Third cancer op for Charlatans' drummer Jon Brookes
Charlatans drummer and Burntwood man Jon Brookes has undergone a third operation for cancer. The 44-year-old – who is suffering with a brain tumour – is said to be recovering at home following surgery.
The father-of-three was discharged on Friday and the band, who shot to fame with hits such as The Only One I Know, have announced that Verve drummer Pete Salisbury will deputise for their forthcoming live shows. Brookes went under the knife at Edgbaston's Priority Hospital last weekend after the tumour reappeared.
He first began suffering with it three years ago after collapsing on stage while performing in America. He suffered a seizure as the group, formed in Walsall, played in Philadelphia. Brookes was back on stage a month later and said a gig at the 02 Birmingham Academy had given him a new determination to get back on stage full time with the indie legends.
He underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatment for the tumour. The drummer thanked fans for all their support at the time. He said: "I will never be able to express my heartfelt thanks for all the love and light I received."
Brookes said he enjoyed seeing the band from the fans' perspective and appreciated it when singer Tim Burgess dedicated their 1997 hit Tellin' Stories to him. "It's been interesting what I have learned, the quicker people come to terms with things like this, the better," he added.
"I hope it influences it (recording with the band) in some way. It will definitely have a profound effect on me, but God knows what will come out from the experience."
Brookes – who has since given students an insight into his cancer battle during a talk at Halesowen College – has also set up JB Studios, near Pelsall, which is being used by local bands to rehearse.
He suffered a relapse in September 2012, two years after his initial diagnosis.
