Derry Brownson, a founding member of the British band EMF, has died at the age of 55. The band announced his death on Thursday, stating that Brownson died following a diagnosis of a brain tumor.

Brownson, who was the original keyboardist for EMF, spoke with the BBC about his diagnosis in July 2025. That same month, he and his bandmates returned to their hometown of Cinderford to perform at Cindyfest, an event he described as "very, very special."

EMF, best known for their 1990 hit "Unbelievable," was formed in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Bandmate Ian Dench remembered Brownson as someone who "embodied lust for life" and was "beautiful inside and out." Dench recalled that in the early days of the band, Brownson's "fun-loving" nature made him feel welcome in the area as an outsider.

Derry Brownson, the keyboardist of EMF, smiles as he performs on stage. He is wearing a grey beanie, a black tank top and has arms covered in tattoos.

Brownson was integral to the early sound of EMF, which achieved significant commercial success in the early 1990s. The band's debut album, Schubert Dip, released in 1991, reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. Their single "Unbelievable" became an international hit, reaching number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 1 in Canada and Ireland.

EMF - a group of five middle-aged male band mates - stand side-by-side on stage following a performance. They are dressed in streetwear and their instruments and microphones are illuminated in purple behind them. A crowd is watching on.

Following his time with EMF, Brownson continued to be involved in music, though his public profile diminished. His passing marks the loss of a key figure from a band that left a notable mark on the music scene of the early 1990s.