Derek Darby is one of the nicest guys I've ever met and I'm lucky enough to have become friends with him and his friend Dave Marr. Together they form Magill, an award winning Country and Western band and neither of them live far from me. This was the very first article I ever did on him and it's one of my favourites - the beginning came about because I was struggling to start. I wrote some questions down and as I wrote the answers the whole thing fell together. It usually takes me around a week to write a publishable publicity piece but this took just one day. I mention their first album on it, Rockin' the Country, but they've got several out now (one even "featured" me but I believe they've - very sensibly - cut me out! I'm still on the very end of the song though ...!) Check them out - here's a link to their website. I can honestly say that they are two of the most personable guys I've ever met and, if either of you read this, I hope I get to see another show very soon! Their website is http://www.magillstudios.co.uk
Derek Darby
Who is he?
Where did he come from?
What does he do?
These are among the questions already on the lips of teenagers and adults alike.
The name is DEREK DARBY, a 27 year old entertainer from Liverpool.
The face may already be familiar - he has appeared in many soaps and television programmes including Brookside, Hollyoaks and a BBC drama Rich Deceiver (about a Lottery winner from Liverpool). He has worked with countless celebrities - including Sir Richard Attenborough who he describes as "great" to work with.
DEREK DARBY is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world. He can turn his hand to almost anything, from acting and singing to comparing an event at short notice.
If you think the name is familiar, it is just possible that you have already seen this tall, handsome and multi-talented young man in action already. Together with his sister Nickey, he recently completed a countrywide tour with Eurovision Song Contest Winners Brotherhood of Man, as a result of which he gained an army of fans ranging in age from 5 to 95!
Derek writes all his own songs - most of which are autobiographical. His first album, which is out now (under the name of Rockin' The Country by MAGILL) has a country feel to it which is so catchy it leaves the listeners baying for more.
I am lucky enough to have had a sneak preview of this album and feel sure that it is set to rocket to Number One in the charts. Two songs in particular are outstanding - one was written for his mum, Mother and the other, Little Lynn for his wife. (Sorry girls!)
By the time I'd listened to just a couple of numbers the urge to get up and dance was almost irresistible because the music is so catchy (and this from someone who freely admits they normally hate country music!) The album in its entirety has a feelgood factor to it which made me want to put it straight back on!
Derek has tremendous stage presence and a powerful voice which captivates the audience, both young and old alike. From the minute he walks on stage and sings that first note he has everybody there eating out of his hands.
Keep an eye out for this talented and personable young man. DEREK DARBY is no one hit wonder - he has amazing staying power and is set to become Liverpool's hottest export this side of the Millennium and beyond.
The album is out now and is selling like hot cakes, so I'd advise you all to get your copy today - before it's too late!