Cinderford mourns EMF founder Derry Brownson
Cinderford residents line the High Street with roses as EMF’s Derry Brownson is laid to rest, celebrating his musical legacy and local roots.
The forest town of Cinderford gathered on Friday 18 September to bid farewell to Derren “Derry” Brownson, the 55‑year‑old founding keyboardist of EMF.
Brownson, who died in August after a year‑long battle with a brain tumour, was laid to rest at the Forest of Dean Crematorium following a cortege that wound through the High Street.
Residents lined the route, clapping and tossing yellow roses as the hearse passed the Golden Lion, a scene captured by town council photographer Tim Holder.
The service at the crematorium was private, attended by family and close friends, while a public celebration of his life is slated for next month.
EMF’s frontman James Atkin posted a heartfelt tribute on the band’s Facebook page, recalling the early days that forged their friendship.
“We spent much of our time hanging around Mr.” Douglas’s music room.
“Derry was the first one discovering new bands and fashion trends, reading the essential books, watching and quoting the coolest cult films, finding emerging comedians, and spotting shifts in music before the rest of us.” He had a real lust for life and an insatiable appetite for new ideas, experiences and discoveries, and he was always eager to share them with those around him.
We began playing in bands and gigging as soon as we left school. Although Derry is best known for throwiDerry had an eye for style and emerging fashions, an instinct that would later become so important to EMF.
Brownson’s influence extended beyond the music, with his early clothing shop on Cinderford High Street becoming a local landmark for emerging fashion.
Fans and former classmates remembered him as a catalyst for the band’s early gigs, noting that his adventurous spirit helped shape EMF’s distinctive sound.
In the wake of his passing, donations are being collected for Great Oaks Hospice in Coleford and The Brain Tumour Charity via the Much Loved website.
The town’s tribute underscoured the lasting impact of a musician who rose from a small forest community to international chart success, leaving a legacy that resonates in both melody and memory.