Derek Smalls

Hello, I'm Derek Smalls. I play bass in a band called Spinal Tap with David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel. I grew up in Nilford-on-Null which is in England (thats a country to the right of you, for my American friends!). Starting at age 17 I was a student at the London School of Design and I later became a member of the all-white Jamaican band Skaface. In the bad old days I also enjoyed boxing for relaxation.I joined Spinal Tap in 1967 after the departure of Ronnie Pudding, who left to pursue a probably ill-advised solo career. If you've seen the film "This Is Spinal Tap" (a hatchet job by Marty Di Butcher!) then I suppose the rest is history. Well, maybe not everything is history. Here's some things maybe you dont know: After the 1982 tour of the USA and Japan, I wound up trapped in Japan for 8 months! Even hypnosis couldnt help me find the hotel where I left my passport! I made the best of my 8 months in Japan by developing a taste for Orientalia, a passion that continues to this day.Apart from playing bass in Spinal Tap, I have done some other projects over the years. I made my film debut in Marco Zamboni's "Roma 79" in 1976. After the breakup of Spinal Tap I worked on some advertising jingles for the Belgian milk board, and in '88 I went on tour with a Christian rock band, Lambsblood, whose members included Moke, a former Spinal Tap roadie.Well, that's it. Introduction over. I'm tired of typing so I'm going to take a break. Maybe I'll come back tomorrow and see if there's anybody to talk to.See ya later,Derek