Danny Knapp – Bass Guitarist, also known as “The Melonhead” is a Southern California-based musician and composer, specializing in electric and fretless bass guitar. He also plays ukulele as well as frequently singing backing or lead vocals.
Danny is an energetic live performer as well as being an efficient and diverse session musician. Danny performs over 100 gigs per year, offering his skills for a wide variety of bands and artists, including original bands, tributes, and covers, in genres ranging from reggae to rock, EDM, pop, metal, folk, latin, funk, jazz and more.
Danny has been performing and recording professionally since he was 16 years old. Early in his career, he played bass for Feedbags with Scotty Johnson (later of Gin Blossoms). In 2006-2010, Danny recorded and performed on bass, keyboards, and ukulele for Mikioi, a Hawaiian reggae band that received attention on Polynesian radio for their singles “Hawaii, My Home”, “Mikio’i Music”, and their rendition of the traditional song “Kanaka Wai Wai”. He also performed on ukulele and bass as a member of the renowned Pangean Orchestra. In 2016, Danny was a member of actress/singer/songwriter Katie Garfield’s live band. Danny played bass for several years in the alt-rock/ska/reggae band The Bredren, which included former members of Save Ferris, Lit, Jeffries Fan Club, and For Pete’s Sake.
Danny is currently the bass guitarist for the emo/alternative-rock band We’re No Gentlemen and singer/songwriter Serena Foster. He is also an endorsed Pig Hog Cables artist. Danny regularly records and performs with many other artists such as pop-duo Taysti, Kitty Antix, L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Pretty In Pink, La Vida Loca, Sugarlips, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and many other L.A.-based projects.
Thanks to Bold Journey Magazine for their feature interview with Danny Knapp this month. Danny spoke about his inspirations and some of the important people that helped him get his start. You can read the full article at https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-danny-knapp/
We’re No Gentlemen had the honor to share the bill on April 5th at the Whisky-a-Go-Go with Jonny Craig (formerly of Dance Gavin Dance) and Keep My Secrets. This show was extra special for WNG, as they also celebrated lead singer Amanda Gabel’s birthday.
Danny Knapp and his fellow members of the dance band ‘Dance Dance Evolution’ performed for three nights over the St Patty’s Day weekend at the Splash club in the Aquarius Casino & Resort.
‘Maiden United‘, the Iron Maiden tribute band featuring Danny Knapp as “Steve Hairless” performed at Count’s Vamp’d in Las Vegas. The show was a very special experience for the entire band, “The fans were amazing, and the staff and crew at Vamp’d are truly top knotch!” Maiden United also wished to thank Scorpions tribute ‘Love Drive’ for sharing the stage, and Livewire Photo for some great photos and videos.
Danny celebrated 13 years since he started his journey towards a healthier lifestyle. In late February of 2010, he weighed nearly 400 pounds, had a list of physical ailments, and had great difficulty walking. Danny realized he needed to make some serious changes, and by changing his relationship with food and getting 3-4 hours of exercise per week, he managed to transform his body over a 2-year period. Danny has now been maintaining his current lifestyle for 11 years. Danny mentioned, “I will never take for granted what I’ve gained on my road to wellness.”
Maiden United sent out big thanks to Rock & Brews at Yaamava Resort & Casino for a great show last Saturday night, “The venue, staff, and crew here are second to none”. The boys in the band were honored to be a new addition to the ‘Wall of Fame’ at the venue, alongside LA Guns, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and many others.
