For over twenty-five years, Vinny Appice has been known as one of the most respected and sought after drummers in hard rock. Vinny has performed with such legendary bands as Dio and Black Sabbath. The Brooklyn born drummer is continuing to make his mark on rock and roll history, as he has been recruited to be a member of one the most talked about bands of 2007; Heaven and Hell.
During the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards Ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London, England, on November 5th, Heaven and Hell received best comeback of the year, and a special award was given to Heaven and Hell guitarist Tony Iommi as Metal Guru of the year.
In this very special Heaven and Hell Interview, legendary drummer Vinny Appice gives us an update of the Highlights of the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards, Heaven and Hell's recent Gold Plaque for selling in excess of over 50,000 copies of the Heaven and Hell - Live At Radio City Music Hall and looks into 2008.
Vinny, Thank you for checking in. Congratulations on Heaven and Hell's Classic Rock Roll Of Honor Award for best comeback of the year. The Award Ceremony took place at the Landmark Hotel in London, England on November 5th. What did it mean to you, as a member of Heaven and Hell to receive this Historic award?
Well it's cool to receive any award and it’s always nice to know people are listening.
What were some of the highlights that transpired at the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards? It is like a big party. I haven't seen a lot of these friends in years so that was very cool. It definitely was a whose who of rock. This was a room full of musical legends. The highlight I would say was seeing Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page hanging out together and having a laugh!
I understand that Tony Iommi also received an award for Metal guru?
Yes, he is the Metal Guru, good choice.
Heaven and Hell recently toured the U.K. How did iit feel to be performing in Europe with Black Sabbath's historic roots in the area? I really enjoy playing the UK being there are so many roots of rock here. So many things I listened to as a kid growing up came from here. It's always been special, playing there.
Vinnie and his Tama set
How do European metal audiences compare with American audiences? hey have accents and use different currency and they have
better beer.
The U.S. Heaven and Hell tour recently wrapped up with Alice Cooper and Queensryche. What were some of the highlights of this tour? All three bands are legendary. What was it like to be on such am amazing bill? It was great to have them on the show and it made it an evening of great music and just a fantastic show. It was like 3 headliners on one bill. Too many highlights for this interview but it was fun going to the movies to see Halloween with Alice Cooper.
At Heaven and Hell's show in Los Angeles, the band also received onstage a Gold Plaque for "Live At Radio City Music Hall. Where the DVD has sold in excess more than 50,000 copies. What was it like to receive this award?
It didn't come with a nail to hang on the wall! Very cool to know that many people bought it and are watching you this very minute. My thanks go out to Rhino Records who worked their butt off and all the fans that supported us and made this be successful.
Heaven and Hell '07
The response of the return of Heaven and Hell has been overwhelming. Are there any plans to record a new album in 2008? The demand is certainly there? Yes, new album coming in 08.
What are your touring plans now that the Heaven and Hell Tour is finished for the year? Chill out a bit and then continue working with my band 3 Legged Dogg.
Any plans to go into the studio with your other project Three Legged Dogg? Yes in 08, we plan to record a new CD for a new label.
Vinny, what has your most memorable moment been in 2007? It's just been a very special and memorable year altogether. I will remember it as the year we returned together better than ever and had a great time playing together and seeing all the greatest fans in the world again!
THANKS TO VINNIE FOR TALKING WITH SAVIOURS OF ROCK. WE WISH HIM ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE.
Interview
by Debby Rao
Vinnie's drum solo June 2007 w/ Heaven and Hell
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