Carmine Appice (born December 15, 1946) is an American rock drummer. He received a classical music training and was influenced by the jazz drumming of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa early on. Appice is best known for his associations with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and the power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice.
Appice is considered one of the most accomplished showmen in rock and was the first rock drummer to organise drum clinics held at college campuses, theatres, and drum stores. He is credited with influencing drummers including: Nicko McBrain, Fast Joey Brighton, Joey Kramer, Roger Meddows-Taylor, Phil Collins, Neil Peart, Tommy Lee, Dave Lombardo, Richard Christy, Chris Grainger, David Kinkade, Ray Mehlbaum, John Bonham, Robb Reiner, and Eric Singer.
His best-selling drum instruction book The Realistic Rock Drum Method was first published in 1972, and has since been revised and republished as The Ultimate Realistic Rock Drum Method. It covers the basic subjects of rock rhythms and polyrhythms, linear rudiments and groupings, shuffle rhythms, hi-hat, and double bass drum exercises.
Of Italian descent, Appice is the older brother of drummer Vinny Appice by 11 years.