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“Carmine Appice set the foundation for heavy drumming ... before
Bonham, before Ian Paice... before anyone else." - Rick Van Horn,
Modern Drummer magazine.
2007 marks the 40th 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. REALISIC 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.
Some of Carmine’s world tours have been with the Geffen Records
super group BLUE MURDER, 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.
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