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| Originally posted September 7, 2008 |
ful emails I received this week regarding my feature on Gerry Marsden and his recent visit to Vegas. It was his third trip here in his long and amazing career, and I am proud to say we caught every one of those performances, including his 3 this past weekend. You can catch the article here, in case you missed it, or the great photos.
See our Photo Feature on Gerry HERE.
CARMINE APPICE
 Legendary Rock Drummer Carmine Appice has enjoyed an amazing 30 year career as a rock star, music educator, and rock pioneer. He is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock. He is the recipient of numerous awards including dozens of gold and platinum selling records. Carmine co-wrote such monster selling hits as “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Young Turks”.
He has broken new ground in every aspect of his career; as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming. .
At one time, after John Bonham died, Led Zeppelin considered having Carmine take Bonzo's place. There was nobody else who could play like him. As it turned out, the surviving members of Zeppelin eventually decided to disband instead of continuing without their original member
Carmine has put together a dynamic, explosive physical drum show called SLAMM. Described as “Stomp on steroids”, Appice and 4 young drummers rule the stage and make rock music playing buckets, sticks, oil cans, drain pipes, even Dixie cups, as well as drums. The cast of 4 vibrant, young guys and girls have been relentlessly coached and rehearsed by the cool, rock star veteran, creating a flawless, electrifying theatrical show. SLAMM performed 7 packed shows to delighted audiences in NYC, as special preview performances before they expanded the show nationally, to include such venues at the Dunkin Donuts Arena, and the Providence Performing Arts Center. It's ann Explosive, physical display of Rock and Rhythm led by Rock Drum Icon Carmine Appice.
 SLAMM currently stars in a big budget promotional video for ESPN, in which the SLAMM cast ‘plays’ the NASCAR garage to a custom SLAMM-composed Nascar theme song. This video is played every week on ESPN’s Nascar television broadcasts and is seen by over 3 million people per week.
I spoke with Carmine recently about his music, career and his new show. I've known Carmine for decades, and as a fellow drummer, we have a lot in common, East Coast Italian guys and all, although, when I watch him play the skins, I want to burn my kit and throw my sticks away. He's one of the greatest rock drummers in the business. He's one of a kind, really.
Last time I saw Carmine was when I was performing at the Magic Castle. He came to the show along with his brother Vinny, another wild man of the skins, and we had a lot of laughs after my show.
He was supposed to be here this weekend, playing with the original Vannila Fudge, of which he was a founding member, but internal conflicts led to Carmine and original bass player Tim Bogart not taking part in the show with the other 2 founders. When it was first announced that the Fudge were coming to town, the buzz in Vegas was strong and ticket sales were heavy. The casino finally had to change their ads and remove Tim and Carmine's faces from the posters and the ads. I wonder how many ticket buyers will be angry when they find out the original band is not actually appearing here...
SD: Do you want to talk about the Vanilla Fudge gig that was supposed to happening recently here in Vegas?
CA: Not really. I'd prefer to not give those guys (the other 2 founders) any additional publicity. Let's just call it creative differences.
SD: You mean over-inflated egos?
CA: You could say that.
SD: Will the original band ever play together again?
CA: Probably not. Who knows, really. Stranger things have happened. I prefer to look ahead, not backwards.
SD: I remember you guys on Ed Sullivan. Do you remember that?
CA: Oh yeah, that was a kick. But you know, Fudge had its day, nowhere to go now but down. I'm over it.
SD: You’ve been a spokesman for Slingerland Drums for years, what happened?
CA: It's sad, really. Slingerland is out of business.
They were like my own private drum company. They made 3 sets a year for me. But they stopped promotions, didn’t advertise, had no dealers, so they just went out of business, which is a shame. Such a great drum.
I have some great kits left over, wanna buy one?
SD: I have no room, I have my regular kit (Drum Workshop) that I use all the time, and I still have one of your old kits that you gave me back during the King Kobra days. I wa tempted to put it on eBay, but I love it too much to part with it.
CA: Probably worth a few dollars now.
SD: So, you are now sponsored by another drum company, right?
CA: Yeah. Tampa based Dean Guitars, which is one of the greatest names in guitars. They have a drum division, D Drums. Outrageous kits. I love them. One of the best drums out there. I was just down in Tampa at the world headquarters. I am now a spokesman for the company. They are making special edition sets. They will be coming out with Carmine Appice sets. One of a kind collector’s drum kits. We have a lot of plans for the future.
SD: SO tell me about this new show you have been working on.
 CA: It's called Carmine Appice’s SLAMM
SD: Sort of like the Stomp show?
CA: Not really. We have so much going on, and it's filled with music that everybody knows. Fudge songs...Moby Dick, Wipe Out, other rock anthems, it's a very entertaining show.
SD: Where was the first performance?
CA: The Cutting Room in NYC. It was wild. SLAMM has a modern feel, has a lot going for it. We've connected with NASCAR, we've had great response to it. I think it will be huge.
SD: How many people in it?
CA: We've got 6 people in the show - 5 drummers 1 guitar player who also plays keyboard. We just got a director, adding a storyline, adding new stuff all the time.
SD: And you're one of the 5 drummers?
CA: Of course.
SD: Where can we see it?
CA:: We head up to Washington for a few gigs. Sept 6 - we'll be playing during the halftime with the Huskies Marching Band in Seattle. We are just starting to book it around the country. Watch for it. We'll be bringing it to Vegas soon.
SD: Where?
CA: I can't say right now, negotiations are happening as we speak. Have to keep it a secret for now. You know all about secrets, right?
SD: I get it. Are you using the disappearing drummer illusion I taught you long ago?
CA: Oh yeah. And evetually I want you to give me the secret to making the entire drum kit disappear. That would be great in the show.
SD: It'll cost ya. Well, I wish you a lot of luck with the show.
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 TRINI
LOPEZ
READ
OUR DRESSING ROOM CHAT WITH TRINI LOPEZ NOW
Trini
was a poor boy from the barrio of Dallas, Texas. He remembers barely
enough food for the family, the amount always determined by his
parents' ability to get whatever work they could. "They worked
and struggled together just to survive," he recalls. "They
plowed fields together. My mother washed clothes in the neighborhood
for extra income. You cannot imagine how hard it was."
(At
left, Trini with his freind Carol Burnett back in the 70's when
Trini was a guest on her TV show)
This
weekend, the legend will be singing all of his hits when he appears
as the special guest star at the Cannery, on Saturday.
Many
people were not around when Trini was a huge singing sensation,
and also a well-known actor, so here's a look at his career.
Trini
learned to play the guitar from his father. Then he played for money
on the street corners. He eventually went on to form his own group.
It was then that the world saw the beginnings of the singing, acting,
and very talented Trini Lopez. Trini's first songs were Mexican
sing-alongs with his mother, father, brother, and sisters. He dropped
out of high school to help his father support the family by singing
around Dallas and the Texas "Southland." Trini's quality
could not be denied. He went on to the El Cipango Club in Dallas,
(a more affluent part of Dallas) and to other big clubs throughout
the Southwest. He realized music would make him something special.
Indeed it did, enabling him to get himself, and his family, out
of the barrio.
Trini
got a job at the Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills. He was hired with
no group, just with his guitar. His engagement was to last two weeks
and ended up lasting a year.
The
first big break came at the popular night spot called P. J.'s. Here,
he was spotted by the world famous record producer, the late Don
Costa, who then brought Trini to the attention of his longtime idol,
Mr. Frank Sinatra. The great singer recognized a fellow stylist
and immediately signed Trini to an exclusive eight-year contract
with his own label - Reprise Records.
Reprise
released his first album, "Trini Lopez at P. J.’s,"
which became a No. 1 hit album. Out of that album a single, “If
I Had a Hammer" became a No. 1 hit in twenty-five countries."If
I Had a Hammer," hammered his name in GOLD with many albums
and several singles ...and in the hearts of millions of fans throughout
the world! Following "Hammer" were many hits which he
wrote, as well as songs like "I'm Coming Home Cindy,"
"Michael," "Lemon Tree," Kansas City,"
"America," and, of course, "La Bamba." The list
goes on, but that's another story!
From
there, it was standing room only audiences for Trini across the
face of Europe and the world. He had earned about half a million
dollars by then, and his weekly salary was twenty five thousand
dollars.
In
mid-June of 1963, he made his New York debut with his own eleven-man
orchestra that included his brother, Jesse. The tough Manhattan
critics were unanimous in their praise of the young man from the
Texas barrio. Trini Lopez had become a superstar in every sense
of the word.
Trini
was honored on the floor of Congress in Washington D.C. by Congressman
Thomas Rees of California "in recognition of his work on behalf
of International relations," and Trini has the honor of sharing
prestigious company with Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra in being
named Goodwill Ambassador for the United States. He was also cited
by the LULAC Council #12 of Laredo, Texas, as "Mr. International."
Successful
singers are often described as acting out their songs, so it is
only natural that Trini would be discovered as an equally talented
actor.
He
began by playing a priest and a parole officer on two of Jack Webb's
"Adam 12" TV shows for Universal, which was aired
on the NBC network. From there he went to movies. Trini's first
appearance in a movie , Frank Sinatra put him in Marriage on
the Rocks, starring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His second
movie appearance was in A Poppy is Also a Flower, starring
Sean Connery, Marcello Mastriani and a star-studded cast. Following
this was the classic The Dirty Dozen starring Lee Marvin and Charles
Bronson and another star studded cast. Trini's first starring role
was in Antonio with his co-star, the infamous “J.R.,"
Larry Hagman. Then he became an army G.I. for a TV Movie of the
Week called The Reluctant Heroes for Aaron Spelling Productions.
Singer,
song writer, Goodwill Ambassador, charitable volunteer, humanitarian,
actor, and nightclub performer throughout the world, including spots
like the Waldorf Astoria and the Copa Cabana in New York City, as
well as popular Las Vegas major hotels, and many, many more. Trini
never forgets what he really is... "I'm a public servant."
It
wasn't until "If I Had A Hammer" ultimately sold five
million copies (and still selling throughout the world) that he
got it through his head he IS something special!!!
From
the barrio to Beverly Hills! This lean Latin singing sensation took
the world by storm beginning in the early '60s and continues the
tempest even today!!!. Trini elicits standing ovations everywhere
he performs, and his smooth style knows no age barrier.
Trini
has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity since the release of the
major motion picture La Bamba. One of Trini's most successful international
hits of all time was "La Bamba." This very old Latin folk
song was first taught to Trini by his father, at the age of 11,
who had been a performer himself in Mexico.
Other
notable appearances have been an entire segment devoted to him on
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, an internationally acclaimed
TV show hosted by Robin Leach, who met and was mesmerized by Trini
during a celebrity tennis tournament at Las Hadas in Mexico, where
Trini again headlined the star-performance gala. In addition, Trini's
appearance on Fox Network's Late Show in 1987 garnered accolades
from around the world. Of course, "La Bamba" was performed
on the popular late night show, and the audience responded in their
usual concert style... moved by the magic!!! Trini has so enthralled
the world with this famous tune, that he has been globally proclaimed
as "Mr. La Bamba."
The
future for Trini will be active as usual, with touring around the
world, a new album in the making, and hopefully, a movie, but now
he is more selective and chooses his projects carefully. Since his
move to Palm Springs, where he now resides year-round, the "laid-back"
atmosphere has sort of rubbed-off on him, and it's not necessary
for Trini to do every project he's offered. So, you'll find him
on the tennis courts or golf course almost any day, as it has become
a new passion with him, and he has the trophies to prove it.
One
of Trini's latest efforts is a CD titled "Trini Lopez Dance
Party,” on the BMG label out of Hamburg, Germany, and was
release in Europe and South America in the summer of 1998. In February
through March, he went to Europe on a promotional tour to promote
his latest CD on the BMG label titled, "Trini Lopez Dance Party!!!"
. Trini
also appeared at many resorts including several shows at the Maritim
Hotel in Timmerdorfer Strand, outside Hamburg, Germany.
On
July 30, 2000, Trini had a very successful engagement at the Mohegan
Sun Indian Casino in Connecticut.
On
February 16-25, 2001, Trini did 16 very successful theatre concerts
all over Florida. He received standing ovations at every show and
sometime 2 and 3 ovations.
In
July, 2001, Trini was honored by the group "Nosotros"
in Beverly Hills, California. He was presented with the prestigious
LIVING LEGEND AWARD.
April
12, 2002, was a very exciting day for Trini. He was inducted into
the Las Vegas Casino Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana Resort
& Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Trini performed his version of
"America" as a tribute to 9-11 and then continued with
"If I Had A Hammer." He closed the show with "La
Bamba." He received 3 standing ovations and everyone there
was very impressed with his voice, his charisma, and his wonderful
ability to include the audience in every song. It was a super day
and a real treat for all in attendance.
Whatever
Trini plans for his future, the fruit of his endeavor will be the
same ... fresh, tasty, and timelessly appealing to millions! It
has been said that this dynamo "broke the Latin sound-barrier"...
and that he did, but you never know what's next for "Mr. La
Bamba" I Perhaps, some of this magical life will be revealed
in an expected "life story"... or maybe the mystery will
just go on forever! But Trini ... he is forever!!!
Herman's
Hermits Invade Vegas after conquering Primm and
Boulder CIty. Herman's
Hermits
Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits attacked Vegas from two sides.
Sounds crazy, but follow me here. Rock legend Peter Noone, aka "Herman"
and his Hermits have played Las Vegas at least once a year for the
past few years, with knock-out shows in the Silverton and the Cannery.
Last year, they were also appearing on the outdoor stage in Boulder
City, in a free concert with another pop icon, Micky Dolenz of the
Monkees. A fun show, indeed.
Now, in another
attack, this time, through Primm, the Hermits hit Whiskey Pete's
stage for a wild night of rock and roll and laughs in the very intmate
showroom at the edge of the land of casinos.
Below: Herman's
Hermit's drummer Dave Ferrara gave me an autographed stick (it sits
in my collection next to Carmine Appice, and Ringo)
 You'd
think the Hermans Hermits fans would be kept away by that long drive
down the highway to Primm, but not so. Peter Noone loyalists began
arriving in Primm around noon, and by 5 pm, there were so many lined
up at the doors to the showroom,they decided to just open the doors
early and allow the party to begin.
And it is a
party. I know this because, I must admit, that since 1964, I've
been a fan of Peter Noone, which means I've seen him on television
way back when on "Shindig" and "Ed Sullivan",
I have all of his albums, and seen him perform live number of times
over the years (okay, over the decades), and together with my equally
insane wife, Jan, we have attended many concerts and met Peter so
many times that he often points me out in the audience and makes
some funny remark (at this Primm show, for instance, he walked up
to my seat, pointed to me and said, "ladies and gents, say
hello to Tony Orlando, right here in the front row") And then
I stand and wave to the crowd. It's a party atmosphere, Peter is
a riot, his banter between the songs, and his stories, are fun and
full of surprises. And the music is flawlessly delivered by his
super-tight band, and infectious sirit stays with you long after
the concert has ended..
 Herman's
Hermits fans will enjoy another special appearance by Peter Noone
and the boys this weekend, when they return to the Cannery, on Saturday
night, June 30th. Also on the bill; The Turtles, featuring Flo and
Eddy, another bunch of nuts who deliver the goods, both musically
and in terms of a funny, entertaining set. Perfect combo.
I sat
down with Peter after his concert at Whiskey Pete's and my chat
can be read here..
Herman's Hermits return
to Primm- a photo tribute
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