About Bob O’Neill
Bob O’Neill first heard an acoustic guitar at the age of 12. It was a 1910 Gibson guitar. My grandmother was playing it in the kitchen when I walked by, I was mesmerized and I have been playing guitar ever since… I still have her guitar, says O’Neill.
O’Neill created his first band a couple of years later with his friend David Kibler, guitarist. He moved to Santa Cruz in 1964.
He was to attend Soquel High School and there met drummer, Ron Fillmore. David Kibler, Ron Fillmore and Bob O’Neill were the members of the original band named, SNAIL in 1967. During this time O’Neill was actively songwriting as well as played shows throughout the next two years. By 1969 O’Neill had penned over a dozen original songs. In 1969, Ken Kraft, singer & guitarist joined SNAIL.
It would be 10 years of shows in and around Northern California. During this time they had many famous artists of the time join them on stage. Lindsey Buckingham singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer of Fleetwood Mac and Bob Aguirre, drummer for the band Fritz. Aguirre continued to play with SNAIL as their drummer from 1975-77. Carlos Santana did a guest appearance with SNAIL at The Catalyst, in the mid 1970’s. Tiran Porter of The Doobie Brothers was the bassist for SNAIL during the Benefit for The Catalyst film, at The Catalyst in 1996. SNAIL opened for Freddie King at the San Jose club, The Bodega. O’Neill later joined King on stage at Margaritaville in Santa Cruz.
Then in 1979 SNAIL was offered a record deal through David Crooks former local musician turned rep with Cream Records, Hal Winn. They came up from LA to a see a SNAIL show at The Catalyst. It’s rare that fate literary knocks on your door with opportunity… but that is what happened to SNAIL with the Cream record deal in 1978. The core members Bob O’Neill and Ken Kraft were offered were offered a recording contract for two years and the support for recording at United Western Studio in Los Angeles with the goal of releasing 2 albums a year.
SNAIL made a debut television appearance on Dick Clark’s national TV series, “American Bandstand”. SNAIL members at this point were Bob O’Neill, Ken Kraft, Jack Register and Jim Norris. The song showcased was “The Joker” written by Randy Zacuto and Victor Phillips, The song later appeared on the first album entitled, “SNAIL”.
SNAIL recorded their second album “Flow” 1979.
“Flow” was recorded at Pandora Productions Studio in Coconut Grove Florida, owned by Bill Szymczyk, most notably known for working with Rock musicians, The Eagles as well as at Criteria Studios. It was produced by Alan Blazak (The Eagles) over a two month period garnering 10 songs. The band members had a change in line up. The original singer, songwriter, lead guitarist Bob O’Neill and Ken Kraft singer, guitarist were still the headlining frame work that made SNAIL a huge draw. New members coming in to the musical fabric was Don Baldwin, drummer, vocalist from The Elvin Bishop Band, The Starship and Bret Bloomfield, bassist also from Elvin Bishop and The Starship.
This incarnation of SNAIL, performed, recorded and toured Nationally from 1979-80. SNAIL toured the US opening for topnotch bands at the time such as, Stix, Pablo Cruise, and The Doobie Brothers and Charlie Daniels. The SNAIL “Flow” album charted at 117 on the top 200 best albums of the year, 1979.This award winning album cover shot by photographer, Gene Brownell. Went on to be permanent set decoration, on the very famous, “Mork and Mindy” sitcom, Starring Robin Williams, circa 1978 until the show was cancelled.
SNAIL disbanded in 1981 because of a crucial band member needing to address a health issue.
It would be in 1982 that a new incarnation of Bob O’Neill music and a new band would break into the public eye. The Inflatable Dates!
The Inflatable Dates, also known as, “The Dates” would be comprised of Bob O’Neill on songwriter, lead guitar, vocals, Rick Cabral, bass, vocals, formerly of The Santa Cruz Band and Gary “Killer” Andrijasevich drums, vocals formerly of The Chocolate Watch Band. The music was different than SNAIL rock’n’roll ballads of the 1970’s.
The Dates were a powerhouse trio with edgy lyrics and very danceable 80’s grooves. They performed to packed venues throughout 1981-87.They recorded at MARS studios, in Freedom, CA, The Record Plant, in Sausalito, CA and Mussel Shoals, Alabama. Again with producer, Alan Blazak. These recordings have never been released. The Dates, disbanded upon the loss of Rick Cabral in 1987.
In 2004 two CD’s, were recorded containing the music of “The Dates” and engineered by Gary “Killer” Andrijasevich and Bob O’Neill. The first being, “Bob O’Neill” and the second, “Bob O’Neill” The other Seven.
Bob O’Neill continues to write and compose original songs, record and play live. His original song catalog garners over 100 tunes. He has 7 albums to this credit. His Bob O’Neill, Greatest Hits in the studio now, its targeted release date is in 2024.
He is currently playing in three bands
from Carmel to the Bay Area.
The Messiahs, Bob O’Neill, Ken Kraft, Craig Owens.
The Owls, Bob O’Neil, Harpin’ Johnny and Joe Vallaire.
The BobCats, Bob O’Neill, Ted Welty, Daniel Lewis and Keith Graves.
SNAIL Albums and Release Dates:
SNAIL – 1978
SNAIL Flow – 1979
SNAIL Let It Rock (Live at The Catalyst) – 1988
SNAIL Now – 2022