Derek was a radar technician in the Army in the 1940s. During the 1950s he worked as a television repair man. In around 1960 he took a drum kit in lieu of payment and taught himself to play. He formed a band that went on to be one of the best semi-pro groups in the area.
He started recording local groups in the back room of his shop before setting up a studio in his father-in-law's former factory. He also built PA systems that were widely acknowledged as the best available at the time.
This meticulously researched book is profusely illustrated and draws on reminiscences from family, friends and acquaintances, contemporary newspaper articles and adverts to build a comprehensive account of the man, his work and the times he lived in.

Bernie Marsden (guitarist with million selling rock band Whitesnake) said- ‘Reading ‘Back Street Genius’ brought back so many personal memories of my first proper recording sessions. This book is a rollicking reminder of those early gigs in the area, and how we all just got on with it. If you’ve wondered what it was really like in those early days in a real recording studio, you will definitely enjoy this book!’