interview with Vinny Appice
Vinny Appice Talks Sabbath Knights, Black Sabbath, Dio, Ozzy, Last In Line And Ronnie James Dio With Rocking With Jam Man
Legendary drummer Vinny Appice joined Rocking With Jam Man for a new interview covering his career with Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell, Last In Line, and his current project Sabbath Knights.
Appice, whose powerful drumming helped shape classic albums with Black Sabbath and Dio, spoke with Remzi “Jam Man” Yates about why Sabbath Knights is not just a regular tribute show. Vinny calls the band “Tribute Plus” because he was actually there, playing on many of the songs fans still love.
“It’s not really the band imitating the songs,” Vinny explained. “I’m on the songs, and it makes it a little bit more real.”
The interview also went into the bigger question of classic rock bands today and what makes a band “real” when some groups tour with only one original member — or sometimes none. Vinny talked about the power of the brand, the songs, and why fans still want to hear this music live.
Jam Man and Vinny also discussed Sabbath Knights coming to Buffalo, the physical challenge of playing Dio songs like “We Rock,” and why Jim Crean is the right singer to handle Ronnie James Dio’s legendary vocals.
Vinny also talked about the Black Sabbath album Dehumanizer, saying it came out during a strange time when grunge was taking over. He believes fans are now rediscovering how heavy and powerful that record really was, especially the song “I,” which he said was one of Ronnie James Dio’s favorite songs they ever played.
The conversation also covered Last In Line, the passing of Jimmy Bain, Vivian Campbell’s busy schedule, and where the next Last In Line record stands. Vinny confirmed the band has parted ways with singer Andrew Freeman and said the next album is currently on hold while they work with someone new.
One of the biggest moments of the interview came when Vinny talked about almost joining Ozzy Osbourne’s solo band before he ever joined Black Sabbath. Vinny said Sharon Osbourne called him in 1980 about going to England to work with Ozzy, but he passed on it. About a month later, Black Sabbath called him after Bill Ward left the band.
Vinny also reflected on the possibility that, had he taken the Ozzy gig, he might have been on the plane with Randy Rhoads.
The interview continued with stories about joining Black Sabbath, rehearsing only four days before playing Aloha Stadium in Hawaii in front of 30,000 to 40,000 people, and recording “Mob Rules” at John Lennon’s former house where “Imagine” was made.
Vinny also gave his thoughts on why he was not brought back for Black Sabbath’s 13 or The End era, saying he believes politics played a role and that people associated him more with the Dio era of Sabbath.
Other topics include:
- Ronnie James Dio’s powerful voice in the studio
- The difference between playing in Black Sabbath and Dio
- The Live Evil tension and the business side of music
- Whether Mob Rules is underrated compared to Heaven and Hell
- Why The Devil You Know is not one of Vinny’s favorite albums
- Why Dehumanizer sounds heavier now than it did in 1992
- Why groove matters more than speed for drummers
- What it takes to be a great hired-gun musician
- Growing up with his brother Carmine Appice
- Why Vinny still loves playing live
- His unexpected death row meal answer
SABBATH KNIGHTS 2026 TOUR DATES
July 9, 2026 — Picktown Palooza — Pickerington, OH
July 11, 2026 — Annie’s Music Center — Cincinnati, OH
July 16, 2026 — Frog Alley Brewing Co. — Schenectady, NY
July 17, 2026 — Showplace Theater of Buffalo — Buffalo, NY
July 18, 2026 — Sharkey’s Event Center — Liverpool, NY
July 19, 2026 — Buntsy’s Band Stand — Webster, NY
VINNY APPICE LINKS
Official Website: https://www.vinnyappice.com/
Sabbath Knights: https://www.sabbathknights.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnyappiceofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVinnyAppice
Last In Line: https://www.lastinlineofficial.com/
ROCKING WITH JAM MAN
Website: https://www.rockingwithjamman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockingwithjamman/
Watch the full interview with Vinny Appice on Rocking With Jam Man.
