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 Appice ESPN, using a NASCAR garage as a set and mechanic's hardware as instruments. They were voted as the runner-up in the "Drum" magazine poll for Percussion Ensemble (2008) after a special appearance at the magazine's drum festival. SLAMM also appears on the Modern Drummer festival DVD (2008). He recorded "Carmine Appice's Guitar Zeus: Conquering Heroes" (2009). This was the third album in his "Guitar Zeus" series. These albums have featured guitarists such as Jennifer Batten, Brian May, Ted Nugent, Richie Sambora and Yngwie Malmsteen. Carmine Appice lives in New York with his longtime girlfriend, radio personality Leslie Gold, The Radiochick.