Charlatans drummer Brookes rejoins band

Jon Brookes will rejoin The Charlatans this Friday for their Edinburgh Hogmanay show after his successful treatment for brain cancer.

The drummer collapsed during a live show in Philadelphia in September and was replaced by ex-Verve musician Pete Salisbury for several dates, but will rejoin the band for their Concert In The Gardens show on New Year's Eve.

Frontman Tim Burgess told the Daily Record: "Jon is doing really well. I texted him last night and he said he had got the all-clear and the cancer is gone. It's really crazy what happened.

"It still doesn't feel that real to us. Obviously, it does to him. It's amazing and a big deal to be asked to play what is the biggest party of the year. It means we're going to end the year in style."

He added: "It's going to be Jon's first gig back since September so that's going to be an emotional time for us as well.

"I think it is going to be an all-round brilliant evening for everybody. It's going to be epic."

Brookes joined his Charlatans bandmate on stage at the Birmingham Academy for the last song of their UK tour in October.