The Charlatans (English band)

Lore & Background

The band was formed by bassist Martin Blunt, who recruited Rob Collins (keyboards), Jon Brookes (drums), Jon Day (guitar), and singer-guitarist Baz Ketley. Ketley was soon replaced by Tim Burgess, who had previously supported the Charlatans with his band the Electric Crayons. Early demos recorded in 1988 in Birmingham and Dudley showcased the sound that would define their music, blending 1960s soul, R&B, and garage rock, influenced by the Stranglers, Stax Records, Joy Division, and the Doors, as well as the acid house scene. Their debut single 'Indian Rope' was an indie hit, and they secured a major label for 'The Only One I Know', which reached the UK Top 10. Their debut album Some Friendly followed in 1990. Around this time, they added 'UK' to their name for American tours due to a competing American band.

After guitarist Jon Baker left in 1991, Mark Collins replaced him. The band's second album, Between 10th and 11th (1992), failed to reach the Top 20, but the single 'Weirdo' was a Top 20 hit. A major setback occurred when Rob Collins was charged with armed robbery after a friend robbed an off-licence while Collins waited in the car; he pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and served four months in prison. The band recovered with the album Up To Our Hips (1994), which reached number 8, and their self-titled fourth album (1995) topped the UK Albums Chart. Rob Collins died in a traffic accident on 22 July 1996 during the recording of Tellin' Stories. The band continued, enlisting Martin Duffy as a temporary keyboardist, and released Tellin' Stories in 1997, which produced their biggest hits, including 'One to Another' and 'North Country Boy'.

After their contract with Beggars Banquet expired, they signed to Universal Records. Us and Us Only (1999) marked a new era with keyboardist Tony Rogers and a slightly country sound. Subsequent albums included Wonderland (2001) and Up at the Lake (2004). In 2006, they released Simpatico on Sanctuary Records, and in 2008, they became the first UK band to release an album as a free download via a radio station with You Cross My Path. Their eleventh album, Who We Touch (2010), charted at number 21. In September 2010, drummer Jon Brookes collapsed during a performance in Philadelphia due to a brain tumour; he returned to the stage later that year after treatment.

Reader's Guide

The Charlatans are significant as one of the enduring bands to emerge from the late-1980s Madchester scene, though their roots lay in the West Midlands' tradition of hard-edged soul and R&B. Their ability to sustain a career over decades, despite the loss of key members—most notably keyboardist Rob Collins—demonstrates their resilience. Their music consistently charted in the UK Top 40, with three number 1 albums, and they produced enduring singles like 'The Only One I Know' and 'One to Another'. The band's legacy includes pioneering the free download album release model in 2008 with You Cross My Path, and their influence is seen in their fusion of 1960s soul with contemporary dance and rock elements. They also maintained a strong live presence, supporting major acts like the Who and the Rolling Stones, and their 2010 performance of Some Friendly at Primavera Sound Festival marked their twentieth anniversary. The band's story is also one of personal tragedy and recovery, particularly the death of Rob Collins and Jon Brookes's battle with a brain tumour.

Did You Know?

• The band was forced to add 'UK' to their name for American tours due to a competing American band also called the Charlatans.
• Keyboardist Rob Collins served four months in prison for assisting an offender after a friend committed an armed robbery.
• Drummer Jon Brookes collapsed on stage in Philadelphia in 2010 and was diagnosed with a brain tumour.