Charlatans drummer 'back in six weeks'

Tim Burgess has suggested that Charlatans drummer Jon Brookes could return to the band in six weeks.

Brookes was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour after collapsing during a US tour gig in Philadelphia. Pete Salisbury from The Verve has been drafted as a replacement for The Charlatans' UK tour dates this month.

Speaking to Radio 1's Newsbeat, Burgess confirmed that Brookes is out of intensive care following surgery last week and is keen to rejoin the band. "He wants to go to Australia, which is in six weeks' time. I think that's the most realistic way to look at everything," he added.

Commenting on the group's first gig without Brookes in London last night, Burgess said: "We had three days to rehearse the songs. It was weird not to play with Jon but we had to fulfil our commitments."

NME reports that The Charlatans' frontman dedicated part of their set at last night's Oxjam gig to Brookes, saying: "It's been a funny couple of weeks. This next one is for Jon."