Cactus (American band) Cactus (American band) Cactus is an American hard rock band formed in 1969. It is composed of 5 members, Jimmy Kunes as lead singer (2006–present), Jim McCarty on the guitar (1970–71, 2006–present), Carmine Appice on the drums, Pete Bremy on the bass and Randy Pratt on the harmonica. Cactus was initially conceived in late 1969 by former Vanilla Fudge members bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice after plans to team up with guitarist Jeff Beck were scuppered when Beck had an automobile accident and was out of the music scene for over a year. In early 1970, Bogert and
Carmine Guida with his slap bass stylings, which were made popular by groups like Primus. Carmine started performing in front of live audiences at his local Church, St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa New York. Carmine T. Guida has had hundreds of performances inside and outside of the US. He performs in New York City with Middle East meets Brooklyn fusion band Djinn. Their debut album, "The Middle East Side", was favorably reviewed by The Chronicles. Guida has also performed with New York City-based progressive rock band Pain Hertz. Carmine also performs monthly on Long Island with traditional bellydance music band Baharat.