Vinny Appice was born on September 13th, 1957

Written by: Isabel Sanchez

Vinny Appice: The Thunderous Drummer of Rock and Metal

Vinny Appice is a household name in the world of rock and metal music, renowned for his powerful drumming style and his work with iconic bands such as Dio, Black Sabbath, and Heaven & Hell.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 13, 1957, to an Italian-American family, Vinny Appice was destined for greatness. He began playing drums at the tender age of nine, taking lessons from the same teacher as his older brother Carmine Appice. Vinny's talent and dedication quickly paid off, and by the age of 16, he was already playing alongside his brother Carmine in the band BOMF.

In the late 1970s, Vinny worked with Rick Derringer on several albums, including Derringer, Sweet Evil, and Derringer Live. This experience not only honed his skills but also prepared him for the big leagues.

Black Sabbath and Beyond

1980 was a pivotal year for Vinny Appice, as he joined Black Sabbath during their Heaven and Hell tour. With drummer Bill Ward's departure, Vinny stepped in and brought his unique energy to the band. His first show with Black Sabbath was at the iconic Aloha Stadium in Hawaii, where he had to rely on hastily written crib notes to navigate the unfamiliar setlist.

Vinny's time with Black Sabbath was marked by the release of several critically acclaimed albums, including Mob Rules and Live Evil. His powerful drumming style and versatility made him an invaluable asset to the band.

Dio and Heaven & Hell

In 1983, Vinny joined forces with Ronnie James Dio to form the legendary band Dio. This collaboration resulted in some of the most iconic metal albums of all time, including Holy Diver and The Last in Line. Vinny's drumming provided the perfect backbone for Dio's soaring vocals and epic songwriting.

In the 2000s, Vinny reunited with Dio and other former Black Sabbath members to form Heaven & Hell. This supergroup released several successful albums and toured extensively, cementing Vinny's status as one of metal's top drummers.

Personal Milestones and Accolades

Vinny Appice has received widespread recognition for his contributions to rock and metal music. He has been named one of the "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time" by Rolling Stone and has won numerous awards, including the Revolver Golden Gods Award for Best Drummer.

In addition to his music, Vinny is known for his warm personality and dedication to his fans. He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including fundraising for autism awareness and supporting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Legacy and Influence

Vinny Appice's impact on rock and metal music cannot be overstated. He has inspired countless drummers and musicians with his unique style and tireless work ethic. As a member of iconic bands like Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell, Vinny has helped shape the sound of generations to come.

Today, Vinny continues to tour and record with various projects, including his work with the metal supergroup, Kill Devil Hill. His legacy as one of rock's greatest drummers remains unwavering, and his influence will be felt for years to come.

• Holy Diver (1983)
• The Last in Line (1984)
• Mob Rules (1981)
• Live Evil (1982)

These albums are just a few examples of Vinny Appice's impressive discography, which spans over four decades and numerous bands.