Main   The Connection Collection   About   History

This page contains ads and links that earn commissions for CRC.

Cactus

Cactus is an American rock band that was formed in 1969. The original lineup consisted of drummer Carmine Appice, vocalist Rusty Day, guitarist Jim McCarty, and bassist Tim Bogert. The band's style was heavily influenced by the blues and hard rock, and they were known for their energetic live performances.

Cactus released their self-titled debut album in 1970, which featured songs such as "Parchman Farm" and "Evil." The album received critical acclaim and helped establish the band as a force in the emerging hard rock scene. They followed up with several more albums throughout the 1970s, including "One Way...Or Another" and "Restrictions."

Despite their success, Cactus underwent several lineup changes and eventually disbanded in 1972. However, the band has been reformed several times over the years, with various members coming and going. As of 2021, the current lineup consists of drummer Carmine Appice, bassist Jimmy Caputo, guitarist Paul Warren, and vocalist Jimmy Kunes.

Cactus has been cited as an influence by many hard rock and heavy metal bands, including Van Halen, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans of classic rock and heavy metal to this day.


Cactus I (1970 - 1971) Albums:
  1. "Cactus" (1970) - Singles: "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover", "Bro. Bill"
  2. "One Way...Or Another" (1971) - Singles: "Long Tall Sally", "Rock n' Roll Children"
  3. "Restrictions" (1971) - Singles: "Evil", "Alaska"
  4. "Fully Unleashed: The Live Gigs" (live) (2-CDs) (2004)

Cactus II (1971)
  • Tim Bogert - bass/vocals
  • Carmine Appice - drums/percussion/vocals
  • Jim McCarty - guitar
  • Rusty Day - vocals/harmonica
  • Ron Leejack - guitar

Cactus III (1971 - 1972) Jim McCarty forms Rockets and, later, The Detroit Blues BandRusty Day joins Mitch Ryder's Detroit.

Cactus IV (1972) Album:
  1. "'Ot 'N' Sweaty" (1972)
Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice form Beck, Bogert and Appice (with Jeff Beck). Tim Bogert later joins Boxer.

Cactus V / The New Cactus Band (1972 - 1973)
  • Duane Hitchings - keyboards/flute/vocals
  • Mike Pinera - guitar/vocals - b. September 29, 1948, Tampa, Florida - formerly with Blues Image, Iron Butterfly, and Ramatam.
  • Manuel Bertematti - drums/vocals - formerly with Blues Image.
  • Jerry Norris - drums/vocals
  • Roland Robinson - bass/vocals
Album:
  1. "Son of Cactus" (1973)
Group disbands.  Mike Pinera later forms Thee Image, plays with Alice Cooper's band, and joined The Classic Rock All-Stars [with Pete Hoorelbeke (aka, Pete Rivera) (formerly with Rare Earth), Jerry Corbetta (formerly with Sugarloaf), and Dennis Noda (formerly with Cannibal and the Headhunters)].

Cactus VI (1976 - 1979?) (reformed)
  • Rusty Day - vocals
  • Various musicians, including guitarists Steve Dansby and Ron Sanders, bassists John Sauter (formerly with Ted Nugent) and Mondo Thomas, and drummers Gary Moffatt (formerly with Pat Travers) and Frankie Robbins.
Rusty Day forms Uncle Acid & The Permanent Damage Band.

Compilations:
  1. "Cactology: The Cactus Collection" (1996) - Since almost all of the Cactus albums are not currently available on CD, this is all we have...and what a great selection of music it is!  This anthology concentrates on the first three albums, which contain the best of their material.  The music is high energy and still sounds fresh today.  Virtuoso musicianship all-around with INCREDIBLE guitar work from Jim McCarty.  Hard-rock/boogie/blues just doesn't get any better than this.  Highly recommended.
  2. "Barely Contained: The Studio Sessions" (2-CDs) (2004)

Tim Bogert solo:
  1. "Progressions" (1981)
  2. "Master's Brew"

Carmine Appice solo:
  1. "Guitar Zeus" (1996)
  2. "Channel Mind Radio (Guitar Zeus II)" (1997)

Links:

Back to Home
Last Revised:  October 16, 2005
© 2000, 2005 by Gary S. Hartman.  All rights reserved.
Advertisement

 Navigation ~ Forums TOS
 Privacy & Legal ~ Sitemap

Home

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates.

Powered by The Classic Rock Connection
Portions copyright ©2010-2024