Drummer Jon Brookes, who co-founded Madchester survivors The Charlatans in 1989, “passed away peacefully” this morning at age 44, nearly three years after collapsing onstage in Philadelphia from a seizure stemming from a previously undiagnosed brain tumor, the band announced “with great sadness” today.

In a post on the band’s website, The Charlatans said:

“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.”

Read the band’s full statement below.

Following his tumor diagnosis, Brookes rejoined the band onstage at the end of 2010, and, more recently, had been working with the band this summer on new material for a follow up to 2010’s Who We Touch.

Brookes’ passing is the second death of an original member of The Charlatans. Founding keyboard player Rob Collins died during the recording of the band’s 1997 album Tellin’ Stories.

News of Brookes’ death traveled fast, with peers and friends offering their thought via Twitter:

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

Such sad news about the death of Jon Brookes. Like all of The Charlatans Jon was one of the good guys. Love and respect. Johnny. — Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 13, 2013

So sad to hear about Jon Brookes, Charlatans drummer. Lovely man,such great company. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace,rise in glory x — Peter Hook (@peter_hook1) August 13, 2013

Very sad news about Jon Brookes. Condolences to his family, friends & bandmates x — The Primitives (@PRIMITIVESband) August 13, 2013

The Charlatans’ full statement:

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Jon Brookes, the drummer with The Charlatans, died this morning aged 44. Following a seizure on tour in Philadelphia in 2010, Jon had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour and had undergone several operations, although he had been working on new material with the band over the summer.. He passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning with his family at his bedside. Jon was a founding member of The Charlatans, who formed in the West Midlands in 1989. He was much loved by those who knew him and regarded as one of the finest drummers of his generation and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. “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 Charlatans. RIP JON BROOKES

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