Tuesday, December 15: Rock n Roll Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Dec. 15) to drummer Carmine Appice. He's 69. Also celebrating today is bassist Paul Simonon of the Clash (60), and Stryper bassist Tim Gaines (53).

Appice has an impressive resume that includes performing and recording with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, King Cobra, Blue Murder, Rod Stewart, Ted Nugent, Ozzy and so many more. In 2014, He released new music with a project called Rated X featuring Carmine on drums along with Joe Lynn Turner on lead vocals, Tony Franklin on bass, and Karl Cochran on guitar.

Bassist Paul Simonon is best known for his work with the Clash. He met guitarist Mick Jones in 1976, and formed the Clash along with singer Joe Strummer. Simonon played on almost every Clash song.

Bassist Tim Gaines joined Christian metal band Stryper in 1983 and rounded out the band's sound with bass, backing vocals, and keyboard skills. He briefly left the band before the release of the platinum selling "To Hell With the Devil" album but would eventually return to the band.