Published: June 20, 2026
New video features Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan performing the blues classic from Cactus' latest album Temple Of Blues II
CARMINE APPICE and CACTUS have released a new video for "Back Door Man", a track taken from the recently issued album Temple Of Blues II, available through Cleopatra Records.
The song features guest appearances by Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan alongside Appice and revisits the blues standard originally associated with Howlin' Wolf. According to Appice, the version was inspired by The Howlin' Wolf Album, often referred to as the artist's "Electric Album."
"Back Door Man" follows the release of Temple Of Blues II, which Rockum previously covered in the article Carmine Appice and Cactus Return with Temple Of The Blues II Featuring Dee Snider, Tracii Guns and Rock Legends, documenting the album's guest musicians, track listing, and release details.
Rockum previously covered the album in the article Carmine Appice and Cactus Return with Temple Of The Blues II Featuring Dee Snider, Tracii Guns and Rock Legends, documenting the guest musicians, track listing, and background behind the project.
Discussing the recording, Appice explained that he wanted the second volume of Temple Of Blues to focus on blues material and selected several songs from The Howlin' Wolf Album, including "Back Door Man".
For the recording, Appice enlisted guitarist Artie Dillon before inviting Eric Gales and Billy Sheehan to participate. The finished track features Gales on vocals and guitar, while Sheehan contributes bass performances throughout the recording.
The accompanying video combines live footage filmed during a Cactus charity show at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, with a narrative concept developed by Appice and director Dom Esposito. According to Appice, the original performance clip evolved into a story-driven video inspired by classic music video formats.
Released through Cleopatra Records, Temple Of Blues II continues the concept introduced on the first volume while featuring a wide range of guest musicians from the worlds of rock, blues, and heavy music.
TRACK LISTING — TEMPLE OF BLUES II
Back Door Man Pt. 1 & 2 feat. Eric Gales & Billy Sheehan
300 Pounds Of Joy feat. Ty Tabor
Moanin' At Midnight feat. Pat Travers
Down In The Bottom feat. Dug Pinnick
Token Chokin' feat. Bumblefoot
Bad Stuff feat. Steve Morse, Joe Lynn Turner, Derek Sherinian & Tony Franklin
Tail Dragger feat. Rudy Sarzo & Alex Skolnick
The Little Red Rooster feat. Dee Snider, Tracii Guns & Jimmy Haslip
Purple Haze feat. Melanie
Spoonful feat. Ted Nugent & Bob Daisley
CD Bonus Track
Feel So Good feat. Billy Sheehan & Britt Lightning
The current incarnation of CACTUS was assembled in 2021. Vocalist Jim Stapley, originally from England, joined a lineup led by founding drummer Carmine Appice, continuing the legacy of a band originally formed in 1970 by Appice and bassist Tim Bogert following the breakup of Vanilla Fudge.
In 2024, Rockum also spoke with Carmine Appice about the history of Cactus, the band's recording activities, streaming platforms, and his experiences throughout several decades in rock music in the feature Carmine Appice Talks New Cactus Album, Streaming Issues & Rock History.
With "Back Door Man", Carmine Appice and Cactus revisit a blues classic while continuing the collaborative approach that defines Temple Of Blues II, an album built around guest appearances from musicians representing several generations of rock and blues history.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the official video for "Back Door Man" below.
