EMF founding member and keyboardist Derran "Derry" Brownson has died at the age of 55 following a brain tumour diagnosis, as reported by the BBC. The musician, who helped propel the Gloucestershire-formed band to international fame with their 1990 smash hit Unbelievable, passed away on Thursday, prompting widespread tributes from across the music industry and his former bandmates.
Brownson spoke openly to the BBC in July 2025 about living with a cancerous brain tumour after undergoing surgery to remove part of the growth. During that interview, he praised NHS staff for providing care that was "absolutely above and beyond" and expressed his deep gratitude for being able to perform live once again. That month, the band returned to their hometown of Cinderford in the Forest of Dean to headline Cindyfest, an occasion Brownson described as "very, very special." The group was also honoured with a blue plaque in the town in May 2025 to mark their contribution to music history.
Paying tribute to his long-time friend, EMF guitarist Ian Dench credited Brownson with embodying a true zest for life, describing him as someone who was "beautiful inside and out." Dench recalled how the Gloucester-born musician welcomed him into the Forest of Dean music scene during the band’s formative years, bringing warmth, humor, and energy to everyone around him.
While Brownson was known for his fun-loving and mischievous rock-and-roll spirit during the band's 1990s peak, Dench emphasised that he possessed a deeply caring side as well. In recent years, Brownson lived in Devon, where he was actively involved in local wildlife conservation, particularly caring for hedgehogs.
Despite his illness, Brownson continued to perform when possible, making his final stage appearance at a concert in Frome in May. Dench noted that Brownson maintained his characteristic sense of humor until the very end, keeping in touch with bandmates and sending lighthearted messages just weeks before his death. Brownson’s legacy as a cornerstone of EMF’s energetic sound and vibrant presence remains warmly celebrated by fans worldwide.
