CARMINE APPICE Signs On As SLINGERLAND's Spokesperson

Legendary rock drummer Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, OZZY OSBOURNE, ROD STEWART) has signed on as an exclusive-spokesperson for the U.S.-made Gibson/Slingerland Drums, effective immediately. "Slingerland has always been the premier drum company and I couldn't be happier with this new arrangement. It will be an honor to represent them and I look forward to developing several new lines with them," says Appice, who is not only a consultant for the Slingerland drum company, but is also the ambassador of music for the Gibson company.

Slingerland has recently revived production of the U.S.-made drums. The classic "Radio King" snare, as well as the "Studio King" and "Tour Series" drum kits are available again. Appice will play a key role in the rebirth of the American-made Slingerland.

Appice, whose career has spanned over five decades working with some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jeff Beck, PINK FLOYD, as well as a ten-year stint with Rod Stewart and his own aggregations, including CACTUS, BLUE MURDER, and DBA. Appice also leads the current incarnation of his signature group VANILLA FUDGE, whose current CD, "The Return", was released last year.

Appice's collaboration with the classic Slingerland Drum Company will officially kick off at the upcoming NAMM show (January 15-18) in Anaheim, California, where Appice will appear at the company's booth — both meeting and demonstrating on the new "Leopard-Carmine Appice" drum kit. Appice will also talk about Slingerland's invaluable contribution to the music world — Appice's own drum heroes including Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich were Slingerland users — as well as his upcoming designs for products.

Appice, who was the first-ever drummer from the rock world to hold an authorized drum clinic, will then embark on a series of Slingerland-sponsored clinics to trump not only his new association with the company, but to raise funds for charity. Appice, through a previous association, raised in excess of $50,000 which he donated to UNICEF.

Appice will also be promoting Slingerland and his new drum kit on the forthcoming VANILLA FUDGE Tour 2004 (which will cover the U.S., Asia and China) in support of this year's VANILLA FUDGE DVD, "When Two Worlds Collide", which features THE FUDGE performing in tandem with the 52-piece San Fernando Symphony Orchestra.