Jon Brookes

Jon Brookes

Johnny Marr has led the tributes to The Charlatans' late drummer Jon Brookes.

The 'One to Another' musician died yesterday morning (13.08.13) aged 44 after a battle with brain cancer, and the former Smiths star has described him as "one of the good guys".

Johnny wrote on Twitter: "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."

The band's frontman Tim Burgess admitted the group were "torn apart" by the news when he addressed his Twitter followers yesterday.

He posted: "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."

Pop rockers The Feeling also paid tribute to the fallen star, who they had toured with earlier in their career.

They said: "Rest in peace Jon Brookes. We toured with The Charlatans a few years back, and he was a good bloke. Very sad news C."

Radio DJ and Sunday Best owner Rob da Bank also spoke fondly of Jon, and revealed the group's debut track 'Indian Rope' was the first 12" single he bought.

He commented: "V sad news about Jon Brookes.. The Charlatans Indian Rope was my first proper twelve inch from one of my fave bands .. RIP :( (sic)".