Derek Smith

Derek Smith grew up around Los Angeles, CA and has been working as a professional musician since 2009. A lifelong fan of Led Zeppelin, and in particular, John Bonham's drumming, he balanced his session work and original music with recording drum covers of Zeppelin’s studio and live catalog in his garage and posting them on his YouTube channel called, “Kick It Like Bonham.” It was through that YouTube channel that Derek connected with a much larger Zeppelin fan base, and has been fortunate to go on and work with some of the best in the world at paying homage to the emotions that Led Zeppelin evokes. Throughout his career in music, Derek has had the great privilege of working with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Robby Krieger of The Doors, The Doobie Brothers, Billy Idol's Steve Stevens, legendary bass player Phil Chen, Chris Wyse of the Hollywood Vampires / The Cult, and Eric Bazillian’s saxophone at The Fillmore in Philly. He also performs with Mr. Jimmy / Jimmy Sakurai, guitarist of Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, to reproduce the live catalog of Led Zeppelin in his band, Mr. Jimmy’s Led Zeppelin Revival.

Derek is most proud to be performing with Get The Led Out to preserve this glorious music in a live setting as faithfully and energetically as possible. He plays WFLIII drums for GTLO, with a drum kit built by Bill Ludwig and his amazing team to honor the same quality and sound his grandfather built for John Bonham; The Ludwig sound truly remains the same with WFLIII. With each performance, he looks to honor John Bonham, Led Zeppelin, carry on the legendary contributions of previous GTLO drummer, Adam Ferraioli, and make his band mates and loved ones proud. 

He still likes recording drum covers of Led Zeppelin songs in his garage…