Name: EMF plus Dictator
Start: 2026-03-11T19:30:00+00:00
Location: The Cluny

eastside present
EMF
plus guests Dictator
Wednesday 11th March 2026
Newcastle Cluny
Doors 7.30pm
"EMF are a band reborn. The ludicrous strength of their reunion albums, combined with the obvious love they have for each other, makes their shows something to treasure, and the connection between band and audience is genuine. As life-affirming live as they are on record, make sure you catch EMF in person."
– Sonic Abuse, 2024
Formed in 1989 in the quiet town of Cinderford in England’s Forest of Dean, EMF exploded onto the global stage with their infectious blend of dance, rock, and pop. Within a year, they were everywhere, thanks to the smash hit “Unbelievable," a song that would go on to define a generation and top charts worldwide.
Their debut album Schubert Dip (1991) captured their raw energy and genre-defying sound. With follow-ups Stigma (1992) and Cha Cha Cha (1995), EMF took fans on an ever-evolving journey, shifting from dance floor anthems to darker, more introspective sonic territory. But by 1995 the toll of the spotlight and constant touring was beginning to tell and the band went their separate ways. Before bowing out gracefully, they released their hit version of The Monkees “I’m a Believer,” accompanied by comedians Vic and Bob.
During their hiatus, the members found new creative paths: frontman James Atkin launched a solo career while teaching music in Yorkshire; guitarist Ian Dench became a sought-after songwriter and music executive, collaborating with everyone from Beyoncé to The Prodigy; keyboardist Derry Brownson founded Little Killers (LK); and bassist Zac Foley played with the band Carrie.
In 2001, EMF reunited for a string of shows celebrating their compilation, The Best of EMF: Epsom Mad Funkers. But just as a full resurgence seemed imminent, tragedy struck. The sudden passing of Zac Foley in early 2002 shocked the band back into silence.Though they sporadically returned to the stage with new bassist Stevey Marsh and a memorable 2012 live video recording of Schubert Dip and Stigma, it wasn’t until 2020 that EMF truly reignited. Marking their 30th anniversary, the band released the expansive box set From Us to You, which included remastered classics and a disc of b-sides and unreleased archive material called Flipsides and Bonafides.
Feeling the love from their loyal fans, James and Ian started writing again, culminating in the triumphant 2022 release of Go Go Sapiens. With new drummer Aid Todd behind the kit, the band hit the road once more, reuniting with audiences across the UK, Europe, and the US.
Their momentum continued with 2024’s The Beauty and the Chaos, a critically acclaimed album that reaffirmed EMF’s place in the modern music landscape.
In 2025, EMF were honoured in their hometown with a commemorative blue plaque in Cinderford, a lasting tribute to the band’s cultural impact and the pride they bring to the Forest of Dean.
Now, EMF are not just back, they’re thriving. Still creating, still touring, and still full of the life-affirming energy that made them unforgettable. EMF remain as vital and visionary as ever.