Vanilla Fudge

Vanilla Fudge formed in Long Island, New York, initially as The Electric Pigeons in 1965. The foundational lineup that became recognized included vocalist/organist Mark Stein, bassist/vocalist Tim Bogert, guitarist/vocalist Vince Martell, and drummer/vocalist Carmine Appice. The band gained recognition for their hard rock arrangements of popular contemporary songs. Their cover of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” a Motown song originally performed by The Supremes, was a notable success, becoming a hit single in 1968. This period saw them release several albums, including their self-titled debut in 1967, “The Beat Goes On” and “Renaissance” in 1968, and “Near the Beginning” and “Rock & Roll” in 1969. The band played a farewell concert in 1970.

After their initial disbandment, members pursued other projects, with Bogert and Appice forming Cactus and later Beck, Bogert & Appice. Vanilla Fudge has reunited multiple times over the decades, maintaining a performing presence. Significant reunions occurred in 1982, leading to the album “Mystery” in 1984, and again in 1999 with a changed lineup for “The Return / Then And Now” in 2001. The original lineup fully reunited in 2005 for a tour alongside The Doors and Steppenwolf. In 2006, Vanilla Fudge was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, recognizing their contributions to music. The song “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” was featured in the final episode of HBO’s “The Sopranos” in 2007, further cementing their legacy. The band continued to tour and release new material, including a Led Zeppelin cover album, “Out Through the In Door,” in 2007.

The lineup has experienced changes, notably with Pete Bremy joining on bass in 2009 after Tim Bogert’s retirement from touring. Tim Bogert passed away in 2021. Despite these changes, Vanilla Fudge continues to tour with Mark Stein, Vince Martell, Carmine Appice, and Pete Bremy, with concert dates scheduled into 2026. Their influence on bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, through their heavy, organ-driven sound, highlights their role in the development of psychedelic, hard rock, and proto-prog genres. They released “Spirit of ’67” in 2015 and a cover of “Stop! In the Name of Love” in 2021.