EMF Keyboardist Derry Brownson Dies at 55: New Album Was Only Half Recorded

He had only just returned to the stage. EMF wrote on Instagram that over the past few months, Derry Brownson had performed onstage with the band several times—something that has become the only comfort they can hold onto right now, because just last night, they learned that the founding keyboardist and sampler had passed away at the age of 55.

The band called him their "Brother In Arms" in the post, accompanied by a photo of him performing onstage: "The band will never be the same without you. Rest easy, our brother Derry." According to BBC Gloucestershire, Brownson had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and was undergoing continuous treatment.

Derran "Derry" Brownson, born in 1971, was a founding member of the British alternative rock band from Gloucestershire. In the early '90s, the band shot to number one with their debut single "Unbelievable," and their 1991 debut album "Schubert Dip" reached number three on the UK charts, with "I Believe" and "Children" also charting. He had been the band's longtime keyboardist and sampler ever since.

After original bassist Zac Foley passed away in 2002, the band went on hiatus for a time, not releasing a new album until 27 years later with "Go Go Sapiens" in 2022. They followed up with "The Beauty And The Chaos" in 2024. Just this summer, the band revealed they were putting the finishing touches on a brand-new 14-track album—one of the final works Brownson contributed to.

Following the news, fellow musicians paid tribute in the comments. Ash frontman Tim Wheeler wrote, "So sorry for your loss, rest in peace Derry, sending our love." Guitarist and author Will Crewdson said, "Sending love and strength, so sorry to hear this news." Bands Dictator and Therapy?, along with American record producer Tommie Sunshine, also left messages of condolence. Singer Kirk Brandon wrote on X: "Deeply saddened by his passing. Love and respect to him and his family, the world is a little less complete without this person."

No public information has been released yet regarding funeral arrangements or the progress of the new album.