Crowded House Drummer Peter Jones Dead At 45, Succumbs To Brain Cancer

After suffering through a battling with brain cancer Crowded House drummer Peter Jones passed away on Friday, he was just 45-years-old.

The drummer joined the Australian pop group in 1994 and stayed with them until the broke up two years later.

Crowded House originally formed in the mid-’80s and rose to fame in Australia on the strength of their hits “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “Something So Strong.”

The group confirmed Jones’ death on its website and wrote:

“We are in mourning today for the death of Peter Jones. We remember him as a warm-hearted, funny and talented man, who was a valuable member of Crowded House. He played with style and spirit. We salute him and send our love and best thoughts to his family and friends.”

Jones was a former school teacher before joining the band and when they reunited for a tour in 2007 he didn’t join them on the road.

The band has been struck with tragedy in recent years, in 2005 ex-member Paul Hester committed suicide after suffering from years of depression.

Following his death on Friday friend and frontman Neil Finn tweeted:

“I am very sad to hear tonight that Peter Jones has died…a great man and a wonderful drummer. RIP Pete.”

When he wasn’t teaching or playing drumgs in Crowded House Peter Jones was a session drummer for bands that included Harem Scarem, Deadstar and Stove Top.

Peter Jones’ biggest contribution to Crowded House can be heard on the live concert CD Farewell to the World.