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

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1967 GIBSON EB2-C: MADE IN KALAMAZOO, MI (WITH ORIGINAL HARD CASE) (HA2037500)

Harrison, Arkansas, 726**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2995

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1963 Gibson EB-0 Vintage Short Scale SG Bass Cherry w / Mudbucker, Case

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

$3900

Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson EB-0 in perfect working order, 100% original save for a refret and carved bone nut, and complete with a hardshell case. Introduced in 1959 in response to declining sales of the EB-1, the EB-0 originally came with a Les Paul Junior style body, quickly superseded by the SG style body (like the example seen here) in 1961. Lightweight at 7lbs 7oz with solid mahogany construction, this bass delivers pure, fat low-end thump courtesy of the famous "Mudbucker" pickup. The rich... more

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case.

Patchogue, New York, 117**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1969 Gibson EB-0 one owner bass with original custom hard sided case. See pic of original owner with the bass in the early ?70s ! Both the bass and case show wear from decades of use. There are scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents as you would expect. There is a split in the headstock that extends for approximately 7 inches, see photo. Electronics appear to be untouched all original. As shown in pic, date code on pot reads 6833, so bass was built in late 1968 or possibly early 1969. Serial number... 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!!
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1965 Gibson EB-2 Bass a very special ordered EB-2 in a factory Argentine Gray !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8995

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2??s from 1965. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Argentine Gray?? custom color finish is what this is all about & its so frickin rare. Its 1 of only 2 of this color known to exist. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label ... more

Gibson / Epiphone Newport Bass Guitar 65-66 Vintage USA

Beach City, Ohio, 446**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$1979

Used beautiful in very good condition I have owned this bass for over 40 years in the late 70??s this bass was refinished and refurbished by Virgil Lay founder of Lays guitar repair in Akron Ohio everything that is on this bass was done in 1978 it has many awesome upgrades a Bartolini split coil muddbucker pick up with two 2 position toggle switches a Badass bridge and Grover tuners. Bass is strung with Thomastik flat wound strings plays smooth and flawless very nice action. It??s not perfect ... more

1968 Gibson EB2D Bass with Hard Shell Case

Bridgeport, West Virginia, 263**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3700

This Gibson EB2D bass is in very good condition. We listedit as "very good" because of the neck repairs, but if not for thatissue, it probably could be considered "excellent " The best we candetermine, the bass is a 1968. The pots are clearly marked 1967, and the dateranges for the bass is 1966-1969. Also has the mini humbucker in bridge. Itappears they only made 2000 of these with the mini humbuckers throughout theentire 60's. It has had the common repair where the headstock meets the neck, and... more

Gibson EB-0 BASS with Slotted Headstock 1969 - Cherry

Jackson, Michigan, 492**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2795

Another New Arrival!
We offer a RARE Slotted Headstock Gibson EB-0 Bass Guitar "Short Scale" S / N: 928316 which I believe makes this a 1969These had what they called "Mudbucker" pickups which sound much fuller and deeper than your standard pickups. They sound really cool!I understand that these short scale basses are easier for guitar player to pick and play. I have to agree It all works as it should This Bass has seen to use but is just honest playing and not abused. Check out the pics and ... more

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst

Syracuse, New York, 132**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9000

1972 Gibson L6-S Bass Prototype (Ripper, Grabber) Singlecut Sunburst
 
This bass guitar is the prototype for the L6-S bass, a model that was never manufactured by Gibson. Although it is the prototype for an instrument that was not produced, it also seems to be a prototype of the Ripper and Grabber models introduced later that are constructed with the same materials (maple neck and body) and similar dimensions. The look of this one does foreshadow those later models
SETUP & ... 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 L9S RIPPER 1976 Electric Guitar USA Vintage Rare Maple with Hard Case

Chesterfield, Virginia, 238**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

I bought this guitar around 1982. I played it in the high school marching band. It is a marvelous instrument that has always deserved a better player than myself. That being said, my only consolation in letting it go is that whoever owns it next plays the hell out it. They didn't call this model the Ripper for nothing and rock stars have long sought after this model built during this time. It sounds beautiful and it is painful for me to sell it. But I don't play it often and my home air ... more

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare

Flower Mound, Texas, 750**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$400

Epiphone By Gibson Rock Bass Ebony Jazz Bass Hockey Stick Headstock Very Rare.
These were made from 1986-93 according to the internet. The serial number sticker has been peeled of, but I believe this is an earlier one
Very nice looking bass
Sealed tuners, new strings, brass saddles, black on black with matching headstock, all original
The body has a few light nicks and scratches, in the clear coat. None major
No apparent fret wear or groves
The bass has just had a ... more

1964 Gibson Thunderbird II Bass the mintest 100% original Polaris White example.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$44995

This is most likely the rarest & most significant Gibson Bass ever produced. These 1st issue Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. Most all T??bird??s were available in a Sunburst finish. But some were ordered in their select Custom Colors. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most luv??d optional color of Polaris White all over its neck & body. This T??bird is most likely the ... more

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute

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

$175

Vintage Early 1960's Gibson EB-0 / EB-2 Bass Bridge Mute
Very Good Condition Sold by a mom & pop music store in Brooklyn NY
... more

1977 Gibson RD Standard BASS Black

Carbondale, Illinois, 629**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3590

Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers
Olivia's Vintage would like to present this 1977 Gibson RD Artist Standard Bass in its original Black finish. It has a great playing neck with great frets. It's all original and 100% complete along with the original hardshell case (missing handle and some damaged on the sides of the case). This RD Bass looks great with some nicks + dings (some are touched-up) and other cosmetic wear. The bass itself remains structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or ... more

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass Guitar Ebony

Lawrenceville, Georgia, 300**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2000

1985 Gibson Explorer Bass bass in good condition. The bass is fairly lightweight for a 80s Explorer bass, very comfortable to play.
I am the second owner of this bass which has been kept in my home (smoke-free environment). Serial # 82555563 made in Nashville, TN
Note: Prev. owner did the skull stickers which appear to simply be glued over the dot inlays.
1 ) Missing (1) volume knob
2 ) A few nicks and significant paint chipping / checking.
Techn. details:
Alder body, ... more

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan

New Florence, Pennsylvania, 159**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3500

Gibson Ripper (L9-S) Bass Guitar with Seymour Duncan.
This bass is in very good condition. There are a few small marks located in the pictures. Feel free to ask questions, can send more pictures. Must have at least 10 positive comments to purchase. For sale in the United States Only
... more

Gibson Victory Artist Bass 81'

Blackfoot, Idaho, 832**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3800

This a killer bass and a total P bass killer. Gibson released these to compete with the p bass and they are far, far, better quality. Mahogany body, Mable neck, brass nut, active and passive humbuckers with MOOG electronics! All original with the original case. The original case is pretty beat up with a buckle replaced but still road Worthy. Original paperwork still with it. The guitar is set up to play easy with a low action and great sound. One bridge saddle is missing the riser but works ... more

1974 Gibson Ripper Bass

Coudersport, Pennsylvania, 169**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$3200

A serious bass for a discriminating collector or player. Very versatile tone options. Solid maple body and neck. Comes with original case. Equipped with flatwound strings for a darker tone but sounds great with roundwound strings. Some minor finish checking as can be expected on a nearly 50 year old instrument. I've played this bass regularly for decades and always get compliments on its great sound and uniqueness. I've made a minor alteration to the strap pin location. The original locations ... more

1967 Gibson eb-0 bass. lots of patina and finish checking. has hard case cm23ess

Albany, Georgia, 317**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$2500

has been tested and checked over. plays great and looks very vintage. has a decent amount of belt buckle wear and dings. please see pics for condition... more

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