Danny Knapp — Southern California Session & Touring Bass Guitarist

Danny Knapp, bass guitarist based in Southern California — available for studio recording, live performance, and touring dates now.

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What People Say

“If there was ever a ‘Pro’s’ Pro, I’ve found him… No matter what style, setting, or scenario I throw at him he always brings an A+ professionalism and absolutely crushes the gig.”

— Rich Zahniser, Producer/Engineer

“Working with Danny was fantastic. His playing was exceptional, and he has an incredible ability to lock into a song while adding his own musicality in all the right places… I couldn’t have asked for a better bassist.”

— Apricity, Performing Artist

Biography

Danny Knapp, bass guitarist and performer known as “The Melonhead” is based in Southern California, performing on a consistent basis across rock, pop, metal, Latin, funk, and tribute productions. Known for precision, tone, and professional reliability, Danny provides studio bass recording services, live touring support, and high-energy stage performance for artists, bands, producers, and corporate events.

A professional musician since the age of 16, Danny has performed nationwide with original acts, tribute productions, and corporate live bands, delivering consistent groove and stage presence in clubs, theaters, festivals, casinos, and private events.

Danny is an official artist for Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Schroeder Cabinets, and Pig Hog Cables, bringing industry-trusted gear and professional-grade tone to every session and performance.

Explore live performance videos, session work, press mentions, and upcoming tour dates — or inquire directly about studio recording and live performance availability.

Danny also offers private bass mentorship and performance coaching for players preparing for auditions, tours, or studio work.

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Featured Tracks

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Danny Knapp bass guitarist wearing a sleeveless shirt intensely plays an upright electric bass on stage under blue and pink lights.

Photos

Danny Knapp with light eyes stares confidently at the camera, holding the collar of his black vest with both hands against a dark background.
L.A. Sound Machine performs on stage with bright lights and fiery visuals behind them at the San Diego County Fair. Three singers stand at the front, while musicians play guitar, bass, and keyboard in the background.
Danny Knapp smiles while playing an electric bass guitar on stage, wearing a black t-shirt and wristband. Colored stage lighting highlights his face and arms.
Five band members of Maiden United pose on stage with instruments, smiling at the camera. Behind them, a large excited crowd raises their hands, some making rock hand signs. The stage lights highlight the band while the audience fills the background.
Danny Knapp wearing a sleeveless black vest passionately plays an electric bass guitar on stage, eyes closed and face expressive, with warm stage lighting highlighting his features.
Two musicians perform on stage with drums and guitar under pink lights, in front of a large pixelated screen displaying the word PRIZMATIC. Equipment and water bottles are visible near the stage.
The ska band The Goodwin Club dressed in colorful animal onesies performs on stage with instruments. Behind them is a large screen showing a playful person in sunglasses and a cap. The audience watches from below the stage.
A bald bass guitarist Danny Knapp in a red shirt with black polka dots stands in front of gold curtains, holding an artistic, uniquely designed electric bass guitar.
Bass guitarist Danny Knapp intensely plays an electric bass guitar on stage, with dramatic lighting highlighting his face and instrument.
Danny Knapp with black nail polish flashes the rock n roll hand sign and smiles energetically under purple stage lights, wearing a black outfit and wristband.
A band performs on stage under blue lights, with a large screen behind them showing a close-up of the musicians. Audience members watch from the foreground.
A musician passionately plays an electric bass guitar on stage under red lighting. He wears a sleeveless shirt, smiling and tilting his head back. Text at the bottom reads, 2022 @ Jack Lue..
Danny Knapp in a sleeveless shirt sits cross-legged, holding an electric bass guitar. Two more guitars rest on the ground in front of him under dramatic red and purple lighting.
A band performs onstage with purple lighting at a crowded indoor venue. The audience watches from below, and a Whisky a Go Go sign is seen in the background.
A long-haired woman sings passionately into a microphone beside a bald man playing an electric bass guitar on a dimly lit stage with shelves of books in the background.
Danny Knapp plays an electric bass guitar on stage, wearing a black vest and wristband. A drummer is performing in the background, with drums and microphones visible under stage lighting.
Danny Knapp intensely plays an electric bass guitar on stage under colorful lights, wearing a sleeveless shirt and striped pants.
A musician energetically plays an electric bass guitar on stage, bathed in dramatic blue lighting, with drums and bright stage lights in the background.
Two musicians passionately play electric guitars on stage, bathed in colorful lighting, with a Buddha statue in the background and music equipment surrounding them.
Danny Knapp in a sleeveless black vest holds a white electric guitar with an intricate black and silver design, posing confidently against a plain white background.
A woman sings passionately into a microphone while a man plays bass guitar beside her on a dimly lit stage, both engaged in an energetic live performance.
Danny Knapp in a sleeveless black shirt plays an acoustic bass guitar on stage, focused on his performance. Drums and music equipment are visible in the background under stage lighting.
Two singers perform passionately on stage, one bald man in front of a microphone and a woman with pink hair singing behind him, under dramatic stage lighting.
A person wearing headphones plays an electric bass guitar in a dimly lit room with wooden walls, a plaid couch, and audio equipment in the background.
Danny Knapp in a black shirt and jeans stands holding a white electric bass guitar vertically, resting it on the floor, against a dark background.
Four people pose together for a playful group photo. The woman in front wears a plaid top and holds two mens faces; everyone else smiles or makes funny faces. The background is plain white.
Bald musician playing bass guitar energetically points forward on stage, while another guitarist and drummer perform in the background under dramatic lighting.
Danny Knapp passionately sings and plays an electric guitar on stage. He wears a dark t-shirt and stands in front of a microphone, with equipment visible in the background. The photo is in black and white.
A person wearing a black mask and graphic t-shirt plays an electric bass guitar in a recording studio with wooden walls and glass windows.
Four musicians with instruments sit in front of a brick wall with a neon IMPROV sign. One holds a guitar, another a saxophone, another a guitar, and the last sits at a drum set labeled TRUTH Custom Drums..
Danny Knapp in a sleeveless shirt poses in dramatic lighting, holding an electric bass guitar with a decorative web-like pattern.
A woman passionately sings on stage at the Troubadour, surrounded by band members playing instruments under colorful stage lights.
Four people pose in front of a trailer. Two stand, and two sit. One wears a pink dress, others wear darker casual clothing. The setting has a rustic, artistic vibe with flowers and eclectic decor.
A person wearing a black hooded top and black face mask poses indoors, holding up both hands in the rock on gesture with black nail polish.
A hand with black nail polish holds white guitar picks with black text and illustrations, reading MELONHEAD ON BASS and Danny Knapp. Several similar picks are scattered on a black surface.
A musician plays an electric bass guitar on stage, lit by dramatic lighting. Behind him, a sign reads WERE NO GENTLEMEN. Music equipment and another band member are visible in the background.
A musician in a festive elf hat plays bass guitar on stage at Downtown Disney, with a drummer in a Santa hat performing behind him. Holiday lights and decorations are visible in the background.
Four people pose playfully on a hopscotch court. Three are mid-step, arms out, while a woman in a pink dress stands at the front holding her skirt. The background features murals, plants, and string lights.
Danny Knapp with crossed arms, wearing a black Los Angeles t-shirt and wristband, stands in front of a wall covered with CDs. The image is in black and white.
Danny Knapp in black clothes holds a bass guitar vertically and pretends to bite its neck, looking intense and energetic, against a plain white background.
Danny Knapp in a sleeveless black shirt holds an electric bass guitar against a bright red background, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression.
A band performs onstage with colorful lights behind them. The lead singer stands in front, flanked by guitarists, a keyboardist, and a drummer. The stage is dark except for the bright stage lights.
Danny Knapp in a black shirt holds an electric bass guitar with ornate metal designs and floral inlays, smiling and standing against a plain white background.
Danny Knapp passionately plays an electric bass guitar on stage while a drummer performs behind him. The scene is energetic, with dramatic lighting and an engaged audience visible in the background.
A woman sings and plays a Roland keyboard on stage under purple lights, while a man plays bass guitar beside her. Both are performing at a live music event.
Two musicians play electric guitar and bass in a dimly lit recording studio surrounded by microphones and equipment, with a couch and soundproofed walls in the background.
Three musicians perform on stage, surrounded by red curtains and festive string lights. The guitarist and bassist play energetically, while the drummer keeps rhythm in the background under colorful lighting.
Danny Knapp, a muscular, bald man in a sleeveless black shirt stands holding a black electric bass guitar against a dark background. He wears bracelets and looks confidently at the camera.
Members of the ska band The Goodwin Club pose indoors wearing colorful Care Bear onesie costumes. Some hold musical instruments, including a trombone, trumpet, guitar, saxophone, and clarinet.
Danny Knapp bass guitarist for L.A. Sound Machine performs onstage next to a cymbal, facing an audience holding up lit phones in a darkened venue, creating a twinkling light effect.
Danny Knapp in denim overalls stands outside with a fake axe head attached to his scalp, creating the illusion its embedded in his head.
A collage of Serena Foster's live band featuring Danny Knapp on bass guitar performing on stage, featuring members in colorful costumes, bright lights, and energetic poses, with red and purple lighting and musical instruments visible.
Danny Knapp in white clothes and a large shark head costume plays an electric bass guitar on an outdoor stage, with a big screen and instruments behind him, during a live performance.
Bass guitarist Danny Knapp wearing a blue shirt and cap rides a wave on a surfboard, crouched low as water curls overhead.
Musician Danny Knapp plays an electric bass guitar passionately on stage under colorful lights, gripping the guitar vertically while wearing a sleeveless shirt during a live show at the Whisky-a-Go-Go.
Danny Knapp bass guitarist performs on stage alongside Angel Alexis on keyboards on The Hangar stage at the OC Fairgrounds. A large screen behind them displays their image, and drums are visible in the background.
A Ricky Martin tribute band performs on stage with a guitarist, drummer, singer, and other musicians. The background features a red and black checkered pattern with the word Xalos in large script.
Four musicians including Kitty Antix and bass guitarist Danny Knapp in elaborate, creepy clown and theatrical costumes pose together in a dressing room, smiling. The background shows beige walls, mirrors, and bright overhead lighting.
Danny Knapp in striped pants plays electric bass on stage under red lights, with a drum set and audience visible in a dark, energetic concert venue.
Three rock musicians from the band Maiden United perform energetically under red stage lights. One sings into a microphone, while the others play electric guitar and bass. A drum set and a GoGo sign are visible behind them.
Danny Knapp in a Pig Hog Cables T-shirt holds a coiled cable and an electric bass guitar with an ornate pickguard, looking confidently at the camera against a dark gradient background.
A band performs on stage under purple and yellow lights. A bald Danny Knapp bass guitarist in glasses is in the foreground, with a drummer and a keyboardist in the background. The atmosphere is energetic and lively.
The band L.A. Sound Machine performs on stage with colorful lights and smoke effects. The lead singer in red stands in the center, with musicians and backup singers in white playing instruments around her.
Five musicians pose energetically and point toward the camera on a Navy ship deck, with colorful flags above and clear blue sky in the background.
Maiden United performs energetically on a dark stage while a cameraman films them; the lead singer is at the center, with guitarists and a drummer in the background.
A collage of four images shows the band L.A. Sound Machine posing indoors, a group selfie outside a theater, people near a United plane at dusk, and the band performing on stage with a singer in a red outfit.
The members of the band Maiden United stand together indoors, posing confidently. One wears a Maiden United shirt, another flashes a rock hand sign.
Danny Knapp in a black shirt stands holding a light-colored bass guitar with colorful fret markers. He is smiling slightly and wearing beaded bracelets, with a plain white background behind him.
A young child on a blue surfboard rides a small wave toward shore, with two adults behind him, all wearing blue and yellow wetsuits. The ocean water splashes around them under a cloudy sky.
Danny Knapp with a bass guitar stands on stage, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and patterned shorts. Drummer Adrian Aguilar is in the background. Behind them, a screen displays Santa Springs Summer and colorful fireworks.
Four people pose against a black background. A woman in a black and white dress stands in front, with three men in dark shirts behind her, all facing the camera and smiling slightly.
Danny Knapp bass guitarist and producer Dan Parker in a music studio; Dan sits near recording equipment while the Danny stands, playing an electric bass guitar. Several guitars are lined up in the background.
New tribute band project featuring bass guitarist Danny Knapp
A rock band performs on stage under red and yellow lights. Two guitarists stand at the front, a drummer is visible in the back, and the stage is filled with smoke and vibrant lighting effects.
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Upcoming Shows

Danny keeps a busy performance schedule, bringing his signature bass playing and vocals to stages across Southern California and beyond. Whether he’s laying down the low end for a high-energy tribute act, fronting a groove-heavy club show, or lending his voice to an intimate private event, there’s always something on the horizon. Check back regularly for updates, and come out and catch Danny live!

  • 22 Aug

    RYG: Hollister CA

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  • 28 Aug

    SM90s: San Clemente CA

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  • 29 Aug

    Dance Evolution: Ontario CA

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  • 06 Sep

    Class of 80s: Echo Park CA

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  • 11 Sep

    Kitty Antix: Creep It Real OC

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  • 12 Sep

    Kitty Antix: Creep It Real OC

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  • 13 Sep

    Kitty Antix: Creep It Real OC

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  • 14 Sep

    Maiden United: Yaamava Casino

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  • 03 Oct

    Dance Evolution: Healdsburg CA

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  • 17 Oct

    Dance Evolution: Buena Park CA

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Danny Knapp Bass Guitarist — Featured Videos

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News Highlights

More from the road and the studio: recent Danny Knapp bass guitarist news — show recaps, recording sessions, new releases, and special announcements.

on by Danny Knapp

July Recap: Eleven shows, Five Projects, One Bass Player

A collage of six images showing a band performing on stage and outdoors, with musicians playing guitar and keyboard, and crowds of people watching and dancing at various events. Danny Knapp, bass guitarist is featured in several of the images.

July is typically one of the busiest months of the year for Danny Knapp, the Southern California bassist who performs as The Melonhead — this year was no different with eleven shows across five different projects, switching genres several times every single week.

Continue reading “July Recap: Eleven shows, Five Projects, One Bass Player” →

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On Bass for Apricity’s Whisky a Go Go Run

Apricity at the Whisky-a-Go-Go featuring Danny Knapp on bass guitar

Danny Knapp, known on stage as The Melonhead, played bass for Toronto-based artist Apricity, for her recent Hollywood shows at the Whisky-a-Go-Go.

Continue reading “On Bass for Apricity’s Whisky a Go Go Run” →

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on by Danny Knapp

Maiden United Tapped to Perform at Lagunitas Brewing’s Trooper West Coast IPA Kickoff

A beer can featuring Iron Maiden art promotes The Trooper Has Landed event with live music by Maiden United and an air guitar showdown on June 6, 2026, at Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Maiden United, the Los Angeles-based Iron Maiden tribute, has been selected to perform at Lagunitas Brewing Company’s official release party for their new Trooper West Coast IPA — and honestly, it doesn’t get much more on-brand than that.

Continue reading “Maiden United Tapped to Perform at Lagunitas Brewing’s Trooper West Coast IPA Kickoff” →

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