Vanilla Fudge and Cactus Bassist Tim Bogert Dead at 76

Photo by Klaus Hiltscher, via Wikipedia
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Sad news today for the rock community, as Tim Bogert, bassist for seminal heavy rockers Vanilla Fudge and Cactus, has died. He was 76 years old.

Tim’s death was confirmed by longtime bandmate and friend Carmine Appice, who posted the following memorial message to his Facebook:

“My true friend Tim Bogert died today. He was like a brother to me. He was my friend for over 50 years.

“Tim was a one of a kind bass player. He inspired many, many bass players worldwide. He was as masterful at shredding as he was holding down a groove, and Tim introduced a new level of virtuosity into rock bass playing. No one played like Tim. He created bass solos that drove audiences to a frenzy every time he played one. And he played a different solo every night. He was the last of the legendary 60s bass players.

“Tim was a very intelligent person. So intelligent that we would call him ‘Spock’. You could ask him anything and he would know something about it.

“I loved Tim like a brother. He will be missed very much in my life. I will miss calling him, cracking jokes together, talking music and remembering the great times we had together, and how we created kick-ass music together.

“Perhaps the only good thing about knowing someone close to you is suffering a serious illness, is you have an opportunity to tell them that you love them, and why you love them. I did that, a lot. I was touched to hear it said back to me. Nothing was left unsaid between us and I’m grateful for that. I highly recommend it.

“Rest in peace, my partner. I love you. See you on the other side.”

 

My true friend Tim Bogert died today.

He was like a brother to me. He was my friend for over 50 years.

Tim was a one…

Posted by Carmine Appice on Wednesday, January 13, 2021

For many, Vanilla Fudge were one of the most formative bands in heavy music, with their punchy riffs and huge, crashing fills. Many know the band for their hard-hitting cover of The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.”

A testament to the band’s lasting legacy is the number of rock and metal bands expressing their sorrow at Tim’s passing, including KISS’s Paul Stanley, Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy, and more:

https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/1349515340464742402

Everyone at The Pit sends their heart out to Tim’s friends, family, fans and collaborators during this difficult time.

***

Words by Chris Krovatin

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