The Charlatans

The Profile

English rock band led by Tim Burgess, associated with the Madchester and Britpop scenes. Formed in the late 1980s, the group endured the deaths of keyboardist Rob Collins (in a car crash) and drummer Jon Brookes (2013). Their sound is marked by prominent keyboards (Hammond) and steady reinvention.

Rob Collins died in a car crash during the recording period around Tellin' Stories; Jon Brookes died in 2013 of a brain tumour. Tim Burgess is the band's longtime lead vocalist. Tellin' Stories is noted in reviews as the band's biggest commercial success. The band has roots in the Madchester/baggy scene and later associated with Britpop.

DeBaser's reviews treat The Charlatans as enduring figures of the Madchester/Britpop era, praising key albums like Tellin' Stories and Some Friendly. Reviews note tragic losses (keyboardist Rob Collins, drummer Jon Brookes) and frequent reinventions of sound. Overall the coverage is fond and generally positive.