Carmine Appice

1997 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the dawn of the career of the legendary Carmine Appice, who continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming. He has broken new ground in every aspect of his career; as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer. From his early days with Vanilla Fudge, considered by many to be the first heavy rock band, it was clear that Carmine was creating new standards for rock drumming. Truly, a different drummer. . .

After Vanilla Fudge, Carmine went on to form Cactus with bassist Tim Bogert. Cactus has been cited as a major influence on such artists as King's X and Alex and Eddie Van Halen. This union with Bogert evolved into an alliance with Grammy-winning guitar hero, Jeff Beck, a stellar combination of talent known internationally as Beck, Bogert, and Appice.

One of the premier showmen in rock, he became known worldwide for his astonishing live performances, in addition becoming a highly sought-after session drummer, recording with countless artists throughout the seventies. In 1976, his friend Rod Stewart invited Carmine to join his band, after auditioning more than forty other drummers. As a member of The Rod Stewart Band, Carmine exhibited yet another talent: writing hit songs. “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Young Turks” were two of his biggest singles.

After a rewarding period with Rod Stewart, Carmine left to pursue his own projects. His first solo album Rockers, was followed by tours of the U.S. and Japan with an all-star band. Next Carmine led the high-energy band King Kobra, recording two albums on Capitol records, and touring internationally.

Carmine’s discography demonstrates his broad musical scope, having worked with artists ranging from Stanley Clarke to Ozzy Osbourne; from Ted Nugent to Pink Floyd. Such versatility stems from Carmine having been influenced by the jazz drumming of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, combined with extensive classical training.

As an educator, Carmine was the first to legitimize rock drumming with his landmark book, Realistic Rock. This revolutionary drum method book, which has sold more than 300,000 copies, is now available as a video. It was the first book about rock drumming that was actually written by a rock drummer. Realistic Rock was voted among the top 25 drum books of all time by Modern Drummer magazine and has been studied by such drum luminaries as Greg Bissonette and Dave Weckl. The book has been updated with a new section on linear techniques, and an accompanying CD.

Carmine was also the first rock drummer to conduct instructional clinics and symposiums held on college campuses, theaters, and music stores around the world, a tradition he still continues. His clinics and master classes continue to break attendance records at venues in every country.

Currently Carmine is producing and marketing instructional videos for his new company, Power Rock, featuring numerous artists including Chicago drummer Tris Imboden, Cinderella’s Fred Coury, and of course, Carmine Appice. Another facet of his educational output will be reflected in his upcoming contribution, The Children’s Book Of Rhythm, to influence yet another generation.

Some of Carmine’s world tours have been with the Geffen Records super group Blue Murder, featuring guitarist extraordinaire John Sykes, from Whitesnake, and Tony Franklin of The Firm, and with the legendary Edgar Winter Group. Being a performer with universal appeal, his playing reaches more than just drummers, as evidenced by proclamations of “Carmine Appice Day” in Los Angeles and four other major U.S. cities, in recognition of his contributions to music, drumming, and music education. He was further immortalized in 1991 by his induction into the Hollywood Rock Walk, his handprints and signature side by side with his idols Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. This year the Hollywood Rock Walk is issuing a commemorative book, with a full page on Carmine, next to a page on superstar James Brown.

Never content with past accomplishments, Carmine continues to move forward with new projects. His 1995 solo effort, Guitar Zeus I, is a six-string extravaganza featuring such guitar “gods” as Mick Mars, Brian May, Ted Nugent, Slash, and Jennifer Batten. Immediately upon the cd’s release it began topping the charts in Germany, Spain, and France.. Additionally, Carmine recently recorded a cd with the Japanese group, Pearl which debuted on the charts at #9. Tickets for Pearl’s 1997 Japanese tour sold out in one day. A gold album was awarded to Carmine & Pearl that year. A year later in 1998 a sold out tour and cd with Pearl brought Carmine new popularity in Japan. Appearing with Pearl on every major TV show, sometimes in front of 50 million people. In December 1997 Carmine received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the LA Music Awards along with Spencer Davis celebrating his long sucessful career.

With Tony Franklin (Bass) and Kelly Keeling (guitar, vocals) Guitar Zeus II was created and released in Japan in Oct. 1997. It had such guitar greats as Richie Sambora, Zak Wylde,Ted Nugent, Dweezil Zappa, Steven Seagal and many more. Guitar Zeus II is slated for release in Europe and the U.S. in ‘99. In April and May of ‘98 Carmine & Kelly wrote 5 songs for a movie titled “Romantic Moritz” starring Roger Daltry, Christopher Lloyd, Casper Van Dien. Carmine had a part in the movie as The Legendary Rocker and appeared as a member of the Burning Praire Band with Roger, Denny Laine (Wings) and Kelly. The movie is slated for release in ‘99.

Never one to sit around too long, Carmine is planning to support his Guitar Zeus worldwide releases with press tours, as well as concert tours in ‘99 and 2000. He has already played in Japan with the first band of his career the legendary group Vanilla Fudge for their first ever concerts in Japan. More concerts for the group are being planned for 2000.

Carmine has recorded some of Japan's greatest guitarists for his Guitar Zeus Japan cd. The album which was recorded in Japan in April, May and June of 1999, features some new Japanese Guitarists and some legends like Char (considered to be Japan’s Jeff Beck) Hatake, Kenny Kitajima (Pearl) and many more. This is the first time this has been done in Japan. Released in September ‘99 GZ Japan has been gettng rave reviews.

In Dec. 1999 Carmine and his old friend Tim Bogert will team up with Japan’s legendary guitarist Char to form Char, Bogert and Appice (CBA). They will do 9 shows in Japan including headlining the Budokan on Christmas day and 4 other Tokyo shows.. The band will be doing live recording and live TV broadcast that will later be edited for a live video. This tour is the talk of the Rock record business in Japan .

Also very exciting is Carmine’s latest solo effort also due out in the summer of ‘99. This is an album which has 9 tracks on it, 6 are instrumental and 3 have Carmine singing, (something he hasn’t done in a while) in answer to many fans asking..... when he will be singing again on an album. With co-writing all the songs, this is a Rock-Jazz album. A brand new exciting direction which enables Carmine to play in areas he has never done before on a cd or record. Carmine is very excited about this music... He has some great guests on this cd like: Max Middleton -Keyboards (Jeff Beck #2), Jimmy Haslip - Bass (Yellow Jackets) Verdine White - Bass (Earth, Wind & Fire), Dick Wagner - Guitar (Alice Cooper). Watch for this one it’s some of Carmine’s best yet!!!

As a true artist, Carmine stretches the limits of his talents, always pursuing new experiences with a broad spectrum of musicians. His high standards have earned him the respect of the world’s most admired performers, as well as captivating the loyalty of legions of fans. He has reshaped the path of music education, redesigned the very instrument he plays, and recreates excitement with every performance.

Carmine Appice Is A Different Drummer.