Bob Newman
Bob, a proud Essex native, is instantly recognizable by his distinct accent and long-standing love for music. Despite his musical obsession during his youth, he still managed solid A-level results. A product of the Glam Rock era, Bob was heavily influenced by David Bowie, with Mick Ronson's guitar work inspiring him to pick up the electric guitar. His musical tastes evolved throughout the 1970s, gravitating towards prominent guitarists like Brian May (Queen) and Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe). However, a pivotal moment came in 1976 when he discovered the Sex Pistols, whose raw energy and punk ethos reshaped his approach to the guitar—an influence still evident in his playing today.
In 1979, Bob made a life-changing decision. At a crossroads between a potential music career in the U.S. and a new relationship, he chose love over music. Though the romance didn’t last, this choice led to a long hiatus from serious musical pursuits. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Bob returned to the scene, joining various cover bands. During this period, he met bassist Greg Kaye, a collaboration that would eventually prove significant.
In 2023, Bob was drawn back into original music when Greg was approached by longtime friend Andy Demetriou, who was seeking a guitarist with volume, attitude, and creative spark. Greg recommended Bob, and along with vocalist Adam Gill, the foundations of the band ‘a Crock of Daisies’ were laid.
Bob brings a diverse range of influences to the Daisies, shaped by a lifelong appreciation of guitarists such as Billy Duffy (The Cult), Joe Bonamassa, Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), and Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme). His wide-ranging taste is evident in both his songwriting and personal playlists. Songwriting inspirations include icons like David Bowie, Keith Urban, and Dave Grohl, contributing to a distinctive and dynamic musical identity within the band.
Now firmly part of ‘a Crock of Daisies’, Bob sees his role in the group as both creatively satisfying and something he hopes to continue for the long term, marking a full-circle return to his musical roots with a renewed sense of purpose and passion.