| Born in Bacup in 1933, Derek is the end result of famous English brass bands such as Besses o' the Barn, Fairey Aviation Works Band. He was later to be drummer with the well-known Astorians Dixieland Band. Emigrating to NZ in 1952 he started a light structural engineering company and gigged around Auckland, playing with all the popular bands of the time. In the 70s he sold the business and disappeared to his farm in the wilderness of Puhoi only to reappear to perform. Derek was conversant with all styles from Classical to Rock and as a Dixieland drummer was without equal. Derek was with the Brass Gentry as drums and vocals until he decided to move on to Australia in 1998 |
