovered well from the operation but would remain in hospital for additional treatment.

“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 statment read, “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.”
Brookes, hailing from Burntwood, Staffordshire, was a founding member of the Charlatans, who formed in 1989 in the West Midlands.