Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes has brain tumour

The Charlatans' drummer Jon Brookes has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. After cancelling a string of North American gigs, the band have announced that they will resume their world tour with a "short-term replacement". Brookes collapsed on stage last Wednesday, six songs into a performance at Philadelphia's Johnny Brenda's concert hall. The drummer reportedly fell into a seizure and although he received first aid from a member of the audience, Brookes was quickly rushed to hospital. He received CAT and MRI scans in the US but was flown back to the UK last weekend for "further treatment", according to an earlier statement. "His condition is said to be improving and doctors believe there will be no long-term effects on his health," the Charlatans said at that time. But yesterday the news took a turn for the worse. In a press release, spokespeople for the band said Brookes is "undergoing treatment ... for a brain tumour". While the Charlatans have called off concert dates in the US and Canada, their British and European tour dates "remain unaltered". Their next scheduled gig is 27 September, in London. Brookes was one of the co-founders of the Charlatans, who recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their first album. He is also the group's principal blogger and celebrated his birthday on Tuesday. "The band and Jon would like to thank all well-wishers for their kind messages of support," the group wrote.