Peter Jones, the former drummer of Australian rock band Crowded House, has died at the age of 45.

According to newspaper reports, the Liverpool-born musician, a former schoolteacher, had been suffering from brain cancer.

A statement published on the Antipodean band’s website read: “We are in mourning today for the death of Pete 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.”

Peter Jones, the former drummer of Australian rock band Crowded House, has died at the age of 45

It continued: “We salute him and send our love and best thoughts to his family and friends.”

Peter Jones replaced the band’s previous drummer, Paul Hester, in 1994.

Paul Hester killed himself after suffering from depression in 2005.

Crowded House, led by New Zealander frontman Neil Finn, were formed in 1985 and went on to have worldwide success with hits such as Weather With You and Don’t Dream Its Over.

They split up in 1996 but reformed in 2007, when former Beck drummer Matt Sherrod took Peter Jones’s place behind the drums.

 [youtube rDIQTFv98rE]