As many rock fans are aware, Carmine Appice is celebrated as one of the most iconic drummers in rock and roll history. Born on December 15, 1946, Appice first gained prominence with the seminal band Vanilla Fudge. This group is widely regarded as one of the most influential in classic rock, yet notably, they have not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—a decision often viewed as an massive lapse in judgment by the hall.. After releasing five albums with Vanilla Fudge, the band disbanded, paving the way for Appice to form his next venture, Cactus.
Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice enlisted blues guitarist Jim McCarty from Mitch Ryder’s Detroit Wheels and the Buddy Miles Express, along with vocalist Rusty Day, formerly of the Amboy Dukes. This formation of Cactus went on to release three albums with Atco Records: Cactus (1970), One Way… or Another (1971), and Restrictions (1971). The group’s fourth and final album from its original iteration, ‘Ot ‘n’ Sweaty (1972), featured Bogert and Appice alongside new members Werner Fritzschings on guitar, Duane Hitchings on keyboards, and Peter French on vocals. Guitarist Ricky Ramirez joined shortly before the band eventually disbanded.
Cactus made a notable comeback in June 2006, reuniting in New York City. Their resurgence kicked off with a live radio performance on The Radiochick Show, followed by their first live concert since 1972 at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Times Square on June 3. This performance served as a precursor to the main event that catalyzed their reunion: a slot at the Sweden Rock Festival in Norje, Sweden, on June 9. The revitalized 2006 lineup included original members Carmine Appice, Tim Bogert, and Jim McCarty, with Jimmy Kunes, formerly of Savoy Brown, taking over vocal duties. Randy Pratt was also added to the mix, playing harmonica at both the New York and Sweden shows. Alongside their live performances, the band released a new album, Cactus V, marking a fresh chapter in their storied legacy.
In 2016 Cactus released another new album entitled Black Dawn. That record was followed up in 2021 with Tightrope.
Our interview with Carmine focuses on the brand new Cactus album Appice has just released entitled Temple Of Blues – Influences & Friends
The record is killer.
The latest album from Cactus brings together the band’s current lineup with a stellar array of guest musicians, each citing the group as a major influence on their careers. This ensemble features an impressive roster of talent across the blues and rock spectrum.
Joining the present members of Cactus are a pantheon of musical legends, including guitarists Joe Bonamassa, Ted Nugent, Pat Travers, Warren Hayes, Vernon Reid, Steve Stevens, and Johnny A from The Yardbirds. Ty Tabor of King’s X also lends his guitar skills, alongside a formidable lineup of bassists: Billy Sheehan from Mr. Big, Dug Pinnick of King’s X, Tony Franklin known for his work with The Firm and Blue Murder, Phil Soussan who has played with Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol, Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne fame, Kenny Aaronson, formerly of Joan Jett and The Yardbirds. Contributions also come from members of bands like Jorge Carlsson of Govt Mule, Randy Jackson of Zebra, and Doug Aldrich of Whitesnake.
Adding a unique touch to the album, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister delivers vocals on a riveting cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Evil.” Mark Stein, Carmine Appice’s bandmate from Vanilla Fudge, brings his vocal prowess to Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally.” The album also includes a special bonus track, “Guiltless Glider,” featuring former Judas Priest vocalist Ripper Owens.
Carmine Appice not only plays drums across the album but also provides vocals, joining forces with original Cactus guitarist Jim McCarty on “Temple of Blues.” This record breathes new life into some of Cactus’s most iconic tracks, reinvigorating their legendary heavy blues-rock sound with fresh interpretations by the current band and their illustrious guests.
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Carmine Appice: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
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