Cactus, the legendary rock band that emerged in the early 1970s, has breathed new life into a blues classic more than six decades after the song first made its mark.
The group, led by famed drummer Carmine Appice, has released a powerful new version of “Back Door Man,” featuring acclaimed blues guitarist and singer Eric Gales and renowned bassist Billy Sheehan. The track appears on Cactus’ latest album, Temple Of Blues II, available now through Cleopatra Records.
The release is accompanied by a new music video that goes beyond a traditional performance clip, transforming the song into a cinematic ghost story experience.
“Back Door Man” traces its roots back to the blues era and became widely known through Howlin’ Wolf’s recordings. Now, approximately 65 years after the song rose to prominence among blues audiences, Cactus has delivered a fresh interpretation while preserving its original spirit.
Drummer Vinny Appice, singer Paul Shortino and drummer Carmine Appice a portrait shoot at MusicWorks Studios on July 10, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage
According to Appice, the track was chosen as part of a broader effort to create a genuine blues-focused record.
“‘Back Door Man’ is an old blues classic. This version originally appeared on Howlin’ Wolf’s The Howlin’ Wolf Album (often referred to as his ‘Electric Album’),” Appice said, per Ultimate Classic Rock.
“This time, I wanted to make a real blues album for Temple of Blues 2. Temple of Blues 1 was made up entirely of Cactus songs.”
Appice explained that the band approached the song with a fresh perspective while assembling an all-star lineup for the recording.
“We cut the song with my Cactus guitarist, Artie Dillon, and then I started thinking about who should sing and play on it,” Appice said. “I wanted a great blues artist, so I called Eric Gales and asked him to be part of the track. Then I thought Billy Sheehan would be perfect for it, creating a killer blues trio.”
The veteran drummer praised both musicians for their contributions.
“Billy was amazing on the track, even throwing in some lead guitar-style lines alongside Eric while still locking in with the drums. Eric’s vocals and guitar playing were incredible.”
Appice also revealed that he altered the arrangement to increase its intensity.
“When I arranged the song, I pushed the tempo up and changed the energy. Eric thought one section was meant for the drums, so he sent it back. I told him, ‘No, it’s for you to kick ass!’ When I got it back, the three of us had created something really special.”
He added, “The combination of great blues, powerful performances, and incredible energy brought the track to life. Then Pat Regan mixed it, and it sounds awesome.”
New ‘Back Door Man’ Video Turns Into an Urban Ghost Story
Alongside the recording, Cactus invested heavily in creating a distinctive visual companion for the song.
The performance footage was filmed during a Cactus charity concert at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. From there, Appice worked closely with editor Dom Esposito to develop the video's storyline.
“It all started at our Cactus charity show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, where we filmed all of the performance footage,” Appice explained.
Appice believes the final product captures the song’s personality and pays tribute to an earlier era of music television.
“The finished video captures the spirit of the song perfectly. It’s got that classic ’80s MTV feel from a time when music videos were events and every song had a story to tell.”
The release continues a remarkable chapter for Cactus, a band originally formed in 1969 by Carmine Appice and bassist Tim Bogert. More than five decades after its debut, the group remains active, revisiting blues influences that helped shape its sound while collaborating with some of rock and blues music’s most respected performers.
Temple Of Blues II features a lineup of guest artists, including Joe Lynn Turner, Steve Morse, Dee Snider, Tracii Guns, Pat Travers, Rudy Sarzo, Alex Skolnick, Ted Nugent, Bob Daisley, Ty Tabor, Dug Pinnick and Bumblefoot, among others.
Related: 1970 Rock Classic Remains Legendary Band's Longest-Charting Song Lasting 16 Weeks
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