The Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes dies at 44

The musician, from Burntwood, had been battling a brain tumour.

He died this morning at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with his family at his bedside.

Tributes have been pouring in for the popular drummer.

The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess took to social networking site Twitter.

A statement released by the band 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."

Father-of-three Mr Brookes, married to wife Debbie, had been working on new material with the band over the summer.

In 2010 he suffered a seizure while on tour in Philadelphia. He had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour and had undergone three operations, the most recent being in June.

He went under the knife at Edgbaston's Priority Hospital after the tumour reappeared.

He was a founding member of The Charlatans, which formed in Walsall in 1989. The band shot to fame with hits such as The Only One I Know and went on to achieve four top 10 hits.

Mr Brookes briefly stopped breathing while on stage during the gig in Philadelphia three years ago. He was helped by a doctor attending the show, before being taken to hospital.

The rest of the American tour was cancelled as Mr Brookes was flown to the UK for treatment.

Mr Brookes returned to the stage for the band's Christmas and New Year Eve's gigs in 2010.

He leaves behind his wife Deborah, and children Lola Primrose, 12, Ruby Rose, nine, and Coco Dahlia, four.

West Bromwich Albion today paid tribute to Baggies fan Mr Brookes.

On Twitter the club wrote: "We're so sad to hear of the passing of @thecharlatans drummer Jon Brookes. He was a true Baggie and the nicest guy you could meet #ripJB"

They later announced their own tribute:

The band, who have had more than 20 top 40 hits, released their debut single, Indian Rope, in 1990. Founder member and keyboard player Rob Collins died in a road accident in 1996.

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