Friday, December 15: Tig’s Rock Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Dec. 15) to drummer Carmine Appice. He’s 71. Also celebrating is guitarist Clint Lowery of Sevendust (46), bassist Paul Simonon of the Clash (62) and former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines (55).

Carmine Appice has an impressive resume that includes performing and recording with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, King Cobra, Blue Murder, Rod Stewart, Ted Nugent, Ozzy and so many more. In 2014, he was inducted into the Modern Drummer All of Fame and released new music with a project called Rated X featuring Carmine on drums along with Joe Lynn Turner on lead vocals, Tony Franklin on bass, and Karl Cochran on guitar. Carmine's younger brother is Vinnie Appice is also a drummer. He is best known for his work with Black Sabbath and Dio. I met both Carmine and Vinnie at one of their Drum Wars show's show a couple years back. It was meet these two rock drumming legends and to see them perform together side by side for the night. Check out a photo below along with classic footage of Carmine performing with Ozzy below. Check out my recent interview with Carmine here talking about the new Appice cd Sinister with brother Vinny Appice, plus Rod Stewart, bloody noses, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and much more. Cheers to the legendary rock drummer on his birthday today!