Legendary Drummer Carmine Appice: A Career Spanning 60 Years and Iconic Collaborations
Carmine Appice, a legendary drummer with a career spanning 60 years, has collaborated with iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Dave Grohl. Known for his innovative drumming style in hard rock and heavy metal, Appice introduced elements like the big drum kit and double bass drums to the genre. His showmanship and stick-twirling added flair to his performances.
Starting his career with Vanilla Fudge and later forming Beck, Bogert And Appice with Jeff Beck and Tim Bogert, Appice has worked with renowned artists such as Ozzy Osbourne, Pink Floyd, and Rod Stewart. In a 2009 interview with Classic Rock, he shared anecdotes about his encounters with music legends over the years.
Appice recalled his early days with the band the Pigeons, which later evolved into Vanilla Fudge. He reminisced about meeting Jimi Hendrix, then known as Jimmy James, and their interactions in New York and London. He also shared stories about his time with Rod Stewart, including the creation of the hit song Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
Having crossed paths with Led Zeppelin during a tour where they opened for Vanilla Fudge, Appice recounted how John Bonham was inspired by his drum set and eventually ordered a similar one. He also discussed his collaboration with Pink Floyd on the track The Dogs Of War and his friendship with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Appice's connection with Tommy Bolin led to a musical partnership and recording sessions for Bolin's album Private Eyes. He also shared anecdotes about his interactions with Paul Stanley, Jeff Beck, and Mötley Crüe during various tours and recording sessions. His encounters with Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters highlighted their appreciation for his past work.
Reflecting on his time with Ozzy Osbourne and the stage antics of Mötley Crüe, Appice discussed the influence of his drumming style on younger musicians like Tommy Lee. He shared stories of sharing musical ideas and titles with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, showcasing the lasting impact of his contributions to rock music.
In conclusion, Carmine Appice's extensive career and collaborations with music legends have left a lasting legacy in the rock and metal genres. His innovative drumming style and showmanship have inspired generations of musicians, making him a revered figure in the music industry.