Let's see how much of this stuff I can put together.  I'm trying to keep on top of my links by using twitter (which automatically goes to facebook) so if you wanna get this info faster please follow us there (some of the stuff below is probably duplicated on twitter and facebook as well)

Last week the Charlatans were on tour in the US and at their Philadelphia stop, Jon Brookes collapsed on stage.  A doctor in the audience actually came up and resuscitated Brookes and then he was rushed to the hospital.

He returned home and has to undergo treatment for a brain tumor.  The band has released a statement confirming his condition and also announcing that they will continue the tour with a short-term replacement.

UPDATE:  NME has also followed up on this story with the news that the Charlatans have announced that the Verve drummer, Pete Salisbury, will be joining them on several UK shows as a temporary replacement. 

Verve hasn't formally broken up as they have two times in the past.  There were rumors that another US tour was in the works, but that has been shelved and the members are now working on their own projects.  Nick McCabe and Simon Jones have formed a new band called The Black Ships, check out their myspace page for some samples of their sound.

The Verve's Nick McCabe and Simon Jones have launched a new band along with Goldfrapp violinist Davide Rossi. - Source

When we weighed in on the Verve's fourth album Forth we made note that "'Rather Be' doesn't do much to justify its existence, but its piano-lined gospel-tinged backup vocals have a certain appeal." Harsh? Maybe. The new video for the meandering track finds Richard Ashcroft, his crucifix necklace, and his cheekbones wandering through a forest, closing his eyes, singing, and closing his eyes some more. - Source

The Verve have gone straight to the top of the UK album charts today (August 31) with their first release in more than 10 years. - Source

Enjoy their recent take on 'Love Is Noise' below.  - Source

The Verve closed V Festival 2008 by playing a headline show at the Chelmsford leg of the bash at 9.20pm (BST) tonight (August 17). - Source

Ever since Richard Ashcroft flashed us his impressive cheekbones along with "Sit And Wonder" during the Verve's Coachella set, there's been a pretty steady flow of material from the band's forthcoming comeback album Forth. Just yesterday we debuted "I See Houses," along with its age old questions ("How many lives will I waste / how many tears will I taste / before my freedom?") and airy, psychedelic sound. Before that, we grew acquainted with the more upbeat, loopy, and exciting standout "Love Is Noise," which shows up right after the aforementioned "Sit And Wonder" on the album. The pair makes a fairly explosive impression, but then the Verve fall down and can't get up. - Source

Segments of all the songs set to appear on the forthcoming new album by The Verve, 'Forth', are streaming online and are available to hear now. - Source