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In a recent interview with Marci Wiser of 95.5 KLOS radio, Carmine Appice, a legendary figure in the world of rock drumming, delved into the impact of his playing style on several iconic drummers, including Neil Peart, Roger Taylor, Phil Collins, and John Bonham. His insights shed light on the evolution of drumming techniques and how his distinctive approach influenced the wider landscape of rock music.
Appice explained that his playing style was significantly shaped by the limitations of the equipment and technology available during the late 1960s. At that time, there were no sophisticated monitor systems or powerful PA (public address) systems. To make himself heard in live performances, especially in large venues, Appice had to resort to beating the drums with considerable force. This necessity led him to experiment with drum sizes, particularly opting for larger bass drums, as he believed that bigger drums would produce a louder sound. The 26-inch bass drum he acquired became a trademark of his sound. In addition, he drew inspiration from other drummers, such as Dino Danelli of THE RASCALS, who influenced him to push the envelope even further by using oversized drums.
Appice’s drumming style was characterized by its intensity and aggressiveness, as he had to hit the drums harder than most drummers of his time to achieve the desired volume. This unique approach inadvertently gave birth to his distinct sound, featuring big, fat drum tones that resonated with power and weight.
However, Carmine Appice was quick to point out that he didn’t consciously set out to create a new drumming sound. Instead, his style developed out of necessity, reflecting the challenges of the era. Despite this, other drummers, including the legendary John Bonham, were drawn to Appice’s approach and began to incorporate elements of it into their own playing.
One fascinating anecdote that Appice shared was Eddie Van Halen’s acknowledgment that one of VANILLA FUDGE’s songs, “Parchman Farm,” served as a template for the iconic Van Halen track “Hot For Teacher.” This kind of recognition reinforced Appice’s status as a pioneer in the drumming world.
Moreover, Appice recounted an interaction with John Bonham, where Bonham attributed some of his drumming ideas to Appice’s earlier work with VANILLA FUDGE. This acknowledgment came as a surprise to Appice, who had initially hesitated to discuss his influence on Bonham due to the latter’s iconic status as a groundbreaking drummer. Nevertheless, evidence from a book and conversations between Bonham and others confirmed Appice’s influence on the Led Zeppelin legend.
Appice also expressed his willingness to play with a reunited Led Zeppelin and suggested that his drumming style might closely align with Bonham’s due to their shared history. He emphasized that Led Zeppelin, being legendary and old school, required a drummer who could capture the essence of their music, and he believed his style was well-suited for that purpose.
In 2023, VANILLA FUDGE released “Vanilla Zeppelin,” a collection of Led Zeppelin covers, further solidifying Appice’s connection to the iconic rock band and his lasting influence on the world of drumming and rock music as a whole.
