The Charlatans (known in the United States as The Charlatans UK) are a British alternative rock band. Early years (1990-1993) The band originally formed in the West Midlands by bassist Martin Blunt, who recruited fellow West Midlanders; Rob Collins (keyboards), Jon Brookes (drums), John Baker (guitar) plus vocalist Baz Ketley, who was almost immediately replaced by Tim Burgess. Although the name The Charlatans was used when original members of the band were located in the West Midlands