A founding member of cult 90s British band EMF has died at the age of 55.
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Derran "Derry" Brownson died on Thursday after previously revealing that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.
Brownson had been part of EMF since the band's formation in October 1989.
He previously played in a group called Flowerdrum. He then left to join bassist Zac Foley, guitarist Ian Dench, drummer Marc Decloedt, DJ Milf and singer James Atkin in EMF.
Musician Dies at 55 Following Brain Tumor Diagnosis
EMF announced the heartbreaking news in a social media post on August 14.
"Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson," the post read.
"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."
The band said that "nothing will ever be the same again," before concluding the tribute with "fly high brother Derry" alongside a broken heart emoji.
Derran's brother, Steve, also announced the musician's death, remembering him as "a much-loved brother, uncle, son and friend."
"...[He] will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him and loved him," Steve wrote. "Derry had a beautiful and gifted soul lighting the space around him with love, energy and kindness."
Steve added that Derran had managed to play one final gig in Bristol this year as a "thank you to his fans".
Derran Brownson Continued Performing After Diagnosis
Brownson revealed in July 2025 that doctors had diagnosed him with a cancerous brain tumor and that he had undergone surgery.
That same month, he reunited with his bandmates in their hometown of Cinderford. They performed at Cindyfest, an experience he described as "very, very special".
Brownson was just 18 when he joined EMF, with the group quickly rising through the ranks of the British music scene.
The band's 1991 debut album, Schubert Dip, peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart.
EMF also found major success in the United States with "Unbelievable". The song reached No. 1 in July 1991 and became one of their signature hits.
The group initially broke up in 1995 before reuniting several times over the following decades.
Brownson remained involved with EMF during their later years. He appeared on the band's 2022 album Go Go Sapiens and its 2024 follow-up, The Beauty and the Chaos.
