A FOREST town came out to pay its respects to one of its most famous sons as Derren “Derry” Brownson made his final journey.

The funeral of Derry, the founding keyboardist with US and UK chartoppers EMF, took place on Friday (September 18).

The 55-year-old musician died in August having been diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.

His funeral cortege made its way through the centre of Cinderford on its way to the Forest of Dean Crematorium.

The streets were lined with people who clapped and threw flowers as the hearse went by in a poignant show of love.

There was a private family service at the crematorium and a celebration of his life is planned for next month.

EMF singer James Atkin gave a tribute to his friend which was posted on the band’s Facebook page.

He recalled how he met Derry and Zac Foley. EMF’s bassist, at what was then Heywood High School, Cinderford in 1983.

He said: “We spent much of our time hanging around Mr. Douglas’s music room. It soon became clear that none of us had much interest in the academic subjects on offer; what united us was a shared passion for all things musical.

“Before long, we were bunking off school simply to mess around on our guitars—a far more important pursuit, we thought, and thankfully one that paid off for us.

“It was around this time that I really began to notice something distinctive about Derry’s character, there was something about him that made him stand out.

“He was obviously immensely intelligent, but he was also adventurous and fearless and always open to whatever the world had to offer.

“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. Shortly after leaving school he ran his own clothing store, a small shop on Cinderford High Street.

“As a band, we feel incredibly blessed that Derry was both able and determined to perform with us right up until the end.

“His absence has already left a huge hole, and facing the future without him is going to be incredibly difficult, not only on stage, and not only in the dressing room too, where he was always a tornado of energy, bringing chaos, laughter and fun wherever he went – but as a true friend who we all loved.

Donations to celebrate Derry’s life are being taken for Great Oaks Hospice in Coleford and The Brain Tumour Charity.

They can be made through the Much Loved website at www.derrybrownson.muchloved.com