Jon Brookes, the drummer for British alt-rock band The Charlatans, has died at age 44 after a battle with cancer.

The BBC reports that even though Brookes had undergone surgeries, he still worked with the group on its new material. He had suffered a seizure while the band was touring in 2010 and doctors later found a brain tumor.

Brookes died Tuesday morning at a hospital, with his family by his side.

The Charlatans issued a statement on their website, mourning one of their founding members when the band began in 1989. “He was much loved by those who knew him and regarded as one of the finest drummers of his generation and will be dearly missed by all who knew him,” the statement reads.

“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. 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,” the group said.

Frontman Tim Burgess tweeted, “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.”

According to Rolling Stone, the group has released 11 studio albums, including their most recent, 2010’s Who We Touch. They have had 22 Top 40 U.K. hits, including “The Only One I Know” and “One to Another.” One of their other founding members, Rob Collins, died in 1996.