Rock musician Derran "Derry" Brownson, best known as the keyboardist for the British band EMF, has died. He was 55.
The alternative rockers, best known for their early '90s hit "Unbelievable," shared the news of Brownson's death in an emotional social media post Friday, Aug. 14. A cause of death was not disclosed.
"Late last night, we started to hear the news that we have lost our Brother in Arms Derran Brownson," the band wrote alongside a photo of Brownson. "We are devastated. The only solace we can find is that we are eternally grateful Derry was able to join us onstage a couple times just a few short months back.
"Nothing will ever be the same again without our bandmate and friend. Fly high, brother Derry 💔"
Brownson's death comes a year after
the musician told BBC News that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
USA TODAY has reached out to EMF's representatives for additional comment.
Brownson had previously formed the band Flowerdrum before joining EMF (Epsom Mad Funkers) in 1989 alongside bass guitarist Zac Foley, drummer Marc Decloedt, DJ Milf, guitarist Ian Dench and singer James Atkin.
The following year, the fledgling group released its debut single "Unbelievable," a head-bopping indie dance tune mixed with EMF's brooding lyrics about a waning romance. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to sell half a million copies.
EMF followed up their breakout success with their debut album, "Schubert Dip," in May 1991. The record peaked at No. 3 in the band's native U.K. and spawned the top 10 rock hit "I Believe."
The band released two more albums, 1992's "Stigma" and 1995's "Cha Cha Cha," and the low-charting single "Afro King" before splitting in 1997. After the breakup, Brownson formed the alternative rock trio LK.
The musician reunited with his EMF bandmates several times over the years, including a hometown show in Cinderford, England, in July 2025.
"It was really a lovely moment, just the circularity of that, all the years later to be back in Cinderford," Ian Dench told the BBC following the news of his bandmate's death. "I can't think of anyone who embodied lust for life like Derry did. I mean, he was beautiful inside out."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rock musician Derry Brownson of ’90s hit ‘Unbelievable’ dies at 55
