There have been two bands with the name The Charlatans. 1. An alternative rock band from the United Kingdom (1988-present) 2. A psychedelic rock band from the United States (1964-1969) 1. The Charlatans (known as The Charlatans UK in the U.S. to avoid confusion with the 60s group of the same name) were originally formed in the West Midlands/Northwich area of England in 1988 by bassist Martin Blunt, who recruited fellow West Midlanders Rob Collins (keyboards), Jon Brookes (drums), John Baker (also known as Day) (guitar), and vocalist Baz Ketley.