CACTUS a Hard Rock/BluesRock band from Long Island, New York it was formed by Tim Bogart and Carmine Appice in 1975. The Cactus band had it's main period 1969 until 1972, core band-members have been Carmine Appice - Drums, Jim McCarty - Guitars, Rusty Day - Vocals, Tim Bogert - Bass. .
Cactus is a rock supergroup that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band was formed by former members of Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck Group, and the Amboy Dukes, and is often regarded as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal music.
Cactus was founded in 1969 by Carmine Appice, a drummer who had previously played with Vanilla Fudge, and Tim Bogert, a bassist who had played with the band. Together with guitarist Jim McCarty, who had previously played with Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, and Rusty Day, a singer who had been part of the Amboy Dukes, the band created a sound that was characterized by powerful riffs, driving rhythms, and bluesy vocals.
Cactus released its self-titled debut album in 1970, which was produced by legendary producer and engineer Eddie Kramer. The album featured such classic tracks as "Parchman Farm," "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover," and "Let Me Swim," and established the band as one of the most exciting and innovative groups of the era.
Cactus continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1970s, including One Way...Or Another (1971), Restrictions (1971), and 'Ot 'n' Sweaty (1972). However, despite their success, the band was unable to achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
In the years since, Cactus has continued to influence countless bands and musicians with their hard-hitting sound and energetic live performances. The band's members have also gone on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, and Jeff Beck.
- 1969: Cactus is formed with the original lineup consisting of Carmine Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass/vocals), Rusty Day (vocals/harmonica), and Jim McCarty (guitar).
- 1970: The band releases their self-titled debut album, "Cactus", which receives positive reviews for its heavy rock sound.
- 1971: Rusty Day leaves the band, and Jeff Beck Group's lead vocalist Rod Stewart is briefly considered as a replacement. However, that idea doesn't come to fruition.
- 1971: Werner Fritzschings (guitar) and Duane Hitchings (keyboards) join Cactus, expanding the band's musical palette.
- 1972: Cactus releases their third album, "Ot 'N' Sweaty", showcasing their bluesy and hard rock fusion.
- 1973: The band's lineup undergoes changes as Duane Hitchings and Jim McCarty depart.
- 1973: The remaining members disband, marking the end of Cactus' initial era.
Rhino Handmade – RHM27872 , 2004 , USA
This is a individually numbered limited edition from the Rhino RecordsHandmade collection with 2 CD filled with music by the 1960s / 1970s Supergroup and Hard Rock band "CACTUS".
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ATCO Records SD 33-340 (33340) / ST-C-701915 PR , 1970 , USA
Cactus's self-titled 1970 debut LP, released in the USA on 12" vinyl, marked a pivotal moment in rock history. The band, featuring luminaries like Carmine Appice and Tim Bogert, crafted a sonic masterpiece that seamlessly blended blues and hard rock. With anthemic tracks like "Let Me Swim," the album's enduring legacy lies in its raw energy and profound influence on subsequent generations of rock musicians.
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ATLANTIC P-8128 , 1989 , Japan
In 1989, Cactus's debut LP found renewed life in Japan on 12" vinyl, capturing the essence of their blues-rock prowess. The reissue, a nod to classic rock's resurgence, retained the original tracks, serving as a bridge between eras. This collector's edition, with its meticulously designed cover, reaffirmed Cactus's enduring legacy, resonating with both loyal fans and a new generation of enthusiasts.
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ATCO SD 33-356 (33356) / ST-C-712131 PR , 1971 , USA
Cactus's "One Way... Or Another" 12" Vinyl LP, USA release, encapsulates their blues-rock prowess. This sonic journey, marked by diverse tracks, reflects the band's evolution. In the 1970s, amidst a cultural shift in music, Cactus left an indelible mark. Decades later, the album's timelessness, preserved in warm vinyl, continues to beckon both loyal fans and new listeners to experience the raw, genre-defying energy of Cactus.
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ATCO 40 216 , France
Cactus's 1971 album, "One Way or Another," stands as a pivotal moment in hard rock history. Born from the musical prowess of former Vanilla Fudge and Detroit Wheels members, the album's raw energy and dynamic tracks solidified Cactus's place in rock. The French release, ATCO 40 216, adds intrigue with a unique album cover, showcasing the band's global impact and the era's diverse visual expressions.
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ATCO SD 33-377 , 1971 , USA
Restrictions is the third and the last album by the original line-up of the American hard rock supergroup Cactus, released in 1971 under the Atco label. "Token Chokin'" also was issued as a single, as well as "Evil", "Alaska" and "Sweet Sixteen" also were released on A and B sides. The music heard is mostly heavy blues and rock with cover of a blues standard, "Evil" as a hard rocking, very heavy and riffy song. (on the album it was credited as Chester Burnett (Howlin' Wolf's real name) although actually it was written for Howlin' Wolf by his bass player Willie Dixon)
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ATCO 40307 , 1971 , France
Dive into the captivating musical legacy of Cactus with 'Restrictions,' now in its French release on a 12" vinyl LP. Explore the roots of this iconic American supergroup, witness the evolution of their sound, and experience key tracks like 'Token Chokin'' in French. Uncover the enduring impact of 'Restrictions' as it marks the end of an era for Cactus, leaving a legendary imprint on rock history. #CactusLegacy #RockHistory
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