Jon Brookes, the drummer with the Charlatans, has died aged 44.

Brooks – in the centre of the above photograph – had undergone several operations after being diagnosed in 2010 with a brain tumour, and had still been working on new material with the band over the summer. He died in hospital on Tuesday morning with his family at his bedside.

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The band’s singer, Tim Burgess, Tweeted: “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”.

In a statement the band said, “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Jon Brookes, the drummer with The Charlatans, died this morning aged 44.

“Following a seizure on tour in Philadelphia in 2010, Jon had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour and had undergone several operations, although he had been working on new material with the band over the summer.. He passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning with his family at his bedside.

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“Jon was a founding member of The Charlatans, who formed in the West Midlands in 1989. 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.

“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. – The Charlatans”

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