He had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in 2010 when he collapsed at a gig in Philadelphia.
“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,” the band say in an official statement. “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.”
In his own tweeted message, Tim Burgess says, "My friend, our drummer and inspiration to so many, passed away this morning. We are torn apart. Love & thoughts to Jon's family."
Despite the severity of his illness, Brookes had been working on new material with the band over the summer.
“A fantastic, funny, talented and warmhearted bloke in every way,” reflects his broadcaster friend Terry Christian.
There’s also a rather touching tribute from the gang at West Bromwich Albion who say, “He was a true Baggie and the nicest guy you could know.”
Elsewhere, DJ Rob da Bank proffers: “Very sad news. The Charlatans’ ‘Indian Rope’ was my first proper twelve inch from one of my fave bands”; Inspiral Carpets singer Tom Hingley adds: “Jon was a great drummer, a thoroughly lovely man, his passing is very sad news”; Chemical Brother Ed Simons weighs in with “Genius drummer and lovely man” and our own Stuart Clark says, "I was fortunate enough to go out on the beer with him one night. Super-friendly guy, full of fun and incredibly passionate about music."