Charlatans star Jon Brookes glad to be alive after relapse
Indie rock star Jon Brookes is recovering at his Staffordshire home from a relapse two years after having a brain tumour removed.
The Charlatans drummer, who lives in Burntwood, said he was happy to be alive after undergoing successful surgery in time to celebrate his 44th birthday. He posted on his Facebook page: "Thanks for the happy birthday shouts, had a great day with friends and family and just being alive was special too!"
He also wrote: "I'm gonna be fine, round two! The bell has rung, time to get on my feet again!"
A statement on the band's website says simply: "On the weekend of the September 15 and 16, Jon returned to hospital to undergo further surgery, in relation to the diagnosis of a brain tumour in 2010. Jon is now back at home and making a good recovery." The married father-of-three collapsed on stage in Philadelphia in September 2010, six songs into a performance after appearing to have a seizure.
He received first aid from a member of the audience before being rushed to hospital for CAT and MRI scans.
He chose to return to the UK to undergo surgery at the Priory Hospital in Edgbaston so he could be close to his family. He said at the time: "The biggest thing that has come out of this for me has been the love and support of my friends and family. With them behind me I honestly believe I can get through anything." His treatment also involved chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In an interview, following his convalescence, he recounted his memory of what happened.
"I saw lights flashing in the corners of my eyes and my vision was obscured by two purple orbs, almost like the inside of a lava lamp. My hearing went and I felt nausea and dizziness. It was very intense, very surreal.
"The band were playing one tune and I started to play the ending to a different song, so the rest of them realised something was wrong. At that point, I was just a passenger, my brain had decided to do its own thing."
Mr Brookes, whose hits with the band include The Only One I Know, set up JB Studios, a rehearsal room in Cannock, which gives youngsters the chance to use recording facilities.
