Drumming stalwart Carmine & Vinnie Appice are at it again, bringing their Drum Wars to various cities throughout the US. Their latest stop in WNY included a date at the newly reconfigured Page’s Paradise Island (The Cove.) The brothers really need no introduction at this point in their respective careers, as they played with everyone from John Lennon to Ronnie James Dio and everyone in between. Since their last stop in the area (May 2013), they got to see firsthand what Clarence, NY native and vocalist Jim Crean can do. They were so impressed that they now entrust him to front their shows. Jim recruited his own bandmates, bassist Chris Daley and guitarist Jeff Duke, to round out the group for this evening’s performance.
The banter and camaraderie between the brothers is really what makes these shows work. They poke fun at each other while letting each other showcase their specific talents. They have the show down to a science, throwing sticks to each other while maintaining consistent beats during their Drum Wars Part 1. Vinny took center stage first by talking about New York State native Ronnie James Dio. He called him a “local,” as he did grow up not too far away in Cortland, NY. A cheer of “Dio!” was then chanted by the fans as the group performed Dios’s familiar classics “Holy Diver” and “We Rock.”
Carmine enjoyed taking center stage by doing just a solo with his drumsticks and nothing else. Then he strapped on a snare drum and played it with a guitar pick. It was very interesting and unique to say the least. Carmine then played a few songs he was associated with, the Ozzy Osbourne classic “Bark at the Moon” and Rod Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy?” The band wrapped up by playing crowd favorites “Crazy Train and “Paranoid.”
It’s a real fun show and it must be noted, it’s not a drum clinic. It’s a unique performance that totally encompasses the careers of both Appice brothers. They seem very joyful showing a different side of themselves. Don’t miss your chance the next time it comes to a town near you.
Setlist:
Mob Rules (Black Sabbath cover)
Drum Wars
Drum Wars Part 1
Holy Diver (Vinny Appice only – Dio cover)
We Rock (Vinny Appice only- Dio cover)
Flinstones medley
Carmine Appice solo
Bark at the Moon (Carmine Appice only- Ozzy Osbourne cover)
Do You Think I’m Sexy? (Carmine Appice only- Rod Stewart cover)
Stand Up and Shout (Dio cover)
Drum wars Part 2
Vinny Appice solo
Battle
Cray Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover) Paranoid (Black Sabbath cover)
We would like to thank Ross Cat from Back 2 Back Entertainment for the credentials to cover the show.
