Bob Daisley Introduction

Bob Daisley with 1961 Gibson EB3 bass - picture from the Kahvas Jute reunion gig www.kahvasjute.com

By Graham Fieldhouse, February 2007 Bob Daisley has played bass with many of the hard rocks greats; performing on numerous albums by the likes of Mungo Jerry, Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne and Gary Moore to name a few. His fall-out and subsequent court case with the Osbournes has been well documented but his fantastic collection of vintage guitars has not. We spoke to Bob about the instruments he owns, which of course includes some interesting Gibson basses!

FlyGuitars The name Bob Daisley has been familiar to me for many years now because of the long list of artists that you have played, and written with during your long on-going career. You must have some great memories from that?

Bob Daisley Well I always regard my career as being very fortunate in as much as I've always been doing something, not everybody can say that I suppose. Some people have a good career for a while and then go and open a chip shop or something but I've gone from one thing to another that seems to have been always with good players, good people. I regard myself as fortunate having done that. Several people have asked me when are you going to do a book because there must be so many stories, and there are. I'll probably just save those for the book and go through my diaries, there is no one story that stands out above the rest. There are lots of little ones, lots of funny things, tragic things, road stories and all sorts.

Blizzard of Ozz, 1980. From left to right: Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads

FlyGuitars Well you've worked repeatedly with Gary (Moore) and Ozzy (Osbourne), I'm quite interested to ask you what it's been like working with Gary because you've recorded on and off with him for a number of albums and I understand you're good friends?

Bob Daisley Oh yeah, Gary and I have remained friends over the years even when I haven't been working with him. I think my first work with Gary would have been the end of '84. He was in Island studios around Notting Hill, you know Portobello sort of area (London), I went in and did some tracks on an album Victims Of The Future. I'd known him before then, we'd talked and met but from then on it seemed to go on to other things. Then later as obviously you know I hooked up with him again. I went to Ireland with him beginning of '85 I think it was or that could have been the end of '84. He was doing a live video Emerald Isles and I went there and did that with him and they filmed it, we played in Dublin and Belfast. I was working with Ozzy at the time, he (Gary) said look you know if you're ever not in that situation come and work with me. So I think it wasn't that long after that in '85 when Ozzy and I had another fall out I went and joined Gary permanently.

The Gary Moore band, 1989 line up

Power of the Blues

FlyGuitars You recorded on the Wild Frontier album didn't you?

Bob Daisley There was one before that, Run for Cover, Wild Frontier, After The War, Still Got The Blues, After Hours, and then later, I didn't work with him for a while although we remained friends and stayed in touch. I hadn't worked with him for about ten years and I got a phone call out of the blue which would have been I think at the end of 2003. "I'm in London next week doing an album do you want to play on it?" I flew over to London and that was called Power Of The Blues that album. I really liked that album it's got a nice rawness about it and spontaneity. I think he finished it in early 2004 and it got released in about June 2004 or around there. I don't think it got the promo that it deserved or the airplay really. I think it did ok but it wasn't a high profile album and I think it should have been. You know he played so well on it and I thought it was a good raw ballsy blues album.

FlyGuitars Definitely. What's Gary like to work with when you go in to the studio?

Bob Daisley He's very disciplined and he knows exactly what he wants and if you're conscientious and you're professional and you're good at what you do then he's fine, I've always got on with Gary. I suppose not everybody has but he's a little bit of a taskmaster. I think that's a good thing and he's a bit like Ritchie Blackmore was, knows what he wants and if you do it then fine.

FlyGuitars Well you've worked with Gary but you've also worked with other talented guitarists such as Ritchie who we've spoken about, Randy Rhoads, Tony Iommi, Jake E Lee, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Steve Morse and Zakk Wylde. Which of those has left the greatest impression on you?

Bob Daisley They're all good in their own way and they're different and so it's very difficult to compare them, they all slotted in to their niche perfectly for what they did. You can't really compare somebody say like Ritchie Blackmore to Randy Rhoads or Yngwie Malmsteen to Steve Vai or that sort of thing. I was impressed with all of them as players, dedicated musicians. Randy Rhoads was a dedicated musician, he'd been brought up in a musical environment and his mother ran a music school in Los Angeles and I think he started playing when he was about five so by the time he was a teenager he was teaching there. I remember when Ozzy and I were first getting the band together in England and I was at Ozzy's house in Stafford and he'd had a local drummer and guitarist that were ok to sit in with us to see if it was going to work. Ozzy and I got on very well together and then he told me about this guitarist because I'd mentioned to him look if you want to get serious about this we've got to get world class musicians. He said, "oh I know a great guitarist in LA, he's a music teacher". When he said that I envisioned somebody with sort of a cardigan, pipe and slippers you know but it was Randy he was talking about. Jet Records who Ozzy was signed to and the new band was going to be signed to flew Randy over and the three of us Ozzy, Randy and myself started to audition drummers and write stuff together. Obviously that's a very memorable time in my career but in one way or another they all have been.

Bob with Rainbow, 1977

Rainbow - Live In Munich 1977 - DVD

You know my time in Rainbow was just as memorable because that was a great advance in my career, it was first real big serious heavy rock band that was like an arena band, we did big shows. It was a real eye opener and a great thing to learn from.. Just last year there was a DVD released of Rainbow live in Munich in 1977.

FlyGuitars Yeah, I actually got the DVD for Christmas.

Bob Daisley It was a long time coming because it was only a television show meant to be shown on German television, it wasn't recorded as a product to release. There were bootleg versions of it flying around for years, you know bad copies, second generation ones with bad picture and bad sound. That was the only thing available and then it got released properly, an official release with some extra stuff on it (including a recent interview with Bob). I thought it came across very well, I'd only been in the band about two months at that stage so it wasn't far in to my career with Rainbow but I think when I saw it again after all that time it comes across quite well.

FlyGuitars Well yeah, especially given the circumstances behind the gig with Ritchie being in prison and only just making it to the gig?

Bob Daisley Yeah that's right because normally I think we were meant to go on at around 8 or 8.30 at night and Ritchie was on his way back from Austria, Vienna being in prison and we weren't sure if he was going to make the gig. Then we got the ok that yes he'll be here but all be it late so I think we went on at about 11.30 or midnight but the audience was very good, they were very patient and only a few people left because of public transport and they had to but everyone else you know they could have said oh bollocks give us our money back were going home but they didn't.

FlyGuitars Or these days started a riot?

Bob Daisley Yeah that's right but they were very good.

Hoochie Coochie Men live at the basement

FlyGuitars You've currently got a band together called The Hoochie Coochie Men, how did that come about?

Jon Lord With the Hoochie Coochie Men: Live at the Basement DVD

Live at the Basement - audio CD

Bob Daisley I had a little blues band here called the Hoochie Coochie men and Jon Lord was out here in 2003 and I chap that I know in Melbourne phoned me and said "do you know Jon Lord?" and I said "yeah". He said "oh well he's staying in Sydney at the moment". I said "oh I'll give him a call where is he?" He said "Whale Beach", I said "that's just down the road from me". So Jon and I hooked up and we had dinner and then we talked about doing some stuff and we ended up arranging a gig in Melbourne, a gig in Sydney and one in North Australia in Queensland and the one in Sydney at The Basement was filmed and that's a live DVD as well. That's a pretty good one, it's blues but it's pretty interesting. It's nice the way Jons fitted in cause he's the guvnor of the Hammond organ.

FlyGuitars Definitely.

Bob Daisley So that's why last year I said to everybody well look we did that live thing at The Basement with Jon and The Hoochies and that let's do a studio album.

FlyGuitars Yeah, you came over to the UK

Bob Daisley I took the audio files over to London and we recorded Jon's parts in Olympic studios in Barnes and then came back here and then Ian Gillan sang on a couple of tracks as a guest. So we got Jon Lord and Ian Gillan back together which was nice. It's all turned out great. This album it's a blues album but it's definitely got a strong rock edge to it, it's a bit more aggressive and bit heavier.

FlyGuitars So when's that due to be released?

Bob Daisley Oh it should be released probably in September/October this year because we're just in the last stages of mixing that now and working on the art work and it'll be the title of it is "Danger White Men Dancing", a bit of a tongue in cheek title but it's turned out really well so everybody's very pleased with that one.

Gibson bass guitars for sale

Flyguitars.com is funded by its visitors. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. For more info see terms and conditions.

Gibson SG bass Original Hard shell Case USED Old Condition.

La Vergne, Tennessee, 370**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$250

I??ve never used it, was hardly used but In old condition because of its age.... more

1991 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Plus Bass LPB-2 Transparent Amber w / Bartolini, Case

Seattle, Washington, 981**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1900

Up for sale, a 1991 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Plus Bass LPB-2 in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with a padded softshell case. This uncommon Les Paul Bass iteration features a pair of stock Bartolini active pickups, an ebony fingerboard, and a gloss Transparent Amber nitro lacquer finish. This is a notably early example, predating the first appearance of the LPB-2 in the Gibson catalog (officially introduced in 1992)
Tonewoods include a mahogany body, slab flame maple... more

Epiphone by Gibson Power Bass guitar With Case

San Tan Valley, Arizona, 851**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$600

In good condition with minor wear. Please view all photos for condition. It includes the case and cords. The case has the carrying strap
... more

Epiphone by Gibson Rock Bass Black 80s? (Used)

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

This Epiphone by Gibson Rock bass is the only one I've ever seen with "Epiphone by Gibson" actually inlaid on the headstock in this specific font. Most of them may be inlaid "Epiphone" but they are not inlaid "by Gibson" and if they are, they do not have this same style of font. Not sure what year it was made but it has to be in the 80s since all of the 90s models I've seen have the different headstock inlay. We even took off the neck to see if there was any dating on the neck pocket or back of ... more

All Original Vintage 1977 Gibson Grabber G-3 Bass Guitar

Fort Worth, Texas, 761**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

All original vintage 1977 Gibson Grabber G-3 bass guitar. Nice bright with depth tone. A lot of presence. G-3's were the Cadillac Grabber of it's day. This one is in remarkably good condition, especially for it's age. Kiss, Grand Funk, Nirvana, Green Day, The Who, etc BODY: Sculpted maple NECK: Maple with maple fingerboard and MOP dots BRIDGE: Original string through the body bridge, so the strings are really throwing a signal. Surprisingly still has the original bridge cover (that's rare for ... more

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... more

Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1700

Gibson Les Paul LPB-2 Deluxe Plus Bass Bartolini Pickups Heritage Cherry Sunburst 1996 W / HSC
Has wear and scratches from being played. Overall in Good condition Has one chip on treble side of neck at the 5th fret (as seen in photos) 4th / G String Tuner has been remounted slightly tilted. Still functions perfectly. We would fill and remount that tuner in the original hole for free if desired. Just send us a message upon order Comes with Gibson Les Paul Bass Hard Shell Case. Combination ... more

Gibson RD Artist MOOG 1978 Natural Maple 4-String Bass w / HSC (Used)

Sedalia, Missouri, 653**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4000

Has light wear and scratches from being played. Overall in great condition with no major wear or dings. Has typical flat Gibson style frets. Overall in great condition. Have some light wear but no divoting or anything to worry about. Screws for battery compartment cover have been swapped with flat head screws (as seen in photos). Corner of back plate is chipped (as seen in photos). Expander Sensitivity Control on back plate is missing the plastic cap. It does work and is accessible. Strap ... more

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5200

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... more

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass Rare Slotted Head w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!

Racine, Wisconsin, 534**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3995

1968 Gibson EB-0 Bass w / Original Case (EXC ) Stunning!!. Slotted headstock with original Gibson tuners!! Perfect for the collector!! This bass is in exceptional condition and so is the original case!! You will not find one in better condition!! Simply amazing!! Has new strings and comes with a beautiful vintage ??Made in Mexico?? leather strap!! Everything 100% original!! Thanks for looking!!
... more

1969 Gibson SG Bass All Original Serial Number 814003

Huntington, West Virginia, 257**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$10000

1969 Gibson SG solid body. All original hardware. Everything works as it should.
... more

Vintage 1960s Gibson Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass w / Original Case & Strap

Branford, Connecticut, 064**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$800

Up for sale is a vintage 1960s Gibson Kalamazoo KB-1 Electric Bass, complete with its original case and strap. This particular bass is in good vintage condition, with visible signs of age and use including light finish checking, minor dings, few chips in the pick guard, and some honest playwear ?? all consistent with a well-loved instrument of its era. The electronics are original and function properly, and the bass plays cleanly up and down the neck. Please note, the strings have been loosened ... more

gibson bass guitar 4 string

Maple Shade, New Jersey, 080**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1188

The Gibson Bass Guitar 4 String is a high-quality electric bass guitar designed for musicians looking for a powerful and versatile sound. With its solid body construction and distinctive red color, this SG model delivers rich bass tones that are perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Featuring four strings, this bass guitar offers a wide range of notes and harmonies, making it ideal for bass players looking to explore different genres and styles of music. Built by the renowned... more

1981 Gibson Victory Bass Red

New York, 100**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1595

Vintage 1981 Gibson Victory Bass in original red finish
A killer bass with a nice fat tone and superb playability
This baby is a RED BEAST!
Bass plays and sounds fantastic.
Some honest signs of age and wear throughout
Completely original
Comes with nice brown hardshell case
Guitar is exactly as pictured.
Buyer pays $125 shipping in the USA, $150 to Hawaii or Alaska, $400 International, $450 to Australia
Pay Pal Accepted
International Buyers ? Please Note: ... more

70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo

Trenton, New Jersey, 086**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$549

70s Japanese Bass With Gibson Logo. Neck does not have truss rod / adjustable truss rod. Features Shin-ei cap on tone knobs. Recently setup with a fret dress and new nut. Added modern Hipshot Ultralite tuners
... more

1969 Gibson EB3 Bass Guitar- 100% Original with Original Case

Glastonbury, Connecticut, 060**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

One owner, bought new in 1969 from Quigly Music in Kansas City with original Gibson Case. One small strap rub on back with minor finish scratches on back as seen in photos.... more

1965 Gibson EB-0 Short Scale Bass Guitar w / Original Case READ DESCRIPTION

Missoula, Montana, 598**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2796

Bass has some finish cracks all over the body. See pic 4, I??ve tried to capture it. Very common for its age. No major blemishes, but not mint condition. Mute still works great, all original pickups still sound like they did in the 60s.

I have the original case, but it wasn??t easily accessible at the time of posting. I may have updated or would be happy to add pics if a serious buyer wants them. Case is in rugged condition.

Thanks. Please ask questions before bidding. ... more

Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass

Union, New Hampshire, 038**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1275

The Gibson 70s EB-3 WALNUT Used Electric Bass is a classic right-handed solid wood electric bass guitar with a 4-string configuration. This vintage model, known as the Les Paul, was made in the United States and features a solid brown body color, making it both visually appealing and high-quality in terms of sound and playability. With its durable construction and iconic design, this guitar is a popular choice among bass players looking for a reliable and timeless instrument.... more

1975 Gibson Grabber Bass ?? Natural, All Original, OHSC

Salt Lake City, Utah, 841**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2899

For Sale: 1975 Gibson Grabber Bass ?? Natural (OHSC, Vintage Original)
Up for sale is a 1975 Gibson Grabber Bass in its timeless Natural finish, complete with the original Gibson hard-shell case. This vintage workhorse is in very good condition, plays flawlessly, and captures everything players love about Gibson??s bold 1970s bass designs
Condition & Features
Overall Condition: 8 5 / 10 ?? Light scratches and dings consistent with age, adding character to this 50-year-old ... more

CLEAN! Vintage Gibson Grabber Bass!! Plays great! W / alt Pickguard

Monticello, New York, 127**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3000

This vintage Gibson Grabber Bass is a dream come true for any right-handed player looking for a solid body electric bass guitar. With its natural body color and 4-string configuration, this bass is perfect for any music genre. The alt pickguard adds a unique touch to this 1974 model year, making it a must-have for collectors and musicians alike.

The bass plays great and has been well-maintained, ensuring its quality and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned player or a ... more

Find more vintage guitars for sale at vintageguitarsforsale.co