Their musical footprint is undeniable and the mere mention of the name brings gasps to a generation. Spinal Tap blazed a trail through the music business, ignoring the rule book, rewriting the etiquette of rock, blowing up many sound systems worldwide and causing pandemonium at airport security.

And in one final act of anarchy, they blew themeselves up. Bass player Derek Small walked out. The shockwaves are still being felt as Derek tells Kevin in this illuminating chat about the demise of the band that brought the world classics like Big Bottom, Sex Farm and Bitch School.

Derek is now carving out a solo career sans the influence of David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tuffnel and the shackles are off, as he launches into his post-Spinal Tap life with new original songs Rear View Mirror and Balls.

Derek has much to get off his rockstar hairy chest and does so.

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation.

In Part 5 you'll hear Ross Wilson, who saw the band in the very early days, signed Greg to a music publishing deal and then became the producer of the first three Skyhooks albums. Ross' memories take you inside the studio, on the road in the USA and more.

3XY disc jockey Mark Irvine got teamed with Shirl in 1984 for a short term Rocktober on-air promotion that became a permanent pairing. They became a very successful radio team and a professional and personal partnership was formed.

Peter Green was a 70s Wollongong teenager who loved the music and that passion led him to Melbourne, where he is now official historian and the man behind the Official Skyhooks Facebook page and YouTube channel, plus curator of Skyhooks memorabilia.

Musical excerpts in this episode

Hey What's the Matter featuring Steve Hill live Benefit Concert

Living in the 70's Shirl solo Live soundcheck Melbourne Music Festival 1988

Love's Not Good Enough From Ego is Not a Dirty Word

Blue Jeans from Straight in a Gay Gay World

Women in Uniform from Guilty Until Proven Insane

Jukebox in Siberia The Latest and Greatest

Ego is Not a Dirty Word Ross Wilson featuring Bongo Starkie Five Decades of Cool Palais Theatre 2009

Every Litte Bit Hurts Shirley Strachan solo single

Crazy Heart from Straight in a Gay Gay World

3XY Shirl & Irvine Show 1988 courtesy of Ken Francis

Love on the Radio live from the In the Heat of the Night concert Myer Music Bowl Melbourne 1975

Let it Rock Hits and Riffs

Meglomania, Life in ther Modern World and Don't Take Your Lurex to the Laundromat from ABC TV Special Guilty Until Proven Insane

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skyhooks were a rare combination of fan favourite, media darlings and respected musicians. They wanted to be noticed, and they were.The H Files brings you stories and recollections about Skyhooks from many different people, inside and outside the band. It is not a Skyhooks history lesson, more a homage to a very exciting era of music and a band that led the way with an original sound and look that captured the nation.

In Part 4, the men chosen to replace two of the country's biggest pop stars in one of the country's most popular bands. Bob Spencer - a cocky guitar slinger from the pop group Finch - was enlisted to fill Red Symons' role and singer Tony Williams - an alumni of most of the group - was selected to front the band after Shirley Strachan departed for a media career.

Bob and Tony take us through the early days fitting into the band and finding their place, plus the highs and lows of being a Skyhook.

Musical excerpts in this episode

Meglomania from Guilty Until Proven Insane

BBB Boogie from Guilty Until Proven Insane

Women in Uniform recorded live at Festival Hall Melbourne 1983 ’

Point in the Distance from Guilty Until Proven Insane

Why Don’t You All Get F....D live Sydney Opera House 1978

Carlton Lygon Street Limbo from the Pint on Pub live show

Over the Border recorded live at Bombay Rock February 1980

The H Files with Kevin Hillier

Post-production by Chris Gates

For Howdy Partners Media

www.howdypartnersmedia.com.au/podcasts

© 2026

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.