EMF keyboard player Derry Brownson died on Thursday July 13 at the age of 55. No cause of death has been confirmed, but the musician had been receiving treatment for a brain tumour for over a year.
Band confirms death
The band confirmed his death in a Facebook post on Friday August 14. Alongside a photo of him on stage, they wrote: "Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson. We are devastated, the only solace we can find is that we are eternally grateful Derry was able to join us on stage a couple times just a few short months back. Nothing will ever be the same again without our band mate and friend, fly high brother Derry."
The star was part of the original EMF lineup alongside James Atkin, Ian Dench, Zac Foley and Mark De Cloedt. The band achieved huge success in the early 90s, topping the US charts with their debut single Unbelievable. The track reached number 3 in the UK.
Health battle
In July 2025, Derry revealed he was living with a cancerous brain tumour and had undergone surgery to remove some of it. Speaking to the BBC as he and his bandmates returned to their hometown of Cinderford to play at Cindyfest, he praised the NHS care he received as "absolutely above and beyond".
"[It's] just a battle really. I want to get back into playing, that has meant a lot actually just to do this gig now in our hometown," he told the broadcaster at the time. "Doing gigs in your hometown can sometimes be a pain... but this is very, very special to me," he shared.
Fans react
Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learned the news. Commenting on the group's Facebook announcement, one wrote: "Oh no, this is so b****y sad. My memories of him are nothing but smiles... God, Derry… you were an amazing human. Thanks for all those years of jumping about and raving. Will never forget him. Hope you EMF boys are ok. Massive loss. Big love xxx."
Another added: "It’s hard to think of anyone of our generation who embodied lust for life more than Derry, which makes this news infinitely sadder... he was every bit as full of wild energy, charm and wit off stage as on. Total legend. RIP Derry."
A third chimed in: "Devastated to hear of the the passing of the legend that was Derry. Sincerest condolences to his family, friends and bandmates. He will be sadly missed and the music scene poorer without him up on that stage. Reunited with Zac. Fly on high both of you."
Meanwhile a fourth shared: "Oh no! This is something I so didn't want to hear! He was a TOP bloke and so down to earth...This has deeply saddened me and his energy on stage will be sadly missed also... My condolences go to his family...he was simply too young to go!"
