Derek took up drums at the age of 16, and the very first time that he played - which was at home, within 15 minutes the neighbours complained - beginning his lifelong addiction to aggravating conformists and making a lot of noise.
His first real musical influence was Status Quo, and as his horizons expanded he became influenced by bands with differing styles like Santana, Wishbone Ash and Ted Nugent. His main drumming heroes were Cliff Davies from Ted Nugent's band, and Jazz Rock fusion god, Billy Cobham.
At school he became best mates with Rich Hertzell and the two jammed and formed bands together during those formative years. When he left school, he continued playing into his late 20s until he finally left 9 to 5 work to play as a full time professional, along the way developing his chops via lessons from John Shearer ex (Steve Hackett Band), and with constant gigging all over London. He exclusively played Ludwig drums and Paiste cymbals, and still does.
After years of hard work he decided to return to play as an amateur, ultimately joining the infamous "The Yogz". Here he teamed up with his long time bassist friend and co-conspirator in many bands, Steve Carroll. The Yogz was punk mixed with classic rock, their gigs were loud and intense, and as a result a loyal fan base grew quickly. The band's reckless approach to live work taught Derek everything about holding a band together on stage, but with hundreds of gigs, creative and personal tensions between members resulted in The Yogz splitting and reforming twice before finally parting ways for good in the mid 90's.
He played in various bands after the Yogz but having dabbled in guitar for several years, he finally decided to take it seriously around 2002. His guitar heroes and influences are varied, but they include Ted Nugent, Carlos Santana, Michael Schenker and Andy Powell.
Derek formed The Superpowers along with (ex Yogz) guitarist Rick Fell, and this is where he has stayed; building a twin harmony guitar sound to entertain (and adversely affect) your hearing. Derek is one of the two major songwriters and can take credit for gems such as Bull**t Biscuits, Wasted Days, Lock N Load and Killing Time.
After playing various axes, he developed a passion for the Flying V - "It is beautifully balanced, light, gives the sustain of a Les Paul without the mud, has a Telecaster bite, a thin neck that suits me, and it allows great access to the high end of the fretboard. Once I embraced the Flying V it was very hard to go back to anything else - plus you don't need a guitar stand - you can rest it against your backline". Occasionally he plays an Explorer and recently he has started playing a thinline Semi Acoustic ala Ted Nugent.
He continues his legendary love of volume, causing issues for sound engineers at ALL Superpowers gigs, but he remains undeterred and contrives his amp and guitar settings to deliver the ultimate in 70's sound pressure levels. He describes rock guitar as being akin to welding, stating that "It takes practise, but when you get it right, you create intense energy, heat, light and sparks all at the same time and the result is unbreakable".
Derek never stopped playing drums and briefly formed "The Buffalo Trucks" as a side line project, with Ellie Lexie from "Slashed Seat Affair". Sadly it folded when Covid struck, but the two remained friends, so you never know.......!
Stage Gear Rundown
Guitars: Gibson Flying V's, Epiphone Explorer
Amps: BluGuitar 100w Valve Amp-1, or Laney Pro Tube 50w Valve Head
Pedals: King of Tone, Tube Screamer, EP Booster, FX 40B Equaliser, Boss Delay
Cabs: Four Custom built 1x12's loaded with Celestion Vintage 30's
