Carmine Appice and Cactus Collaborate on Blues-Rock Album with Dee Snider, Ted Nugent

Carmine Appice and Cactus have unleashed their latest album, Temple Of Blues II, in collaboration with Cleopatra Records. This blues-rock album features an array of renowned artists such as Dee Snider, Ted Nugent, Joe Lynn Turner, Steve Morse, and Billy Sheehan, all contributing their unique talents to the project.

The band introduced “Bad Stuff” as their newest single recently, breathing new life into a track from their 1972 release, Ot and Sweaty. This refreshed version of the song showcases Turner on vocals and Morse on guitar, injecting a fresh and energetic vibe into the timeless classic.

Upon being asked to participate in the new Cactus album, Turner expressed his excitement, stating that the opportunity to work on a bluesy rock song like “Bad Stuff” was a perfect fit for him. The incredible lineup of Steve Morse, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, and, of course, Carmine, sealed the deal for Turner, ensuring an unforgettable collaboration.

The album features a star-studded lineup, with Tony Franklin on bass, Derek Sherinian from Dream Theater on keyboards, Artie Dillon on guitar, and Carmine Appice on drums, driving the project forward with their musical expertise. Appice himself expressed his fondness for the original version of “Bad Stuff” and shared his excitement for the new rendition with an all-star lineup, bringing a fresh perspective to the classic track.

Temple Of Blues II follows the success of Temple of the Blues, continuing to showcase the incredible talents of artists like Snider, Nugent, Sheehan, Bumblefoot, Pat Travers, alongside newcomers Turner, Morse, Melanie, Tracii Guns, Rudy Sarzo, and Alex Skolnick. The album features seven Dixon/Wolf classics, with standout collaborations such as Nugent and Bob Daisley on “Spoonful,” Snider and Guns on “The Little Red Rooster,” and Eric Gales and Sheehan on “Back Door Man.”

Listeners will be captivated by Melanie’s vocals on “Purple Haze,” a poignant moment as it was recorded before her passing in 2024. Both Melanie and Cactus performed at the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, further adding to the historical significance of the album.

The standard release of the album includes ten tracks, with a CD-exclusive bonus cut titled “Feel So Good,” featuring Sheehan, Britt Lightning, and Tommy Thayer. The album promises to be a captivating journey through blues-rock, showcasing the timeless talent and passion of some of the industry’s most legendary artists.