This morning I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes. During his teens Jon played in various bands, including a jazz trio who played at his parents’ pub. At age 20, he was the youngest of the founder members of the band, who formed in 1988 and went on to become one of Britain’s best loved indie rock acts.
After being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010, Jon underwent surgery before suffering another relapse in 2012, and recently undergoing a third operation. After a showing of support from the fans, he took to Facebook to post his gratitude: “Hi everyone thanks again 4 gr8 support. Couldn’t have done it without u! Feeling stronger everyday! Start drumming on new Charlatans record very very soon. Best wishes and love to all!”
During the years Jon spent as a professional musician, he recorded with a host of other artists including The Chemical Brothers, Heidi Berry and played countless BBC live sessions with John Peel, Mark Radcliffe and Jo Whiley. He co-produced and also co-wrote much of The Charlatans musical output at their own recording studio. A man with a huge passion for music, Jon also worked as a producer, band manager/promoter and website developer/social media advisor for up and coming artists. In addition, he created The JB Studios in the West Midlands and his own label One Beat Records.
Thoughts and best wishes go out to his family, friends and the other members of The Charlatans. Thank you for the music Mr Brookes, you will be missed. RIP.
Here are a few of the first tributes coming in:
Mathew Priest (Dodgy): “I’m devastated to hear about the passing of Charlatans drummer Jon Brooks. I was only speaking to him a few weeks ago. Shit. He was a lovely bloke and a brilliant drummer. He loved music and never really had a bad word to say about anyone, even when he was going through chemo for the umpteenth time. My thoughts are with his family and band members. Fuck, what a shame. xx Love you Jonathon.”
