In the late ‘80s, Rubyfish was looking for a new bass player and our drummer Bil Keeling mentioned a friend from Toledo was in town and would like to come by rehearsal and play with us. A couple of months later, Derrick Anderson moved to Los Angeles and asked to join our band, thereby solidifying the rhythm section.
Derrick recently posted that he was acknowledging his 30th year in Los Angeles. That was my opportunity to celebrate the dear friend and band mate that I’ve had for thirty years now. When my Rubyfish collaborator Russ and I talked after that first rehearsal with Derrick, we both sighed and said how great it would be if HE could be OUR bassist. We were so fortunate that he decided to move out and play with us. In addition to many years of Rubyfish, we were roommates for a hot minute, experienced the ’94 Northridge quake, and endured a dramatic and bizarre record deal – and not necessarily in that order – and Derrick plays bass with me to this day.
After founding The Andersons! with Robbie Rist, playing with Rubyfish, Steve Barton & The Oblivion Click, and many LA bands, Derrick found himself touring with The Kinks’ Dave Davies, subbing on bass with The Smithereens, and touring with The Bangles for 10 years. Gigs with The Cowsills, Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene, and Rob Bonfiglio also went down through that time.
I am so lucky to have such a dear friend in Mr. Derrick Anderson.
