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
Joel Hoekstra a counselor at the 20th anniversary of the Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp along with Nancy Wilson, Vinnie Appice, Steven Adler, and Gregg Bissonette among others. Hoekstra also performed with Brandon Gibbs ( Devil City Angels) on several dates and served as guitarist for Cher during her Las Vegas residency at the Monte Carlo. Hoekstra also performed with Paul Shortino on the song "War Cry" on the album "Sinister" (released on October 27, 2017) by Appice (Carmine Appice and Vinny Appice). Hoekstra appeared as guest guitarist on two episodes of "That Metal Show" on VH1 Classic (January 25, 2014 and