maidenunited - Danny Knapp | SoCal Session & Touring Bass Guitarist

on July 31, 2026July 29, 2026 by Danny Knapp

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

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.

The month opened July 3 with Clare & Present Danger at Glen Eden Resort in Corona. A week later, Dance Dance Evolution kicked off its run of city summer concerts with a show in Carlsbad that set a new attendance record for the city, drawing more than 4,000 people. Maiden United followed on July 13 with a performance at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, and Groove & the Gang took the stage two days later at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The back half of the month kept the same pace. Groove & the Gang played a second summer-series date in Santa Fe Springs, while Danny stepped in as a hired gun for The Company Band at a show in Oxnard. Maiden United closed out its casino run with a fly-in show at Feather Falls Casino & Lodge, and Dance Dance Evolution followed with back-to-back dates in Downey and Anaheim — with one more stop still to come: the month’s final show tonight, July 31 in Pico Rivera.

Five distinct sounds and five different bands’ worth of material — a good snapshot of what a working bassist’s summer schedule actually looks like.

This video showcases Danny Knapp’s full creative involvement in a re-imagined heavy-rock version of “Skyfall.” In addition to performing bass, Danny created the arrangement, handled the engineering and mixing, and co-produced the track. He also directed and edited the accompanying music video, shaping the visual narrative to complement the song’s cinematic tone. This project highlights Danny’s combined strengths as a musician, producer, and visual storyteller.

Danny Knapp holds down the low end for Maiden United’s Iron Maiden tribute — a genre that offers nowhere to hide, with the bass locked tight against a driving drummer through constant tempo shifts and breakdowns. Steve Harris’s basslines are as demanding as they are iconic, built on galloping rhythms and intricate runs that few players can execute cleanly at speed, night after night. Danny holds that line while still bringing the stage presence a metal show demands, performing alongside the band as “Steve Hairless.”

on October 31, 2025November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United Rocks Garden Amp on Halloween Night

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.

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on July 22, 2025November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United Featured in Voyage LA Magazine

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.

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on March 21, 2025November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United Gears Up for Music Video

The Iron Maiden tribute band Maiden United is taking a major step forward as they begin work behind the scenes on their very first official music video. Known for their high-energy live performances and meticulous recreations of Iron Maiden’s legendary catalog, the band is now setting their sights on bringing that same intensity and theatrical flair to the screen.

Leading the charge on this project is bass guitarist Danny Knapp, known on stage as Steve Hairless. Knapp has been actively involved in the creative development of the video, working as a director to capture the essence of Maiden’s iconic visual style—think dark atmospheres, mythic symbolism, and of course, a heavy dose of Eddie-inspired attitude.

While full details of the song and video concept remain under wraps, the band promises a cinematic experience that channels the spirit of classic Maiden videos with a modern twist. The Maiden United crew is going all in to deliver something that pays homage to the legends while carving out a visual identity of their own.

Stay tuned for more updates as Maiden United prepares to unleash their maiden voyage into the world of music videos—iron-clad and louder than ever.

on November 11, 2024November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United Shreds the Garden Amp

The thunder rolled in Garden Grove, CA as Maiden United, the high-octane Iron Maiden tribute band, took over the Garden Amp for an unforgettable evening of metal mayhem. Channeling the raw energy and theatrical flair of the legendary British heavy metal icons, Maiden United delivered a blistering set that had fans headbanging from the first note to the final scream of “Hallowed Be Thy Name.”

With note-perfect renditions of Maiden classics like “Run to the Hills,” “2 Minutes to Midnight,” and “The Trooper,” the band proved they don’t just play the songs—they live them. Leading the charge in the rhythm section was bass guitarist Danny Knapp, performing under his fitting alias Steve Hairless. Sporting galloping bass lines and an iron will, Knapp paid authentic homage to the legendary Steve Harris while adding his own fearless flair to the performance.

The Garden Amp pulsed with Maiden energy as fans chanted lyrics, waved flags, and flashed devil horns under the SoCal night sky. For die-hard Maiden fans and newcomers alike, Maiden United’s performance was not just a tribute—it was a resurrection of heavy metal’s golden era.

With more shows on the horizon, Maiden United continues to carry the torch for one of the most iconic bands in rock history. If this performance was any indication, the beast is far from tamed.

on February 8, 2024November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United at SF Springs

Maiden United, the acclaimed Iron Maiden tribute band, recently electrified audiences with a stellar performance at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet. Known for their faithful renditions of Iron Maiden’s heavy metal anthems, the band delivered a setlist packed with classics, capturing the essence and energy of the original group. Fans of all ages gathered to experience the power and intensity of Iron Maiden’s music, brought to life by Maiden United’s skilled musicianship and dynamic stage presence. The event was a true celebration of Iron Maiden’s legacy, leaving attendees buzzing with excitement and admiration for Maiden United’s tribute to the iconic band.

on October 25, 2023November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

The Ultimate Jam at The Whisky-A-GoGo

The Iron Maiden tribute band, Maiden United, took center stage last night at The Ultimate Jam Night show hosted at The Whisky-A-GoGo on the iconic Sunset Strip, delivering an electrifying performance that paid homage to the legendary metal pioneers. Among the talented lineup was bass guitarist Danny Knapp, whose commanding presence and expertly executed bass lines added a distinctive flair to the tribute. Knapp’s mastery on the bass guitar honored the iconic sound of Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris.

on August 14, 2023November 25, 2025 by Danny Knapp

Maiden United returns to the Whisky-A-GoGo

C’mon out Monday, Aug 28, for some metal music and a chance to win 2 tickets to the PowerTrip Festival. Catch world-class Iron Maiden tribute ‘Maiden United’ alongside top tributes Fast Times and Judas Priest tribute, ‘The Priest’.

If you want to get in for free, join the Maiden United guest list (https://www.maidenunitedband.com/whisky) and we’ll see you there! Up The Irons!

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