Bienvenue my fellow 311 fans! As we inch closer to the next epic 311 event, take a moment to meet another awesome brodel. Here is the story of Derek Hoover!
His tale starts back when he was in the Navy. His friend Daniel Dussia was jamming the Grassroots album and the music caught his attention. “I started listening to him jam out and then the beats just hit me. I wanted to know more and listen to more.”
The thrill of seeing 311 live has caused Derek to lose count of exactly how many shows he’s been to, but he knows it’s well over 45 at this point. His first show was back in 1999 at the Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia. His favorite show so far has been 311 Day 2004. “That was my first 311 Day and my wife Stephanie’s first ever 311 Day. The fans, the partying, the concert and reliving it all when I watch the DVD. It was an amazing time of my life.”
Derek is “42 years young” and grew up in Texas as an only child. He joined the Navy at the age of 20 and served a total of twelve years (six active and six reserves). Attending two colleges (Virginia Tech and Tidewater Community), Derek earned his Associates Degree in computer graphic arts. He currently works for DMG Mori, a Japanese machining company, and has been there for four years.
Back in February 2013 Derek married his slinky Stephanie and they celebrated their wedding with a honeymoon on the third 311 cruise (the photo above was taken on that trip)! They even danced their first dance as husband and wife to “My Heart Sings” and he said that song means the most to him now. He even had lyrics from it on his grooms cake. The couple has an 8 year old miniature poodle named Maui. Derek said of Maui, “Yes she has a mohawk and she’s my punk rock princess. All in all…life is beautiful!”
When not listening to 311, Derek’s eclectic musical taste and open-mindedness has him listening to a variety of other artists. Some of them include Beck, Incubus, STP, Full Service, Boards of Canada, Dirty Heads, Gwar, and Morbid Angel. “I run the full gambit when it comes to tunes. If it’s good, I listen to it.”
One of Derek’s dreams in life is to visit the Seven Wonders of the World with his beautiful wife by his side. As he worded it, he wants to “Visit” the entire world! Derek also loves to draw and do computer graphic artwork. “Just too bad my computer sucks lol.” His guilty pleasure though is karaoke! “I’m a karaoke nut!” (Hopefully those of us attending cruise 4 can see some of this Derek!)
Derek would like to say a simple thank you to the band. “Thank you for changing my entire outlook on life and giving me an opportunity to pass positive vibes to all I come in contact with.”
His final words to all the awesome fans he shares his love for 311 with:
“I enjoy every moment being around my second family. I can not wait until I can sing, dance, and hug every excitable I know! 311×4.”
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That’s Derek’s story my friends. I hope you all took pleasure in reading it and that it helped pass the time on this Monday! My gratitude to you all for reading every week. Keep on rockin’ and spreading that positivity!
Much love – The Runt