Dave Bishop

Quick Facts

Summary

Dave Bishop is a British saxophonist and flautist who performed with Robbie Williams from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. He has recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, and Paul McCartney, and played in West End productions and orchestras. He leads the Tubby Hayes Legacy Orchestra and is a long-time Yamaha artist.

Biography

Personal Life

Dave Bishop is a British saxophonist and flautist with a career spanning live performance, studio recording, and orchestral work. He began playing professionally in his teens and joined the QE2 cruise ship band at age 18, performing on a world tour and multiple Caribbean cruises. Upon returning to the UK, he launched a freelance career that has included television, film, and commercial sessions. Bishop is a long-time Yamaha artist and regularly presents clinics at institutions such as Kneller Hall and Leeds College of Music.

The Robbie Williams Band

Dave Bishop performed with the Robbie Williams Live Band from the late 1990s through the early 2000s. He played saxophone and flute as part of the brass section, contributing to live arrangements and ensemble work during Robbie's early solo tours. Bishop appeared in televised specials and concert recordings, including the 2003 Live at Knebworth shows, where he was credited for flute and saxophone performances.

His background in jazz and orchestral pop added depth to Robbie's live sound, particularly during large-scale productions featuring full horn sections. Bishop was part of a lineup that included fellow brass musicians Chris White, Paul Spong, Neil Sidwell, and Simon Gardner.

Other Projects and Appearances

Outside of his work with Robbie Williams, Dave Bishop has performed with Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, and Paul McCartney, contributing to albums such as Flowers in the Dirt, Flaming Pie, and New. He played on Amy Winehouse's Grammy-winning single “Rehab” and has worked with orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra.

Bishop has featured extensively in West End productions including Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He currently leads the Tubby Hayes Legacy Orchestra, preserving and performing the works of the legendary British jazz saxophonist. His career reflects a blend of technical excellence, ensemble strength, and long-term collaboration across jazz, pop, and theatrical music.