The drummer of British indie band The Charlatans has died today aged just 44 after battling brain cancer.
This is the second death that The Charlatans - who were formed in 1989 - have experienced. Their keyboardist Rob Collins died in a car accident in 1996 whilst they were recording their fifth album:
The Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes has died aged 44.
The musician passed away in hospital on Tuesday morning surrounded by family, after battling with brain cancer.
He was first diagnosed after suffering a seizure and collapsing on stage in Philadelphia while on tour with the band in 2010.
Jon, on the far left, with his bandmates
Singer Tim Burgess paid tribute on Twitter, 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.'
A statement on the band’s website added: '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.'
Jon had undergone a number of operations and rejoined the band to work on new material this summer.
After a recent operation he said: 'I will never be able to express my heartfelt thanks for all the love and light I received.
Speaking of his battle, he added: 'I hope it influences [recording with the band] in some way. It will definitely have a profound effect on me, but God knows what will come out from the experience.'
The band have previously suffered the tragedy of losing their keyboard player, Rob Collins, who died in a car accident in 1996.
Jon was one of the founding members of the Charlatans in 1989, who had 22 hits in the UK top 40 including One To Another, The Only One I Know and Can't Get Out Of Bed.
'RIP Jon Brookes': The band's touching message on their website