Historic First-Ever Live Concert From Classic Rock Legends CACTUS Finally Sees An Official Release!
Los Angeles, CA - This is where it all began for the quartet dubbed “The American Led Zeppelin” - on a 1970 bill that also featured the likes of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Grateful Dead, and Steve Miller Band. Vocalist Rusty Day, guitarist Jim McCarty, bassist Tim Bogert, and drummer Carmine Appice, collectively known as Cactus, made their auspicious debut in their very first public performance that night.
Fortunately, this stunning and historic show was captured on tape and has now been unearthed from the archives and released in all formats!
The Birth Of Cactus 1970 finds the freshly minted quartet ripping through some of the key tracks from their landmark debut album including “Parchman Farm,” “Feel So Good” and “No Need To Worry” plus some smokin’ hot blues numbers.
The performances are not only supremely confident but also fluid and dynamic as each member locks into the groove and relentlessly rides it.
Drummer Carmine Appice had this to say about the concert recording, “I remember doing that first gig, hanging out with Hendrix who was a friend of Cactus. We got on stage and the energy level was off the charts! All the songs kicked major ass. We were so excited to get Cactus going and this show helped. Crowd was great and we did ROCK!!”
The Birth Of Cactus 1970 will be available on digipak CD and on PURPLE vinyl everywhere on January 21st!
Drum Legend CARMINE APPICE & FERNANDO PERDOMO Form New Music Duo & Release the All-Instrumental Powerhouse Album ENERGY OVERLOAD on Cleopatra Records
Drummer extraordinaire, composer and producer Carmine Appice has joined forces with multi-instrumentalist and rising studio star Fernando Perdomo to form The Appice Perdomo Project, whose debut album ENERGY OVERLOAD will be released September 24, 2021. The first single, “Rocket To The Sun,” dropped this week on August 31st.
“I had a ball writing and recording with Fernando,” says Carmine Appice. “What a great talent he is. He is awesome on every level; as are the songs on Energy Overload! Adds co-musician Fernando Perdomo: “Carmine and I were introduced to each other roughly one year ago by Tom Dowd’s daughter Dana. We instantly hit it off musically, sending files to each other and co-writing. Within the first six months, we had more than an albums worth of material written, arranged and recorded. We had a blast making the music on Energy Overload. It is our hope that the energy that was created for this record is contagious to those that listen to it.”
Carmine Appice is best known for co-founding Vanilla Fudge, Cactus and King Kobra. As a drummer and composer, he has worked extensively with Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart and Ted Nugent, and remains on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Drummers of All-Time list. Fernando Perdomo, the son of Cuban immigrants, quickly launched a successful career as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and session musician upon moving to Los Angeles in 2012. He was recently featured in the film ECHO IN THE CANYON, where he recorded and performed with Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, Jakob Dylan and many others.
A few years ago, Deniz Tek was asked to go to Sugar Hill Studios in Houston, Texas and record a new version of the 1965 hit “Treat Her Right” with Roy Head. The version was true to the original in many ways. Andy “Mort” Bradley engineered and produced the session.
Now, the updated version of “Treat Her Right” is featured in the film trailer for the new Quentin Tarantino film “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood”
We here at DRNRM are thrilled with Tarantino's use of our Detroit Rock Icons in his film. Makes Tarantino cred even cooler in the D.
We were thrilled to find out Deniz Tek was on the new track of "Treat Her Right" and graciously he was on hand to take us behind the scenes at that session with Roy Head:
Deniz Tek photo by Anne Tek
Deniz Tek: Roy Head is Still Treatin' 'Em Right
Legendary recording engineer Andy “Mort” Bradley
Andy “Mort” Bradley was Radio Birdman’s soundman in 1977, before pursuing a career as a recording engineer and producer. He became chief engineer and owner at historic Sugar Hill Studios in Houston Texas - the oldest continually operating recording studio in America, and home to countless legendary recording stars. Lightnin’ Hopkins, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, The 13th Floor Elevators, Doug Sahm. Archie Bell, Willie Nelson, The Stones, and The Who to name only a few.
Roy Head and the Traits
Back in 1965, Roy Head and the Traits recorded their monumental international hit “Treat Her Right” at Sugar Hill.
After receiving several Grammy nominations and making over 1000 albums, Andy decided to write a book to celebrate the studio’s 70th anniversary. Entitled “House Of Hits”, and published by the University of Texas Press, the fascinating story recounts the history of Sugar Hill.
To coincide with the book’s release, he compiled a double CD compilation of Sugar Hill recordings, many of which were re-recorded for the project with any of the original artists who were still alive and kicking.
One of these artists was Roy Head, and the task was to re-record “Treat Her Right” with Roy and the original bass player and songwriter Gene Kurtz.
I flew down to Houston to play guitar on the session, along with the extraordinary Houston drummer Stefanie Friedman, from the band Sugar Shack, and horn players from The Suspects.
The session for the backing track took place in Studio B with Gene Kurtz on bass, myself, and Stefanie on drums. Andy engineered and produced the session. We recorded the track live, under Gene’s guidance. He was very particular about how things should go. It turned out that I’d been playing the riff a little bit differently than the original for all those years, and I had to unlearn and relearn it on the spot. Gene said that the tempo had to be exact, and he had a little meter to measure the beats per minute to make sure that it was right on.
At least I was given the freedom to improvise the solos, and Stefanie killed on the drums! We were both a bit stressed, to say the least, being in the presence and under the direction of such greatness. But it all paid off.
Next, Roy arrived with his stunning wife. In his 70’s, he has not slowed down a bit, able to do backflips like a gymnast and dance like nobody else. In the riverboat casinos down around Shreveport where he was playing around then, he and Gene were still knocking out crowds with their high energy performances. Roy’s reputation as a wild man is well-founded. He was kicked off a James Brown tour for “being too wild” and for upstaging The Godfather of Soul (!). Legend has it that Elvis went to his grave bearing a scar on his ankle from Roy’s teeth marks.
Roy listened to the playback, and, Lord have mercy, he liked the track. He hung out in the control room while the horn players did their thing. Then Roy went out into the studio and sang his heart out. More gruff, perhaps, and deeper than in the ’60s, but the Voice has lost none of its power. In fact it has gained power. The screams, hey’s, and raw passion in that voice are almost scary. Seeing and hearing that go down on tape was a peak moment. “Living legend” is a word used too carelessly these days. This is one time that it fits.
The next day we had breakfast with Roy, and he told us some fascinating stories from the old days. We got along pretty well and he invited me out to his hunting camp. I have yet to take up that offer.
Now, Roy’s original track for “Treat Her Right” has been selected as the opening music on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood”, while the version that we recorded is being used in the TV trailer for the movie. I am just super pleased to have been able to help make that recording and to meet and work with the great Roy Head. Thank you to my dear lifelong friend, Andy Bradley for making that (and so many other amazing things) happen. Deniz Tek
★Deniz Tek, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a prolific guitarist, singer and songwriter currently based in Sydney, Australia. His career in music, grounded in late-60's Detroit, extends through several decades and across continents. He is best known as a founding member of the influential Australian independent rock band Radio Birdman.
In 2007, Deniz was inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame, and in 2012 was voted number 7 in the top 100 Australian guitarists of all time.★
Legendary drummer Carmine Appice is scheduled to re-release his GUITAR ZEUS project, a compilation album featuring a who’s who list of the best and world-renowned guitarists on the planet backed by his core band featuring Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder) on bass, Kelly Keeling (T.S.O., M.S.G) on vocals/keys/rhythm guitar, and Appice on drums. Written and playing some well crafted timeless songs.
Originally released as two separate albums in 1995 & 1997, this new re-mastered album (by Stephen DeAcutis - Vanilla Fudge, Corey Glover, Overkill, Cyndi Lauper) combines both releases as one complete version on January 18, 2018 for the first time ever across all digital platforms, as well as feature 5 brand new songs with Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Pat Travers, John Norum, and top Japanese guitarists RaiZi and Char. Select songs will also be available on a special limited-edition vinyl and CD.
Carmine Appice’s Guitar Zeus showcases the complete and prolific talents of many world-renown rock guitarists including Brian May, Slash, Neil Schon, Yngwie Malmsteen, Bruce Kulick, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Paul Gilbert, Mick Mars, Richie Sambora, Zakk Wylde, Bob Daisley, Dweezil Zappa, Vivian Campbell, Leslie West, Warren DeMartini, Steve Morse, Ty Tabor (Kings X), Ted Nugent, Dug Pinnick, John Norum and others…
“The Guitar Zeus project, for me, was an amazing experience that has never been done before by a drummer, especially with so much talent on one album! You get your money’s worth! Writing all the songs with my band (Tony & Kelly) and then picking out songs for each guitarist was fun and a time-consuming process, especially coordinating everybody’s schedules and recording sessions.
Carmine Appice’s Guitar Zeus – Tracklisting:
“Mothers Space” (feat. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal) + **
“Gonna Rain” (feat. Richie Sambora) + **
“4 Miles High” (feat. Steve Morse) +
“Nobody Knew” (feat. Brian May) + **
“Where You Belong (feat. Slash) +
“Out of Mind” (feat. Neal Schon) + **
“This Time Around (feat. Yngwie Malmsteen & Dug Pinnick) + **
“Nothing” (feat. John Norum) +
“Doin’ Fine” (feat Vivian Campbell) +
“Under the Moon and Sun” (feat. Mick Mars / Edgar Winter) + **
“Code 19” (feat. Zakk Wylde) + **
“Days Are Nights” (feat. Ted Nugent) + **
“Do Ya think I'm Sexy” (Sung by Carmine, feat. Pat Travers)
“Angels” (feat. Char)
“Guitar Zeus, Pt. 1” (feat Jennifer Batten)
“Safe” (feat. Neal Schon)
“Dead Wrong” (feat. Dweezil Zappa)
“Trippin’ Again” (feat. Ty Tabor)
“Even Up the Score” (feat. Ted Nugent)
“Dislocated” (feat. Paul Gilbert)
“Stash” (feat. Stevie Salas / John McEnroe)
“Perfect Day” (feat. Warren DeMartini)
“Killing Time” (feat. Ty Tabor)
“So Long” (feat. Doug Aldrich)
“My Own Advice” (feat Kenji Kitajima)
“Time to Set Alarms” (feat Elliot Easton / Bob Daisley)
“GZ Blues” (feat. Seymour Duncan / Steven Seagal)
“Guitar Zeus, Pt. 2” (feat. Leslie West / Jennifer Batten)
“Where you Belong” (feat Paul Gilbert)
“Cruzin” (feat. Denny Laine)
“Couldn’t Be Better” (Feat. RaiZi)
“Score” (Feat. Ted Nugent)
“Snake” (feat. Bruce Kulick)
+ CD Release
** Vinyl Release
From the opening note, one can tell this is going to be something special. I consider these drum tracks to be some of the best performances in my career, topped off with working with so many great guitarists and singers. The combination of players and song selection is something special with some of the tunes is out of the ordinary and ahead of their time!” – Carmine Appice
About Carmine Appice:
As drummer for Vanilla Fudge, Carmine Appice set the grooves for the groundbreaking band's 1967 psychedelic debut, inadvertently inventing Stoner Rock in the process.
The Fudge had no precedent. The band was totally unique. No rock group, up until that point, had ever so lugubriously s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d out well-known pop tunes. Vanilla Fudge went on to tour with Jimi Hendrix, Cream and even had Led Zeppelin as an opening act.
Post-Fudge, Bogert, and Appice formed Cactus (seen as an influence on Van Halen & King's X). Post-Cactus, the rhythm section found Grammy-winning Guitar Hero Jeff Beck to form the first supergroup: Beck, Bogert & Appice.
One of the premier showmen in rock, Appice became known worldwide for his astonishing live performances and a highly sought-after session drummer, recording with countless artists throughout his career.
In 1976, he joined Rod Stewart’s band, touring, recording and writing two of Stewart’s biggest hits, "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" and "Young Turks.”
He left Stewart to record his first solo album, Rockers, and tour Japan and North America with an all-star band. In 1978, Appice played drums on Paul Stanley’s first solo album.
In the early 1980s, he toured with Ozzy Osborne, Ted Nugent. In the mid '80s, he formed King Kobra for two Capitol albums and international touring. In the late ‘80s, Carmine played on Pink Floyd’s "Momentary Lapse of Reason and formed Blue Murder with Whitesnake's John Sykes and The Firm's Tony Franklin. In the early '90s, he pounded away soul-style for The Edgar Winter Group.
Carmine with Edgar Winter
As an educator, Carmine was the first to legitimize rock drumming with his landmark book, The Realistic Rock Drum Method, selling over 400,000 copies (now in dvd and ebook format).
He was the first Rock Drummer and Rock Musician to conduct instructional clinics and symposiums around the world, a tradition he continues.
In appreciation for his universal appeal, Los Angeles was one of four cities that have had "Carmine Appice Day.” In 1991, he was forever immortalized via his induction in cement to the Hollywood's Rock Walk (next to his idols, Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich).
In 2016 Carmine wrote an autobiography titled “Stick It” which appeared on Amazon’s “Best Sellers” list.
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.
Drum Legends Carmine & Vinny Appice Release New 'Drum Wars Live' Video - “Stand Up And Shout!”
Los Angeles, CA - Drummers and music fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the new live CD track and music video by drum legends, brothers, Carmine & Vinny Appice, titled “Stand Up And Shout!” Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell.
Recently, these two drum virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars”, featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June 2014 at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records. Along with Carmine and Vinny, the 'Drum Wars Live' CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!
“After a bunch of friends and fans gave us a bunch of footage and photos from our 'Drum Wars' shows we decided to put together a video from our live CD. The 'Stand Up And Shout' video is a good representation of what 'Drum Wars' is – a kick-ass show!” - Carmine Appice
Here's what's being said about the new video:
“A full force drum battle complete with showmanship, sight gags, musicianship, power and sibling rivalry, captured on video.” - Radio Chick. Talk show host NYC
“STAND UP AND SHOUT. Powerful and relentlessly appealing! A Metal Anthem with overtones of DIO and Cactus from two of the most powerful drummers in the world.” - Allan Handelman, Show and Syndicated Show “Rock Talk”. www.ifitrocks.com
“Stand for Vinnie... Shout for Carmine... Drum Wars thunders with double the power and double the punch! Drum Wars battles through the legendary drumming brothers' catalog and rocks you with shock and awe!” - A.J. Fritz Host of Fritzrocks WLVR FM
“This percussive pair will pulverize you with their paradiddles during Drum Wars on stage and on CD. Experience it while you can!”
On The Air & In The Wind, Fingers
“Drum Wars is a quick, fun listen that freshens riffs and energizes lyrics while keeping the songs relevant and fast paced. It's an easy beginning to end listen.”
- Orlando Mornings 943 The Shark,
Brian Orlando, Morning Show Host 943 The Shark
For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/
“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice
“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice
More 'Drum Wars Live' tour dates are currently in the works for March and beyond. Also, coinciding with the 'Drum Wars Live' CD release was a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, and lots more!! For details, visit:
http://www.metalallstars.com/
This January, Vinny Appice will be embarking on the Extreme Guitar 2015 North American Tour featuring Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Craig Goldy, Elliott Rubinson, Vinny Appice, Mark Boals!
Drum Heroes Carmine & Vinny Appice Go Head-To-Head On The New Release Drum Wars Live!
Los Angeles, CA - Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell. Recently, these two virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars,” featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June of this year at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records.
Along with Carmine and Vinny, the Drum Wars Live CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!
For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/
“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice
“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice
Coinciding with this exciting release is a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde, Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, Testament’s Chuck Billy and lots more! For details, visit: http://www.metalallstars.com/
Los Angeles, CA - Much to the excitement of music fans around the world, Cleopatra Records has joined forces with drum icon Carmine Appice's Rocker Records and will be releasing rare live and studio recordings by US rock legends Cactus featuring our favorite Detroit guitarist Jim McCarty , Tim Bogert & Carmine Appice and Pat Travers & Carmine Appice!
“I’m so excited that my label Rocker Records has partnered with Cleopatra Records to put out this collection of RARE and UNIQUE kick ass rock !!!” - Carmine Appice
CACTUS - AN EVENING IN TOKYO (CD)
Available Now!
The band referred to as America’s Led Zeppelin, Cactus, offer this stunning concert performance recorded in late 2012 at the Garden Shimokitazawa club in Tokyo! Features founding member and Vanilla Fudge/Ozzy Osbourne alum Carmine Appice plus Detroit blues legend Jim McCarty (formerly of Mitch Ryder’s backing band The Detroit Wheels), vocalist Jimmy Kunes (formerly of Savoy Brown), bassist Pete Bremy and harp player Randy Pratt!
Tracks:
1. Swim
2. One Way...Or Another
3. Bro. Bill
4. You Can’t Judge A Book By The Cover
5. Alaska
6. Electric Blue
7. Muscle And Soul
8. Evil
9. Parchman Farm
10. Rock N’ Roll Children
CACTUS - LIVE IN THE U.S.A. (DBL CD)
Available August 5!
Drum legend Carmine Appice reunites with his fellow rock n’ roll superstars Tim Bogert & Jim McCarty for a very special Cactus reunion show at B.B. King’s in New York - June 2006! Includes powerful performances of Cactus’s live favorites “Parchman Farm,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Evil,” “Bro. Bill” and more! Like a fine double-barreled bourbon, this group has only grown stronger and better over the years!
Tracks:
DISC 1
1. Long Tall Sally
2. Let Me Swim
3. One Way...Or Another
4. Cactus Music
5. Bro. Bill
6. Muscle And Soul
7. Oleo (Bass Solo)
DISC 2
1. Part Of The Game
2. Evil
3. Cactus Boogie
4. Parchman Farm
5. Rock N’ Roll Children
CACTUS - TKO TOKYO - LIVE IN JAPAN (DBL CD/DVD)
Available September 2!
A blockbuster multi-media 2CD+DVD live set recorded in 2012 from the mighty Cactus! Features one single, mind blowing concert performance captured on both audio CD and crystal clear digital video, and includes some of the band’s finest versions of “Bro. Bill,” “Parchman Farm,” “Evil” and more! This show was recorded the night after Evening In Tokyo at the very same venue.
DISC 1
1. Long Tall Sally
2. Let Me Swim
3. One Way...Or Another
4. Bro. Bill
5. You Can’t Judge a Book By The Cover
6. Alaska
7. Muscle And Soul
8. Electric Blue
DISC 2
1. The Groover
2. Evil / Drum Solo
3. Big Mama Boogie
4. Parchman Farm
5. Randy’s Song
6. Rock N’ Roll Children
7. Part Of The Game
DVD
1. Long Tall Sally
2. Let Me Swim
3. One Way...Or Another
4. Bro. Bill
5. You Can’t Judge a Book By The Cover
6. Alaska
7. Muscle And Soul
8. Electric Blue
9. The Groover
10. Evil / Drum Solo
11. Big Mama Boogie
12. Parchman Farm
13. Randy’s Song
14. Rock N’ Roll Children
Longtime partners in crime and one of the tightest rhythm sections in all of rock music, bassist Tim Bogert & drummer Carmine Appice, team up with musical friends and family for this special studio album! Features Vanilla Fudge alumni Bill Pascali, Teddy Rodinelli, and Vince Martell PLUS special guests T.M. Stevens (James Brown / The Pretenders) & Brian Auger (Rod Stewart)!
Tracks:
1. Bye Bye Love
2. Falling
3. Black Box
4. Eternity
5. The Star-Spangled Banner
BONUS TRACKS
6. Falling (with Brian Auger)
TRAVERS & APPICE - LIVE IN EUROPE (CD)
Available September 16!
Together again on this very special live album recorded in 2004, guitarist Pat Travers and drummer Carmine Appice, along with special guest bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm), bring the house down with some of the realest, rawest classic rock you’ve ever heard! Includes Travers’ biggest hits “Snortin’ Whiskey” and “Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)” as well as a supercharged version of the mega hit Appice co-authored “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and lots more!
1. Taken
2. Better From A Distance
3. I Don’t Care
4. Crash And Burn
5. Livin’ Alone
6. Tony Solo
7. Gotta Have Ya
8. Keep On Rockin’
9. Snortin’ Whiskey
10. Can’t Escape The Fire
11. Evil
12. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
13. Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)
14. Stand Up