HEAVEN AND HELL Drummer Vinnie Appice - "Yes, A New Album Is Coming In 2008"
November 9, 2007, 17 years ago
Special report by Deb Rao
HEAVEN AND HELL are currently on a European tour that is slated to run until November 18th. One of the most anticipated shows on the tour will include a special performance at the historic Wembley Arena in London tomorrow (November 10th).
During the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards Ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London, England, on November 5th, Heaven And Hell received best comeback of the year, and a special award was given to Heaven And Hell guitarist Tony Iommi as Metal Guru of the year.
For over twenty-five years, Vinny Appice has been known as one of the most respected and sought after drummers in hard rock today. Vinny has performed with such legendary bands as DIO and BLACK SABBATH. In this very special Heaven and Hell European Tour interview, Appice gives BW&BK; an update of the highlights of the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards, the upcoming Wembley Arena show, Heaven And Hell's recent US Gold Award for selling in excess of over 50,000 copies of the Heaven and Hell - Live At Radio City Music Hall DVD.
Deb Rao: Congratulations on Heaven and Hell's Classic Rock Roll Of Honor Award for best comeback of the year. The Award Ceremony took place at the Landmark Hotel in London, England on November 5th. What did it mean to you, as a member of Heaven And Hell to receive this Historic award?
Appice: "Well it's cool to receive any award and it’s always nice to know people are listening."
Rao: What were some of the highlights that transpired at the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards?
Appice: "It is like a big party. I haven't seen a lot of these friends in years so that was very cool. It definitely was a whose who of rock. This was a room full of musical legends. The highlight I would say was seeing Tony Iommi, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page hanging out together and having a laugh!"
Rao: I understand that Tony Iommi also received an award for Metal Guru?
Appice: "Yes, he is the Metal Guru, good choice."
Rao: Heaven and Hell is currently on tour in the UK. How is the tour going so far? How does it feel to be performing in Europe with Black Sabbath's historic roots in the area?
Appice: "The tour is going well. I really enjoy playing the UK being there are so many roots of rock here. So many things I listened to as a kid growing up came from here. It's always been special, playing there."
Rao: Heaven and Hell will be performing at London's Wembley Arena on November 10th. Are you looking forward to this historic event?
Appice: "No…kidding. I can't believe they let me in there. Of course, I am. This is a legendary place with so many famous artists performing there over the years. Yes, can't wait."
Rao: How do European metal audiences compare with American audiences?
Appice: "They have accents and use different currency and they have better beer."
Rao: The U.S. Heaven and Hell tour recently wrapped up with Alice Cooper and Queensryche. What were some of the highlights of this tour? All three bands are legendary. What was it like to be on such am amazing bill?
Appice: "It was great to have them on the show and it made it an evening of great music and just a fantastic show. It was like 3 headliners on one bill. Too many highlights for this interview but it was fun going to the movies to see Halloween with ALICE COOPER."
Rao: At Heaven and Hell's show in Los Angeles, the band also received onstage a Gold Award for Live At Radio City Music Hall. Where the DVD has sold in excess more than 50,000 copies. What was it like to receive this award?
Appice: "It didn't come with a nail to hang on the wall! Very cool to know that many people bought it and are watching you this very minute. My thanks go out to Rhino Records who worked their butt off and all the fans that supported us and made this be successful."
Rao: Heaven and Hell recently performed at four shows in Japan, and one show in Singapore. What did you most enjoy about visiting Japan?
Appice: "It's not the food. I can't use chopsticks either so I would say it was the fans, they rocked! The bullet train is pretty cool too."
Rao: The response of the return of Heaven and Hell has been overwhelming. Are there any plans to record a new album in 2008? The demand is certainly there.
Appice: "Yes, new album coming in 2008."
Rao: What are your touring plans after the UK Heaven and Hell wraps up on November 18th?
Appice: "Chill out a bit and then continue working with my band 3 LEGGED DOGG."
Rao: Any plans to go into the studio with your other project Three Legged Dogg?
Appice: "Yes in 08, we plan to record a new CD for a new label."
Rao: Vinny, what has your most memorable moment been in 2007?
Appice: "It's just been a very special and memorable year altogether. I will remember it as the year we returned together better than ever and had a great time playing together and seeing all the greatest fans in the world again!"