Derran "Derry" Brownson, founding keyboardist of British rock band EMF, has died at age 55 following a brain tumor diagnosis, the band confirmed this week.
EMF shared the news on social media, writing that they were "devastated" by the loss of their "Brother In Arms." "Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson," the band posted, adding that they were grateful he was able to rejoin them onstage just months earlier.
Brownson helped form EMF in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, in 1989. The band's breakout single "Unbelievable" reached No. 3 on the UK charts before climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991, propelling the group to international fame.
Brownson had publicly shared his brain tumor diagnosis in 2025 but continued performing with EMF as his health allowed, including a hometown show in Cinderford and a final performance in Frome this past May. Bandmate Ian Dench told the BBC that Brownson's spirit never wavered: "I can't think of anyone who embodied lust for life like Derry did. I mean, he was beautiful inside out."
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Brownson is the second founding member of the band to pass away, following bassist Zac Foley's death in 2002.
As fans and fellow artists remember Brownson's legacy, many are also holding his family and bandmates in prayer during this season of grief - a reminder that even in loss, communities can find comfort and strength in faith and each other.
