The very sad news that Jon Brookes, drummer with UK alternative rock act The Charlatans, has died.
Brookes had been diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing on stage in Philadelphia in 2010. He had been treated with several operations but his health declined in recent weeks and died in hospital on Tuesday morning with his family by his side. Brookes initially showed great recovery from the illness but suffered a relapse last September.
The band's singer Tim Burgess confirmed the news by tweeting: "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."
A statement on the band's official website stated that "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 have scored 22 top 40 hits in the UK and had been working with Brookes on new material this summer before the turn in his health.
Rob Collins, the band's first keyboard player, died in a car accident in 1996.