Interviewer:
Cameron Edney - http://insideout666.mysite.freeserve.com
Vinny Appice is one of the world’s most respected Hard rock
& Heavy Metal drummers and plays one of the biggest kits I have
ever seen. Vinny has had the privilege of performing with some of
Heavy metals most iconic figures such as Ozzy Osbourne & Ronnie
James Dio. I caught up with Vinny earlier this week and we spoke about
his early days as a drummer, Vinny’s influences, working with
John Lennon, Black Sabbath, Dio, Lana Lane, what the future holds
and much more. I hope you all enjoy the interview
Metal Fanatix: Hi Vinny I would like to thank you for taking
the time out to answer these questions for all our readers. I would
like to start right back to the beginning. You began drum lessons
at the age of 9 using the same teacher that had taught your brother
Carmine. How long did you go to lessons for?
Vinny Appice: I went for lessons for 3 years. Dick
Benette was our teacher.
Metal Fanatix: Growing up in a house with 2 drummers must
have been crazy? I bet yourself & Carmine weren't too popular
with the neighbours in those early learning stages?
Vinny Appice: I am 11 years younger than Carmine
so he was out of the house already when I started. The neighbours
didn't mind, they like the idea of a celebrity family on the block.
Metal Fanatix: What was the 1st drum kit you owned?
Vinny Appice: Some old Gretch left overs from Carmine.
After that I bought a Ludwig kit.
Metal Fanatix: Did you always want to be a drummer?
Vinny Appice: Yea, I thought it would be fun.
Metal
Fanatix: Are there any other members of your family that
are drummers besides yourself & Carmine?
Vinny Appice: We had 2 cousins that also played
back then. They smartened up and got real jobs.
Metal Fanatix: Do you remember the first show you ever played
can you tell us a bit about it?
Vinny Appice: I know it was March 17th 197 whatever!
It was a dance at the local Church in Brooklyn NY. The name of the
band was Mully Graves.
Metal Fanatix: I have been inspired by many different drummers
over the years (Eric Carr, Yourself & Brother Carmine, Tommy Lee,
Charlie Benante among others) growing up who inspired you to pick
up the sticks?
Vinny Appice: Buddy Rich, Carmine, John Bonham and
Billy Cobham
Metal Fanatix: You have performed with many talented artists
over the years. Has these experiences helped to develop the drumming
techniques that you are using today?
Vinny Appice: Oh yea, the more experience you have
to draw from the better.
Metal Fanatix: In your opinion how essential is it for a
drummer to follow there hearts, dreams & aspirations?
Vinny Appice: Musically yes exactly! I would add
another: Your wallet! Don't be naive; there are a lot of promises
in the biz. Get it in writing!
Metal Fanatix: Do you do anything specific to warm up &
prepare for a show?
Vinny Appice: I sit with one leg resting on the
other and play on the rubber part of my shoe. Pariddles, doubles etc.
Metal Fanatix: How do you continue to successfully decipher
the role of a drummer in a song without impeding on a songs melody,
dynamics, & format?
Vinny Appice: Feel it, from the heart. Keep your
ears open and listen to how it fits in the track. It should create
a mood.
Metal
Fanatix: When you're onstage what runs through your mind?
Do you think about anything?
Vinny Appice: Everything like: what's happening after
the show? where am I? This song sucks! These monitors are horrible!
Metal Fanatix: I remember reading somewhere that
you had met John Lennon when you were 16and that you actually got
to do some work with him. Working with John must have been inspirational?
Can you tell us about the experience?
Vinny Appice: I was 16, my band rehearsed at The
Record Plant Studios in NY. John recorded there so he and Yoko would
come in and watch us practice and hang out. He then asked us to do
a live TV show with him and a couple of videos, we of course agreed.
That was amazing to hang out with him and perform together!!
Metal Fanatix: Over the years you have worked with many different
musicians, who have you learnt the most from?
Vinny Appice: Black Sabbath- I learned how to play
BIG shows and how a real band works. I learned from Rick Derringer
also. I was a kid playing with all these seasoned professionals.
Metal Fanatix: More recently you have been playing with The
Hollywood All-stars. Along side the likes of Carlos Cavazo (quiet
riot) & Jeff Pilson (Dio/Dokken). How did this project get started
and do you guys have any plans to tour Australia?
Vinny Appice: We did a gig to raise money for the
victims of the Great White fire tragedy. We continued getting offers
to play so we decided to it for some fun. No plans to come down under.
Metal Fanatix: You are seen as a heavy Metal drummer, but
nevertheless you have played with Lana Lane who is not exactly “Metal”
How did you end up working with Lana?
Vinny Appice: Lana and Erik Norlander are really
good friends of mine. They asked and I said OK.
Metal Fanatix: Back in late 1985/early 1986 Dio toured Australia
do you remember any funny stories from the Australian tour?
Vinny Appice: Topless women by the pool.
Metal Fanatix: There has been so many highlights in your
career, what would you say have been your greatest achievements to
date?
Vinny Appice: Playing with the original Sabbath
with Ozzy. That rocked!
Metal
Fanatix: For someone like yourself who is often considered
iconic with regard to Hard rock & Heavy Metal drumming, what do
you think most people would be surprised to learn about Vinny Appice?
Vinny Appice: I also play the banjo! Kidding!
Metal Fanatix: What bands are you listening to these days?
Vinny Appice: P.O.D., Puddle of Mudd, Velvet Revolver,
Audioslave, Linkin Park.
Metal Fanatix: Do you ever act on suggestions coming from
your fans?
Vinny Appice: Sometimes if it’s a good one.
Metal Fanatix: What is the strangest question a fan has asked
you?
Vinny Appice: Do I get blisters on my ass from sitting
so much.
Metal Fanatix: Of all the albums you have played on in the
past, which is your favourite to listen to?
Vinny Appice: Holy Diver and Dehumanizer
Metal Fanatix: What are your plans for 2005?
Vinny Appice: New band with Jimmy Bain call 3 Legged
Dogg, we are writing now and plan to release something in the Fall.
Metal Fanatix: In a few words can you tell us the 1st thing
that comes to mind when I mention the following Black Sabbath &
Dio tracks?
Vinny
Appice:
Hungry for Heaven: Sucks
Holy Diver: Cool
Mystery: Sucks, Ronnie trying to write a
single
Rock N Roll Children: Sucks
Mob Rules: Kick ASS!
T.V. Crimes: Love it.
Computer God: Cool!
Metal Fanatix: Well Vinny I think that's just about it. Thanks
once again for your time, it's been a total pleasure. Is there anything
that you would like to add for all of our readers?
Vinny Appice: Thanks for listening!!!!!!
I would just like to thank Vinny for taking the time out of his
busy schedule to answer all these questions for myself & all of
our readers here. It is a true pleasure to get some insight on one
of my all-time favourite heavy metal drummers.
To keep up with all the latest news on Vinny don’t forget
to check these websites:
http://www.vinnyappice.com - Vinny Appice Official website
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/INSIDE_OUT666
http://insideout666.mysite.freeserve.com
Used with permission by Cameron Edney © Feb 2005 |
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