EMF announced the death of their founding member and keyboardist, Derry Brownson, who was 55. The English alt-rock band shared the news on social media this morning, Friday 14 August, stating they learned of his passing last night.
In their post, EMF wrote, "Late last night we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother In Arms Derran Brownson." They added, "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."
BBC Gloucestershire reported that Brownson had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was receiving treatment. Born in 1971, Derran "Derry" Brownson was a key member of the Gloucestershire group, known for their chart-topping debut single 'Unbelievable' and their 1991 debut album 'Schubert Dip'.
Tributes have been shared by other musicians, including Ash frontman Tim Wheeler and guitarist Will Crewdson. The news follows a recent announcement from the band that they were completing work on a new 14-song album earlier this summer.