Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing...' 2013

Subject: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Vic Smith
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 06:23 AM

This from Joe Stead -

I am very saddened to tell you that my great pal Derek (The Amazing Mr) Smith died very unexpectedly this morning.

I'm sure that full details will be made known to all in due course.

In the meantime my condolences go to his daughter Rosie and to his good friend Annette.

The world has lost a very funny man, some of us have lost a very good and sincere friend.

I was his Best Man when he married Viva. I'm simply devastated.

Joe

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:20 AM

sad news,r i p

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:27 AM

What? This cannot be! He was always so full of life and vigour! My sincere condolences to all who knew him and miss him. Derek and I go way back....

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:28 AM

A great man, one of the funniest performers I've ever seen. Had me in stitches loads of times. He was a pretty good guitarist as well.

RIP Derek.

PS. His wife, Viva, mentioned above by Joe and of Dangerous Curves fame, died in 2009. See here.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:49 AM

How awful.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 08:19 AM

So sad
I remember when I got my very first job at Wellcome Labs in Beckenham and he was working there. I also remember he was the first act I went to see at Croydon Folk Club and he was playing a guitar with a teddy strapped to the hand doing the chord changes. Very funny! Happy memories.

RIP Derek

Sarah

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 10:26 AM

Truly sad,, the same as Pete, i knew Derek, way back 35 years or more.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,John from"Elsie`s" Band
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 11:31 AM

Many thanks Vic and Joe for the very sad and un-expected news. As you know, ever a very welcome guest at "Elsies" with talent and wit in Spades. He will be much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: SunrayFC
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 11:34 AM

At this time of year too. Very sad. He was a great entertainer...

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 01:41 PM

Very sad to hear it - another light in the folk scene goes out. R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Mick Tems
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 02:21 PM

The angels are playing condom harps now... thanks, Amazing Mr Smith.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 04:14 PM

So sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Anne Lister
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 04:14 PM

So sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 04:27 PM

I was over in America with him for a few weeks when we were both touring on the East coast. Top Man, I booked him many times when I ran Catford Folk Club. Sad news

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Dec 13 - 07:01 PM

Tha Big Sing up there just got an excellent addition - very sad news

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: SunrayFC
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 05:10 PM

The Sunray will sngs in his honour on Thursday, 19th.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Synbyn
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 07:15 PM

I'll remember his everyday with xylophone and his wonderful lead playing with Wild Oats who we booked for the college folk club regularly.. His act reduced me to tears many times and it's sad to think that the cardboard backing group will be seen no more. Great loss to us all.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: banjoman
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 05:31 AM

I remember him at Whitchurch Festival many years ago when he almost brought the house (Marquee) down with his goings on with his head in a bird cage and later playing duelling banjos on 2 instruments stuck together.

Will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 07:26 AM

I recall a long ago Sidmouth when he and I plus a few other far from fit folkies were challenged to a football match by a superbly athletic team of dancers from Russia. Needless to say we got walloped by too many goals to count, but Derek kept up a stream of gags throughout which made the game a happy experience.   I'm sure the Russians must have wondered why our defence? cracked up laughing after having let yet another goal in. It was because of the sense of humour displayed by this lovely man . He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,mike
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 08:37 AM

A great man with bags of talent, a sad day in loders R.I.P

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: billybob
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 07:42 PM

A very lovely and funny man, and a dear friend.The world will be a sadder place without his wonderful sense of fun.

Our love to Rosie

Wendy and Bill Simon

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 05:31 AM

He was totally bonkers, great fun and a lovely man. He will be missed by many.
Now that great sing will include gusts of laughter because of his gentle madness.
Turrah mate.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Brian Peters
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 07:06 AM

A very talented, very funny and very crazy man. Sad to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 07:40 AM

I still find it hard to believe.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 08:27 AM

Double Oh Dear

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10870361.Death_plunge_victim_named_as_popular_musician/?ref=var_0

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Molly B
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 09:14 AM

Derek's level of skill in both musicianship and clowning was a rare thing. I haven't had the opportunity to see him for years, but will never forget the Teddy Bears Picnic, nor the multicoloured shorts and the tin tray (Chariots of Fire). Thanks, Derek. I console myself with the idea of him sharing a cloud with Gerard Hoffnung and Les Dawson.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 10:18 AM

Such a shame, a superb & inventive entertainer, seen him lots at various folk fests over the years The Amazing Mr Smith!

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 11:24 AM

Even more sad.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,John Foxen
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 01:19 PM

A clown who really could play Hamlet -- or anything he liked on his guitar and any weird instrument he'd cobbled together "You can't buy these in the shops". We were fortunate to have him at HaverFolk earlier this year and he was an absolute joy. The ones I feel sorry for are those who never saw him play.

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Gastove
Date: 12 Dec 13 - 06:37 PM

So sad to hear that another lovely person and friend has gone. When indeed comes there such another?

Subject: RE: Obit :Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 13 Dec 13 - 10:13 AM

What a shame, remember him from Catford folk club 40 yrs ago. Supported Mick Ryan and Paul Downes at Exmouth a couple of years ago, glad to see him as mad and funny as ever. His late wife Viva and the wonderful 'Dangerous Curves'were also regulars at the Exmouth festival.RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 06:54 AM

re

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Mr Happy
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 07:22 AM

https://www.facebook.com/events/365856283550580/?fref=ts

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Sir Laughalot
Date: 14 Dec 13 - 10:01 PM

We laughed a lot on Tuesday nights dear Derek. There will be a lot less laughter now though. Go my friend and conquer those last Munros.

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 07:39 AM

My Darling Derek such fond memories of you and always will I can hear you laughing now as my last note went before I could put my name to it Yvonne xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 06:23 PM

Richard's link from above:
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10870361.Death_plunge_victim_named_as_popular_m

Sorry to hear of this, and that I will never have the opportunity to see him perform live.

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Dec 13 - 08:30 PM

My favourite memory has to be 'I Want To Be Like You' with a bear and a monkey mask on either side of his head !

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: billybob
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 06:41 AM

Derek's funeral is this Friday, so very sorry that we cannot be there to say "goodbye" but will be thinking of you on Friday Derek and will raise a glass to all the happy memories xx

Wendy and Bill Simon

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: SunrayFC
Date: 17 Dec 13 - 08:57 PM

I will be there!

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Dieter
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 08:30 AM

We used to work together @ Wellcome and I'd both help him with some of his work (bits he especially did not like) and (usually) beat him @ tennis.
Bye Derek. RIP.
Dieter

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 12:59 PM

Nearly 6pm, so I'm off downstairs to raise a glass to a really funny man, whose funeral took place today.

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: SunrayFC
Date: 20 Dec 13 - 01:46 PM

A lovely service, well attended. Full of humour and the music was good. A fitting send off.

"Goodbye, goodbye I'm leaving you goodbye, goodbye........"

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: GUEST,Simon Hartgroves
Date: 02 Jan 14 - 10:49 AM

Hi all; I met Derek only once in person, but emailed him several times. He was one if the most 'Amazing' people I've ever encountered, and a phenomenal musician - as well as being one of the few people ever to nearly make me wet myself laughing.

I used to have a vinyl album of Derek's - can't remember the name if it - but either as an insert, or as the rear sleeve notes, was his transcription of Souza's 'Liberty Bell' March: My copy of the album seems to have disappeared, but I am particularly interested in tracking down the guitar transcription, which I used to play regularly donkey's years ago.

If anybody out there can point me to a source, or can photocopy their own copy, I would be hugely appreciative. Email is [e-mail] Many thanks, Si Hartgroves.

Subject: RE: 2013 Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing......'
From: breezy
Date: 03 Jan 14 - 02:56 PM

I chased after him so I was able to book him in St Albans at the now 'retired ''Windward' club

I attended folk nights at the Welcome and often saw 'Wild Oats'

When he played the Cornwall Folk Fest i recall seeing him cycle up the hill to the campsite, he certainly had the gears sorted !

A gifted and talented and far too clever man, thanks for the fun and laughs and the 'condom' gag.

I got a visual cassette, somewhere!

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing...' 2013
From: GUEST,tim
Date: 18 Jan 14 - 02:54 PM

Only saw him a couple of times - but was looking forward to seeing him in Cowden later this year. Am so disappointed - took my kids to see him and during the interval my 12 year old son (now 17) was intrigued by the condom bagpipes and spent 20 mins with Amazing who explained how they were made. Can't say I knew him but loved how much he made us all laugh. Kicking myself I didn't get further afield to see him more often. Will treasure my memories of a unique and hilarious musician. Thanks Amazing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Derek Smith - 'The Amazing...' 2013
From: Girl Friday
Date: 03 Feb 14 - 07:20 AM

I hope you read on to the comment section on the article in the Bridport Echo. I placed my tribute there. We last saw Derek at the first of what were to become regular gigs at The Rope Makers. We took our friend Marion, who now lives in Bridport along to see him. She used to organise Friday Folk before I took over, but moved away before we started our guest nights. The audience was undeservedly small, and Trevor (Mumblin' Len), was inveigled into being in The Sheep chorus. It was one of the funniest things ever !
Wild Oats, and individually Derek, Viva, Rosie supported Friday Folk's Sing Arounds in the early days before they moved to Loders. They were the nicest people you could imagine. I stasyed with Marion for a week a few years ago. I rang Viva who not only drove us to their house for tea, but also came every day to take us out sight seeing. R.I.P. to them both.