Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes dies aged 44 after battle with brain tumour

Band pays tribute to 'one of the finest drummers of his generation'

Jon Brookes, from The Charlatans, has died aged 44 (Getty Images)

Jon Brookes, drummer with British band The Charlatans, has died aged 44.

He had undergone treatment, including surgery , for a brain tumour after collapsing onstage in Philadelphia in 2010.

According to a post on the band's website, the founding member died in his sleep early this morning.

A statement from the band - who called Brookes "one of the finest drummers of his generation" - read: "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 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."

Formed in 1989, the West Midlands rock band were most active in the nineties, and well-known for the top 10 hit "The Only One I Know." They had more than 20 other top 40 hits, including "Blackened Blue Eyes" and "One To Another".

According to the band, they and Brookes had recently been working on new material.