Johnny Marr has led the countless tributes which have been paid to Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes after his death at the age of just 44 was announced by the band yesterday (August 13th).
The Charlatans delivered their own tribute in a statement on their official website, describing Brookes as, “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,” they continued. “Our thoughts are with Debbie and all of Jon’s family.”
Frontman Tim Burgess also took to Twitter to pass on his thoughts to Brookes’ family, writing: “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.”
Brookes collapsed during a Charlatans gig in Philadelphia in 2010, and had been receiving treatment for brain cancer from then until the time of his death.
“Such sad news about the death of Jon Brookes,” Johnny Marr has said on Twitter. “Like all of The Charlatans Jon was one of the good guys. Love and respect.”
