Here’s some live stuff from Cactus. None of the pictures on this video are relevant since this is not the original band. After they broke up, they reformed with a new guitarist, Werner Fritzschings (a really good guitarist who rejoined a later version of the band in 2008), Duane Hitchings on keyboards and Peter French (ex-Leaf Hound and Atomic Rooster) on vocals. Bogert on bass and Appice on drums remained from the original group. This version of Cactus released one album, ‘Ot ‘N’ Sweaty which consisted of a live side and a studio side. Here is a cut from the live side. These guys really rocked on this live performance.
Thanks for this. During the early 70’s, British bands ruled Metal/Hard rock. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, UFO, Black Sabbath, Free, Uriah Heap etc. Cactus were one of the rare American bands (along with Grand Funk), of that era who could hold their own with those other great bands, especially live. This performance is smokin’.
Denny, I remember you stating in a past thread that you saw the original band live. I’m totally jealous. That must have been one helluva show. If anyone is interested in hearing what the original lineup of Cactus sounded like live, check out this clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeosiWX5DLQ
The 1970’s are an endless reservoir of kickass Hard Rock/Metal. I’m glad you mentioned Leaf Hound. I highly recommend other underrated bands from that decade: Captain Beyond, Point Blank, Armageddon, Fuzzy Duck, Camel and Mahogany Rush.
I have that album. That was the original band’s last gig. Cactus was originally gonna be the American Led Zeppelin. Their lead singer was gonna be Rod Stewart and their guitarist was gonna be Jeff Beck. Alas, Beck broke his leg so Stewart teamed up with the Faces and Bogert and Appice recruited Rusty Day and Jimmy McCarty. The concert I saw was when Cactus was the warm up band for Stewart and the Faces. I had some friends who had seen Cactus and they told me what a kick ass band they were. They came out and Day swaggered up to the microphone and said sumpin’ along the lines of, “You’re gonna be surprised because we are gonna kick your ass!” Then, they did. They were the better band that night. I went right out and bought their second album, One Way or Another which I think is their best album. It’s a real shame because offstage they constantly fought. Bogert wanted a bigger role for his bass, among other things, so after three albums, they broke up. You sure couldn’t tell there were internal differences because they were so tight on stage.
Good stuff, I will have to listen to more of their music and others from the 70’s this Thanksgiving when I have time. Thanks-you Denny for the clips and thanks Counter-Revolutionary for mentioning the other bands.
My pleasure. I almost forgot another great kickass American rock band from that period: Montrose.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88-h_SzpNg
That band rocked and I still consider it the best stuff Sammy Hagar ever did.
And when he left, he took the entire band, minus Ronnie Montrose, with him. The first time I saw Sammy live, he opened for Ted Nugent. He rocked and that night, was better then Ted. Ever since, St. Louis has loved Sammy and Sammy has loved St. Louis.