2007 will mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of legendary drummer, Carmine Appice who to this day continues to astound and inspire listeners and indeed drummer alike with the originality of his licks and utter dedicate to the art of music and drumming. Breaking new ground in every facet of his career
as a writer, a teacher and of course a performer. It was clear even from the early days of Vanilla Fudge that Carmine Appice was creating a new standard in rock drumming.
After Vanilla Fudge disbanded, Carmine went to form Cactus with Tim Bogart. Catus has been hailed as a major influence by names like King’s X and Van Halen. This partnership with Bogart could eventually evolve into an alliance with guitar legend, Jeff Beck. A combination of talent that would become know globally as Beck, Bogart and Appice.
Carmine Appice became known worldwide for his amazing live performances, as well as becoming an extremely sought after session drummer, laying down tracks with countless musicians throughout the 70’s. It was in 1976 that Rod Stewart would invite Carmine to join his band after auditioning more than 40 other drummers. As the drummer for The Rod Steward Band, Carmine came to display his talent as a song writer. Penning hit singles like “Do ya think I’m sex and “Young Turks” to name but a few.
Carmine’s broad discography more than demonstrates his why ranging music scope, having worked with such names randing from Ozzy Osbourne to Stanley Clare; from Pink Floyd to Ted Nugent. Such ability and versatility stems from Carmine’s own love of jazz drumming and being influenced by the greatness of Buddy Roch and Gene Krupa, combining all with with extensive classical musical training.
As an teacher, Carmine has been 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 DVD. It was the first book about rock drumming that was actually written by a rock drummer. Realistic Rock was also 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 today. 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 many artists including Chicago drummer Tris Imboden, Cinderella’s Fred Coury, and of course, Carmine Appice himself.
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 hand prints 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.
