Charlatans’ drummer inspires College

Jon Brookes, inspirational drummer and member of rock group The Charlatans, visited the College last Wednesday to meet students and talk about his experiences within the industry including working with groups such as The Rolling Stones and The Police.

Jon’s illuminating look at the music industry took Worcester College of Technology students on a tour into all the facets of the ever-changing Music industry, looking at issues such as self-representation, song writing and publication. The lecture incorporated a ‘Q&A’ session and table of visual props that enabled students to look at records, pictures, books and backstage passes. These were used as the backdrop to some colourful tales about living the rock n’ roll lifestyle with stories about celebrities such as Keith Richards, Noel Gallagher and Sting!

Although starting with a record contract for the Charlatans, Jon has now gone on to start his own record label and is an experienced Drum Clinician. Talking about his recent work within a number of colleges Jon commented “I’m here to demystify the music industry and differentiate between industry and business. The music industry is full of industrious people, and you can be in it and not necessarily make money, or you can use it as a business opportunity and make money out of it. There is so much pressure these days to get a record contract, but there’s more to it than that. The music industry is all about marketing yourself. Luck isn’t exclusive. It’s an even playing field now and anyone can get ahead”.

While a member of the The Charlatans Jon has seen huge international success with 14 studio albums and 24 top 40 hit singles. He now joins an array of visiting speakers Worcester College of Technology host every year, keeping students learning at the forefront of its priorities.