Danny Knapp Joins in at the Whisky a Go Go for a Birthday Celebration

Erin Stricklen-Wilson's birthday party at the Whisky a Go Go, featuring Danny Knapp on bass guitar.

The Whisky a Go Go has seen a lot of legendary nights. February 21st was one more.

Southern California-based bass guitarist Danny Knapp was invited to perform at an intimate birthday celebration for singer/dancer Erin Stricklen-Wilson, held at one of rock and roll’s most storied venues on the Sunset Strip. The Whisky a Go Go has served as a launching pad and landmark for some of the biggest names in rock history, and Knapp approached the occasion with the reverence it deserved.

“That stage has hosted some of the most legendary names in rock history — and I do my best to honor that every time I play there,” said Knapp.

What made the night even more memorable was the company. Knapp joined a who’s-who of fellow L.A. musicians who also happen to be close personal friends — a combination that, by his own account, brought something special to the room.

“When the people on stage with you are also the people you’d hang out with anyway, something magic happens,” he said. “The evening had plenty of that.”

Knapp, who performs under the name The Melonhead and is an endorsed artist with Sandberg Guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Schroeder Cabinets, and Pig Hog Cables, continues to build his reputation as a sought-after bassist for both live performance and private events throughout Southern California and beyond. Private events and special engagements are available upon inquiry.

For booking and inquiries, visit melonheadmusic.com or reach out at info@melonheadmusic.com.

Danny Knapp (The Melonhead) Joins Groove & The Gang, A Premier 70s Funk & Disco Live Band

Groove & the Gang, featuring Danny Knapp on bass guitar
Groove & the Gang, featuring Danny Knapp on bass guitar

Southern California bassist, vocalist, and live performer Danny Knapp — professionally known as “The Melonhead” — has joined the lineup of Groove & The Gang, a high-energy live band dedicated to celebrating the sound, style, and musicianship of the 1970s funk and disco era.

Known as a professional bassist with a reputation for powerful, groove-driven performances, Knapp continues to expand his presence in the live music world with a project built around timeless dance floor classics. Fans familiar with his work can explore more about his background on the Danny Knapp professional bassist bio page, which highlights a career spanning touring, recording, and hundreds of live appearances.

Continue reading “Danny Knapp (The Melonhead) Joins Groove & The Gang, A Premier 70s Funk & Disco Live Band”

2025 Year in Review

A Standout Year for a Professional Bassist on the Live Stage

Danny Knapp, musician and bass guitarist

In 2025, professional bassist and vocalist Danny Knapp delivered one of his most active and consistent years to date, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile, in-demand performer and session bassist across Southern California and beyond. With a schedule spanning tribute productions, corporate and private events, and original music projects, the year reflected both artistic range and professional reliability.

Over 100 live performances in 2025 across tribute, corporate, and original projects marked a milestone year—one defined not just by volume, but by adaptability. From high-energy tribute shows and casino stages to polished corporate events and creative original collaborations, each performance required a different approach, musical mindset, and level of precision.

Continue reading “2025 Year in Review”

Danny Knapp Joins the Sandberg Guitars Artist Family

Artist Overview Sandberg Guitars, including Danny Knapp

California musician and professional bass player Danny Knapp — known to fans as The Melonhead — has officially joined the Sandberg Guitars artist roster. This endorsement recognizes Knapp’s long-standing relationship with the brand and his reputation as one of Southern California’s most dedicated and versatile bassists.

For years, Sandberg basses have been an essential part of Knapp’s tone and stage presence. His primary instrument, the Sandberg California VM5, has become a defining element of his sound both live and in the studio. “The first time I plugged in a Sandberg, it just clicked,” Knapp explains. “The tone, the feel, the response — it felt like the instrument already knew what I wanted to say.”

Continue reading “Danny Knapp Joins the Sandberg Guitars Artist Family”

Maiden United Rocks Garden Amp on Halloween Night

Maiden United tribute band at Garden Amp on Halloween 2025

Halloween night brought thunder, theatrics, and pure heavy metal energy as Maiden United, Southern California’s renowned Iron Maiden tribute band, delivered a powerhouse performance at Garden Amp in Garden Grove, CA.

Fans packed the amphitheater for a night of galloping bass lines, dual-guitar harmonies, and classic Iron Maiden anthems performed with precision and passion. From the opening riffs of “Murders in the Rue Morgue” to the epic finale of “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” the crowd was on its feet, singing every word.

Continue reading “Maiden United Rocks Garden Amp on Halloween Night”

Danny Knapp Joins the Official S.I.T. Strings Artist Roster


Danny Knapp S I T Strings
Danny Knapp S I T Strings

Southern California–based bassist Danny “The Melonhead” Knapp has officially joined the S.I.T. Strings artist family, marking another milestone in his growing list of professional endorsements. Known for his energetic stage presence and versatile musicianship, Knapp has built a national reputation performing with top original and tribute acts, including We’re No Gentlemen, The Goodwin Club, VK Lynne, Maiden United, and L.A. Sound Machine.

Continue reading “Danny Knapp Joins the Official S.I.T. Strings Artist Roster”

Danny Knapp Lends His Bass Groove to Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke’s “It’s OK (Special Edition)”

Bryn Ryan VanDyke It s Ok Special Edition Official Music Video YouTube

Southern California bassist Danny “The Melonhead” Knapp has added another exciting collaboration to his growing list of recording credits, contributing bass to the newly released “It’s OK (Special Edition)” by Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke. The track, which debuted on YouTube on August 29, 2025, showcases Knapp’s dynamic low-end presence and intuitive musicality that have made him a sought-after session player across genres.

Continue reading “Danny Knapp Lends His Bass Groove to Bryn Ryan Van-Dyke’s “It’s OK (Special Edition)””

Maiden United Featured in Voyage LA Magazine

c 1750101843874 personal 1750101843430 1750101843430 rich abronson maiden united backstage

The Los Angeles-based Iron Maiden tribute band Maiden United was recently featured in Voyage LA Magazine. The spotlight came through an interview with vocalist Rich Abronson, who discussed the band’s origins, mission, and growth.Bass guitarist Danny Knapp, known in the band as ‘Steve Hairless’, was also mentioned as a key contributor to the group’s authenticity and thunderous sound.

Continue reading “Maiden United Featured in Voyage LA Magazine”

Whirlwind trip to the East

In just five days, Danny Knapp had 6 flights, 5 hours of van rides, performed two high-energy tribute concerts in Cincinnati OH and Buffalo NY, and experienced one of North America’s greatest natural wonders, Niagara Falls. His journey wasn’t just about musicianship—it was a celebration of diversity and an unforgettable travel tale.

Express collage

Danny Knapp performed with new project ‘Back To 11’

131 Back To Eleven Live Promo Reel YouTube

Three Clubs in Los Angeles marked the location of the electrifying debut of bassist Danny “Melonhead” Knapp’s performing with anew project, Back to 11. The intimate venue buzzed as the ensemble offered a high‑octane blend of rock-fueled grooves and melodic experimentation. Fans at the gig were treated to the tight interplay among the band members commanding stage presence.“Back to 11” aims to push beyond traditional genre boundaries—infusing rock, funk, and soulful color into a fresh sonic palette.

Continue reading “Danny Knapp performed with new project ‘Back To 11’”