More about: The Charlatans

Tim Burgess, Lauren Laverne, Sara Cox, The 1975 and hundreds of fans have paid tributes to Jon Brookes, drummer with The Charlatans, who died after losing his two year battle with brain cancer. He was 44. 

The rock veteran (pictured above, right) was originally diagnosed with the disease in September 2010 after collapsing on stage following a seizure during a gig in America. He rejoined the band later that year before suffering a relapse in September 2012. Brookes had a third operation last month when he was replaced by Verve drummer Pete Salisbury for a series of live dates. 

Confirming the tragic news on Twitter today (Tuesday 13 August), frontman Tim Burgess paid tribute to his friend and band mate:

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

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) August 13, 2013

Radio hosts Sara Cox and Lauren Laverne spoke of their sadness on Twitter.

"So sad to hear of the death of Jon Brookes, charlatans drummer. Such a gentle, funny man. Thoughts with his family & friends," said Cox.

"Just hearing the terribly sad news about the death of The Charlatans' Jon Brookes," tweeted Laverne.

Rising Manchester guitar band The 1975 tweet simply, "R I P Jon Brookes."

Watch Jon performing with The Charlatans in their classic 'The Only Ones Who Know' below:

Speaking to The Metro newspaper about his battle with the disease and rejoining the band in 2011, Brookes said: "‘The world came crashing down around me when I collapsed on stage. But with the love and support from my family and friends, I’ve refocused and I’m really excited about the future. I’m still having check-ups and precautionary treatment but things are looking up.

"It’s a really great feeling being back out there, travelling, playing, and seeing the world, I’ve got a new lust for life, a lust for drumming, I just can’t get enough. In terms of health, I feel good, it’s just a case of taking it steady."

More about: The Charlatans