Derek Smalls, born on April 17, 1941, is the fictional bassist for the legendary rock band Spinal Tap. Portrayed by actor Harry Shearer, Smalls embodies the quintessential rock musician with his larger-than-life personality and impeccable bass-playing skills. Spinal Tap gained fame with their satirical documentary “This Is Spinal Tap“, which parodied the excesses and antics of rock bands in the 1980s.
Singles
- “Hell Hole” (with Spinal Tap)
- “Big Bottom” (with Spinal Tap)
- “Cups and Cakes” (with Spinal Tap)
Discography
- “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984)
- “Break Like the Wind” (1992)
- “Back from the Dead” (2009)
- “Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)” (2018)
Albums
- “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984)
- “Break Like the Wind” (1992)
- “Back from the Dead” (2009)
- “Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing)” (2018)
Significant Song Video Clips or Songs
- “Hell Hole”
- “Stonehenge”
- “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight”
- “Smalls Change”
Concerts
Derek Smalls, with Spinal Tap, has performed at numerous iconic venues, including Wembley Arena and Madison Square Garden. Their concerts, known for their theatricality and humor, reached their peak of popularity in the mid-1980s, drawing crowds of over 20,000 fans. Notable performances include the infamous Stonehenge concert, where a miniature Stonehenge monument descended onto the stage.
Latest Project
Derek Smalls’ latest project is the solo album “Smalls Change (Meditations Upon Ageing),” released in 2018. The album explores themes of ageing and rock ‘n’ roll life, blending humor with introspective lyrics. To promote the album, Smalls has embarked on the “Lukewarm Water Live!” tour, performing both new tracks and classic Spinal Tap hits. The tour has been met with enthusiastic audiences, celebrating the enduring legacy of this iconic rock figure.
