UK band The Charlatans have had to postpone their US tour after drummer Jon Brookes collapsed during their gig in Philadelphia. Originally, the band was to postpone their Chicago show, but after a series of tests (nature unknown) Brookes has been sent back to the UK for more tests and treatment. This follows a long line of infamous setbacks for the Charlatans, whose recent history could rival that of The Who or INXS, losing past members to alcohol addiction, mental illness, testicular cancer and jail. In a tragic twist of fate, Rob Collins- who was jailed for armed robbery- died in a car accident on his way home from the studio after being released from jail.
When their next keyboardist was diagnosed with cancer weeks before they released Wonderland, they suffered another blow to commercial viability as the album was released on September 11th 2001. Not surprisingly, the album only sold a few hundred copies and they were forced to scrap any promotional plans they had.
The band’s official website has stated that “The Charlatans are very upset at not being able to continue the tour but hope to reschedule the dates as soon as possible.”
