VINNY APPICE
Vinny Appice, having got an early introduction to drumming from his big brother Carmine Appice [ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, CACTUS, VANILLA FUDGE], first rose to fame in 1976 in DERRINGER, alongside Rick Derringer, Kenny Aaronson and Danny Johnson. Together they toured and released two studio albums (DERRINGER in 1976 and SWEET EVIL in 1977) and, to cap things off, a live record (LIVE in 1977). Now, after thirty years, the classic lineup of the band (that was only ever together for less than two years to begin with) has been resurrected for some very special appearances around the world. In the interim, like the other members of DERRINGER, Vinny Appice has gone on to achieve even bigger success in various forms. In 1978 he released an album (IT'S A CIRCUS WORLD) with AXIS, before facing the formidable task of filling Bill Ward's boots, in BLACK SABBATH, for the remainder of the HEAVEN AND HELL tour. He then went on to record the now legendary MOB RULES album with them, as well as the double live record, LIVE EVIL. After Ronnie James Dio's first reign at the helm of BLACK SABBATH came to an end, Vinny chose to accompany him in forming a brand new band, DIO. Together they went on to record multiple gold (SACRET HEART in 1985) and platinum (HOLY DIVER in 1983 and LAST IN LINE in 1984) selling albums. Finally in 1992 Vinny and Ronnie rejoined BLACK SABBATH for the DEHUMANIZER record and ensuing tour. After the Costa Mesa debacle, Vinny joined Ronnie for another couple of DIO records, before, in the late '90s, jumping ship again to fill in for ailing Bill Ward on BLACK SABBATH's "Reunion" tour. More recently Vinny has, among other things, put out an excellent record (FROZEN SUMMER) with his band, 3 LEGGED DOGG, featuring Jimmy Bain (ex-RAINBOW, ex-DIO), Carlos Cavazo (ex-QUIET RIOT), Chas West (ex-BONHAM) and Brian Young. All of this, of course, before once again being called to duty with HEAVEN & HELL to record three new songs for the BLACK SABBATH compilation album (THE DIO YEARS) and a subsequent tour. Now, with a phenomenal tour and a gold selling live release ("LIVE FROM RADIO MUSIC CITY HALL in 2007) to show for it, it's almost time for another studio album.
We caught up with Vinny after he had just finished a killer show with DERRINGER at the prestigious Sweden Rock Festival (which last year he played with HEAVEN & HELL). Rock 'n' Roll!
INTERVIEW BY MARKO SYRJÄLÄ AND JARNO HUOVILA
PICTURES BY MARKO SYRJÄLÄ AND ARCHIVES
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