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 at least 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 official Pig Hog Cables artist. Danny regularly records and performs with many other artists such as pop-duo Taysti, The Nguyen Twinz (Kitty & Celina), L.A. Sound Machine, Maiden United, Prizmatic, La Vida Loca, Sugarlips, Thank-U Drive-Thru, and many other L.A.-based projects.
Danny has been unable to attend the Last Call Jam in Tarzana, CA for several months due to his heavy gigging schedule. However, he recently attended and performed at the jam for ‘Glam Metal Night’, and it was indeed glamorous. Danny enjoyed the reunion with so many talented and kind friends and peers, and he stated, “The vibe there is always so supportive and fun, and the performances were off the chain! I’m always comfortable in a room full of weirdos.”.
Danny Knapp and all the members of Maiden United were honored to be the first Iron Maiden tribute ever to take the stage at Rock & Brews in the Yaamava Casino and Resort. Danny mentioned, “Much thanks to the killer sound crew and staff, and most of all, to the best fans that a band could ask for — there’s nothing better than an audience full of Maiden fans up against the stage, chanting along, knowing every song word-for-word. Y’all ROCK!”.
We’re No Gentlemen has two new shirt designs being offered at shows, including the new “Gentleman with Roses” logo shirt, and the commemorative “Heartbeat = Heartbreak” album cover t-shirt. Both designs will be available on their official website soon.
Last week Danny Knapp had the pleasure of accompanying Serena Foster at her first live performance since the pandemic, helping to welcome her back to the L.A. music scene in front of an intimate crowd of fellow songwriters, friends, and family. They played stripped down versions of three of Serena’s songs, including the brand new release, “My Favorite Things”, which is available on all platforms.
Danny Knapp is now an official Pig Hog Cables artist. Danny has been sharing his love for their products for several years — truly the best cables he’s ever owned and used. Danny feels truly honored to be alongside all the phenomenal Pig Hog artists, including Steve Vai, John5, Courtney Cox of The Iron Maidens, Kurt Vile, and many others. You can check out Danny’s artist page, as well as all the great Pig Hog products and other artists at https://pighogcables.com/pages/danny-knapp.
Big thanks to By The Barricade magazine for featuring an interview with We’re No Gentlemen about the genesis of the band and what we’ve been up to lately. Visit their site to read the full interview.
