Vanilla Fudge in Rochester

Vanilla Fudge is an American psychedelic rock band formed on Long Island in 1966 by Mark Stein, Tim Bogert, Vince Martell and Carmine Appice. The group became known for heavy, slowed-down interpretations of pop songs, especially the Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and recorded further reworkings such as “Eleanor Rigby” and “Season of the Witch.” Their self-titled debut established the organ-led sound that connected psychedelia with emerging hard rock. During Led Zeppelin’s first North American tour, the British band opened a series of shows for Vanilla Fudge in late 1968 and early 1969. Vanilla Fudge also documented its extended concert improvisation on “Break Song,” recorded at San Francisco’s Fillmore West and released on Near the Beginning. After disbanding in 1970, the group returned for further concerts in several reunions involving Mark Stein, Vince Martell, Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice.