Messed!Up
British alt-dance band EMF are hitting the road later this year for their Schubert Dip 35th Anniversary Tour!
EMF emerged from the town of Cinderford in Gloucestershire, England, at the dawn of the 1990s, becoming one of the most recognizable bands of the alternative dance and indie-rock explosion that swept across the UK. Formed in 1989, the group consisted of vocalist James Atkin, guitarist Ian Dench, keyboardist Derry Brownson, bassist Zac Foley, and drummer Mark De Cloedt. Combining infectious dance beats, rock guitars, and catchy pop hooks, EMF quickly stood out from their contemporaries.
Their breakthrough came in 1990 with the release of the single “Unbelievable,” a song that became a global phenomenon. Driven by a distinctive groove, sampled vocals, and Atkin’s charismatic delivery, the track topped charts around the world and reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1991. Their debut album, Schubert Dip (1991), was a major success, spawning additional hits such as “I Believe” and “Children.”
EMF followed their debut with Stigma in 1992, showcasing a heavier and more guitar-oriented sound. While the album did not replicate the commercial success of its predecessor, it demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve beyond the dance-rock formula that had made them famous. Their third album, Cha Cha Cha (1995), continued this experimentation but arrived during a changing musical climate dominated by Britpop and alternative rock.
After several years of touring and recording, EMF disbanded in the late 1990s. Tragedy struck in 2002 when bassist Zac Foley died at the age of 31, a loss that deeply affected the band and its fans.
Despite their absence, EMF’s music continued to attract new listeners, particularly “Unbelievable,” which remained a staple of radio, television, film soundtracks, and sporting events. In 2007, the surviving members reunited for a series of live performances, reigniting interest in the band. Further reunion shows followed over the years, proving that their energetic blend of rock and dance music had lost none of its appeal.
The 2020s brought a renewed creative spark. EMF returned to recording and releasing new material, demonstrating that they were more than a nostalgia act. Decades after first bursting onto the charts, the band continues to perform live and create music, maintaining a loyal fanbase while introducing their distinctive sound to new generations.
Today, EMF remains one of the defining British bands of the early 1990s, remembered not only for a massive international hit but also for their lasting contribution to alternative rock and dance music.
On the 35th anniversary of their debut album, they pop by Germany for two dates.
GIG DATES
- 1 December at Bi Nuu, Berlin
- 2 December at Luxor, Cologne
