Derek‘s father made him his first guitars while still at primary school and this began his lifetime fascination for stringed instruments. Taking up the lap steel guitar and progressing to his first pedal steel guitar in 1976 he taught himself to play by listening to records featuring players like Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green and John Hughey. Through his teens he became involved in many local bands playing songs in the current style of that time including Rock & Roll, Shadows and Beatles type music.
Moving into Country was a natural progression for Derek and a chance meeting with John Aston at the famous Wakefield Theatre Club sealed his place in the legendary band Southbound.
Noted for his exceptional talent, Derek was asked to play as a session musician in the band formed to provide music for the American Artistes at the Wembley International Festival of Country Music. The famous artists included Dave & Sugar, Skeeter Davis, the late Red Sovine, Mac Wiseman (on Dobro) and Canadian Ronnie Prophet. This led to a BBC Television Special from Snape Maltings which featured Dave & Sugar.
After touring the UK in Southbound with Country Music living legend Gene Watson, Derek was offered a position of Lead Guitarist in his American touring band but had to decline due to family commitments.
After the disbanding of Southbound Derek formed the band “Carolina” who were together for 11years before joining The Jon J Paul Band. Over the past few years Derek has worked as resident guest musician with "Talon the Best of Eagles" and currently shares his time with C’est La Vie, Forever in Blue Jeans and Voice of the Heart (Karen Carpenter) shows.
He is recognised as one of the UK's finest electric and pedal steel guitarists on the circuit today.
Another gear freak as all the band are his present set up includes a Custom built Telecaster and Strat, Mullen and Carter Steel guitars with Peavey amps and Zoom effects
