Interview by Cameron Edney Feb 2005
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...
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: What was the 1st drum kit you owned?
VINNY APPICE: "Some old Gretch left overs from Carmine. After that
I bought a Ludwig kit."
INSIDE_OUT666: Did you always want to be a drummer?
VINNY APPICE: "Yea, I thought it would be fun."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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!"
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: When you're onstage what runs through your mind? Do you
think about anything?
VINNY APPICE: "Like: what's happening after the show? where am I? This
song sucks! These monitors are horrible!"
INSIDE_OUT666: I remember reading somewhere that you had met John Lennon
when you were 16 and 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!!"
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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. "
INSIDE_OUT666: 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!"
INSIDE_OUT666: 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!"
INSIDE_OUT666: What bands are you listening to these days?
VINNY APPICE: "P.O.D., Puddle of Mudd, Velvet Revolver, Audioslave,
Linkin Park."
INSIDE_OUT666: Do you ever act on suggestions coming from your fans?
VINNY APPICE: "Sometimes if it’s a good one."
INSIDE_OUT666: What is the strangest question a fan has asked you?
VINNY APPICE: "Do I get blisters on my ass from sitting so much."
INSIDE_OUT666: Of all the albums you have played on in the past, which
is your favourite to listen to?
VINNY APPICE: "Holy Diver and Dehumanizer."
INSIDE_OUT666: 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."
INSIDE_OUT666: In a few words can you tell us the 1st thing that comes
to mind when I mention the following Black Sabbath & Dio tracks?
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!
INSIDE_OUT666: 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
out his official website
http://www.vinnyappice.com
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Used with permission by Cameron Edney Feb 2005 ©
