Jim Peterik
Encyclopedia
Jim Peterik is an American
musician and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Survivor
and as vocalist and songwriter of the hit song "Vehicle" by The Ides of March. He also co-wrote the anthem "Eye of the Tiger
," the theme from the motion picture Rocky III
.
Peterik has co-written songs for the likes of .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
, Blackhawk
, Cheap Trick
, Sammy Hagar
, Cathy Richardson
, Van Zant
, Brian Wilson
, and REO Speedwagon
. He is currently fronting melodic rock band Pride of Lions
, smooth-jazz project Jim Peterik's Lifeforce, and has a regular series of yearly concert performances with an all-star cast as World Stage. Jim is also active as a producer and mentor to young, developing talent.
, as The Ides of March, named by Larry Millas "after learning about it in history class," Millas stated. Their hits included "Vehicle," "You Wouldn't Listen" and "L.A. Goodbye" in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In the early 1970s Peterik wrote several songs recorded by the jazz-rock band Chase
.
In 1976, he released a solo album, Don't Fight the Feeling, and toured with several of the era's most popular bands, including Heart
and Boston
.
, in 1978.
In the early years of Survivor, Peterik continued to co-write hits for other artists, including 38 Special and Sammy Hagar
. In 1982, Sylvester Stallone
commissioned Survivor to write and perform the theme song for Rocky III
. This song, "Eye of the Tiger
," became their defining single, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
and going double platinum; it also won them a Grammy Award
and an Oscar nomination for Peterik and Frankie Sullivan for Best Song. This was followed by their 1984 album Vital Signs, which featured the Top 10 hits "High on You" (No. 8) and "The Search Is Over" (No. 4), plus another sizable hit in "I Can't Hold Back" (No. 13).
In 1985, Peterik co-wrote the theme to Rocky IV
, "Burning Heart," which would be another big hit (No. 2 in early 1986) for Survivor, and was followed by "Is This Love" (No. 9). Following Survivor's 1988 album Too Hot to Sleep, they disbanded.
One song from each of Peterik's famous bands appears in a Stallone film (their purpose to motivate the scene's action): Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" in Rocky III and the Ides of March's "Vehicle" in Lock Up
.
, as well as briefly reuniting with Survivor for another tour. "Vehicle" found new popularity when it was performed by American Idol
runner-up Bo Bice
in 2005.
In 2001, Peterik produced and co-wrote the first album by AOR supergroup Mecca with his long-time friend Joe Vana.
In 2003, he founded Pride of Lions
with Toby Hitchcock. Peterik continues to play with The Ides of March as of 2011. His latest solo CD, Above the Storm, was released in 2006.
Jim performed at the West Australian Music Industry Awards
with shred virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio
in 2005.
In 2009, Peterik appeared on The Jerry Springer Show
as guest security.
In 2010, Peterik backed up the Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band
in their final halftime show of the season, at the LSU vs. Ole Miss game.
Peterik currently resides in Burr Ridge, IL.
In April, 2011 Peterik played a sold out run of 8 nights at the Pioneer Place Theater as a special guest of the Fabulous Armadillos in St. Cloud MN. In October, 2011, he returned with the Fabulous Armadillos for a sold out night at the Paramount Theatre, St. Cloud, MN.
Peterik also develops and produces new talent on his own label, World Stage International. Current artists, aside from Lifeforce, include Lisa McClowry
and Mallory Lennon. World Stage has two recording studios, engineered by The Ides of March co-founder and childhood friend, Larry Millas.
with travon jones
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Survivor
Survivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
and as vocalist and songwriter of the hit song "Vehicle" by The Ides of March. He also co-wrote the anthem "Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
"Eye of the Tiger" is a single by American rock band Survivor, from their third album Eye of the Tiger. It was released as a single on May 29, 1982, the same year as the album. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was unable to get permission for Queen's "Another One Bites...
," the theme from the motion picture Rocky III
Rocky III
Rocky III is a 1982 American film that is the third installment in the Rocky film series. It is written and directed by and stars Sylvester Stallone as the title character, with Carl Weathers as former boxing rival Apollo Creed, Burgess Meredith as Rocky's trainer Mickey, and Talia Shire as Rocky's...
.
Peterik has co-written songs for the likes of .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s.Originally formed as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, Freebird...
, Blackhawk
Blackhawk (band)
Blackhawk is an American country music group founded in 1992 by Henry Paul , Van Stephenson , and Dave Robbins...
, Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar
Sam Roy "Sammy" Hagar , also known as The Red Rocker, is an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Also sings Country Music....
, Cathy Richardson
Cathy Richardson
Catherine E. Richardson , who goes professionally by Cathy Richardson, is a singer and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois....
, Van Zant
Van Zant
Van Zant is an American musical duo composed of brothers Donnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant. Both are brothers of the late Ronnie Van Zant, former lead singer for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
, Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson
Brian Douglas Wilson is an American musician, best known as the leader and chief songwriter of the group The Beach Boys. Within the band, Wilson played bass and keyboards, also providing part-time lead vocals and, more often, backing vocals, harmonizing in falsetto with the group...
, and REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon is an American rock band. Formed in 1967, the band grew in popularity during the 1970s and peaked in the early 1980s. Hi Infidelity is the group's most commercially successful album, selling over ten million copies and charting four Top 40 hits in the US...
. He is currently fronting melodic rock band Pride of Lions
Pride of Lions
Pride of Lions is a melodic rock group fronted by former Survivor guitarist/keyboardist Jim Peterik and vocalist Toby Hitchcock. Formed in 2003, the group, according to Peterik is "my vision of the best elements of the great melodic rock era of the 80’s, updated of course with more modern...
, smooth-jazz project Jim Peterik's Lifeforce, and has a regular series of yearly concert performances with an all-star cast as World Stage. Jim is also active as a producer and mentor to young, developing talent.
Ides of March and early years
Peterik started performing in 1964 with some of his schoolmates in Berwyn, IllinoisBerwyn, Illinois
Berwyn is a city in Cook County, Illinois, co-existent with Berwyn Township, which was formed in 1908 after breaking off from Cicero Township. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 54,016.-Demographics:...
, as The Ides of March, named by Larry Millas "after learning about it in history class," Millas stated. Their hits included "Vehicle," "You Wouldn't Listen" and "L.A. Goodbye" in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In the early 1970s Peterik wrote several songs recorded by the jazz-rock band Chase
Bill Chase
Bill Chase was an American trumpet player and leader of the jazz-rock fusion band Chase.-Biography:...
.
In 1976, he released a solo album, Don't Fight the Feeling, and toured with several of the era's most popular bands, including Heart
Heart (band)
Heart is an American rock band who first found success in Canada. Throughout several lineup changes, the only two members remaining constant are sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The group rose to fame in the 1970s with their music being influenced by hard rock as well as folk music...
and Boston
Boston (band)
Boston is an American rock band from Boston, Massachusetts that achieved its most notable successes during the 1970s and 1980s. Centered on guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, and producer Tom Scholz, the band is a staple of classic rock radio playlists...
.
Survivor
Peterik formed his most successful band, SurvivorSurvivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
, in 1978.
In the early years of Survivor, Peterik continued to co-write hits for other artists, including 38 Special and Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar
Sam Roy "Sammy" Hagar , also known as The Red Rocker, is an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Also sings Country Music....
. In 1982, Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone
Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone , commonly known as Sylvester Stallone, and nicknamed Sly Stallone, is an American actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, film director and occasional painter. Stallone is known for his machismo and Hollywood action roles. Two of the notable characters he has portrayed...
commissioned Survivor to write and perform the theme song for Rocky III
Rocky III
Rocky III is a 1982 American film that is the third installment in the Rocky film series. It is written and directed by and stars Sylvester Stallone as the title character, with Carl Weathers as former boxing rival Apollo Creed, Burgess Meredith as Rocky's trainer Mickey, and Talia Shire as Rocky's...
. This song, "Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
"Eye of the Tiger" is a single by American rock band Survivor, from their third album Eye of the Tiger. It was released as a single on May 29, 1982, the same year as the album. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was unable to get permission for Queen's "Another One Bites...
," became their defining single, spending six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and going double platinum; it also won them a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
and an Oscar nomination for Peterik and Frankie Sullivan for Best Song. This was followed by their 1984 album Vital Signs, which featured the Top 10 hits "High on You" (No. 8) and "The Search Is Over" (No. 4), plus another sizable hit in "I Can't Hold Back" (No. 13).
In 1985, Peterik co-wrote the theme to Rocky IV
Rocky IV
Rocky IV is a 1985 American film written by, directed by, and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the fourth and most financially successful entry in the Rocky franchise...
, "Burning Heart," which would be another big hit (No. 2 in early 1986) for Survivor, and was followed by "Is This Love" (No. 9). Following Survivor's 1988 album Too Hot to Sleep, they disbanded.
One song from each of Peterik's famous bands appears in a Stallone film (their purpose to motivate the scene's action): Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" in Rocky III and the Ides of March's "Vehicle" in Lock Up
Lock Up (film)
- Plot :Frank Leone , a skilled mechanic and footballer, is a model prisoner nearing the end of his sentence in a low-security prison. One night while sleeping in his cell, guards arrive and forcibly take Leone to maximum security Gateway Prison...
.
Later years
In 1990, the original members of the Ides of March (Peterik, Millas, Bob Bergland, Mike Borch, Chuck Soumar, and John Larson) reunited, adding new members Scott May and Dave Stahlberg. This lineup continues to perform. Peterik continues to write for other artists such as the Doobie Brothers and Cheap TrickCheap Trick
Cheap Trick is an American rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. The band consists of members Robin Zander , Rick Nielsen , Tom Petersson , and Bun E...
, as well as briefly reuniting with Survivor for another tour. "Vehicle" found new popularity when it was performed by American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
runner-up Bo Bice
Bo Bice
Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice, Jr. is an American singer and musician who placed second to Carrie Underwood in the fourth season of American Idol. He has recorded three studio albums, including one on RCA Records...
in 2005.
In 2001, Peterik produced and co-wrote the first album by AOR supergroup Mecca with his long-time friend Joe Vana.
In 2003, he founded Pride of Lions
Pride of Lions
Pride of Lions is a melodic rock group fronted by former Survivor guitarist/keyboardist Jim Peterik and vocalist Toby Hitchcock. Formed in 2003, the group, according to Peterik is "my vision of the best elements of the great melodic rock era of the 80’s, updated of course with more modern...
with Toby Hitchcock. Peterik continues to play with The Ides of March as of 2011. His latest solo CD, Above the Storm, was released in 2006.
Jim performed at the West Australian Music Industry Awards
West Australian Music Industry Awards
The Western Australian Music Industry Awards are annual awards presented to the local contemporary music industry, put on by the Western Australian Music Industry Association Inc...
with shred virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio
Michael Angelo Batio
Michael Angelo Batio also known as Mike Batio or MAB, is a guitarist and columnist from Chicago, Illinois. His work has encompassed many genres, notably metal and its subgenres. Batio was voted the "No. 1 Shredder of All Time" by Guitar One Magazine in 2003...
in 2005.
In 2009, Peterik appeared on The Jerry Springer Show
The Jerry Springer Show
The Jerry Springer Show is a syndicated television tabloid talk show hosted by Jerry Springer, a former politician, broadcast in the United States and other countries...
as guest security.
In 2010, Peterik backed up the Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band
Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band
The Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band —also called The Golden Band from Tigerland or simply the Tiger Band—is known by LSU Tiger fans and foes alike for the first four notes of its pregame salute sounded on Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium...
in their final halftime show of the season, at the LSU vs. Ole Miss game.
Peterik currently resides in Burr Ridge, IL.
In April, 2011 Peterik played a sold out run of 8 nights at the Pioneer Place Theater as a special guest of the Fabulous Armadillos in St. Cloud MN. In October, 2011, he returned with the Fabulous Armadillos for a sold out night at the Paramount Theatre, St. Cloud, MN.
Peterik also develops and produces new talent on his own label, World Stage International. Current artists, aside from Lifeforce, include Lisa McClowry
Lisa McClowry
Lisa McClowry is a singer/songwriter based out of Chicago, Illinois. She cites her musical influences to include Ella Fitzgerald, Ann Wilson , Steve Perry for Journey...
and Mallory Lennon. World Stage has two recording studios, engineered by The Ides of March co-founder and childhood friend, Larry Millas.
With The Ides of March
- Vehicle (1970)
- Common Bond (1971)
- World Woven (1972)
- Midnight Oil (1973)
- Still 19 (2010)
With Survivor
- SurvivorSurvivor (Survivor album)Survivor is the eponymous debut album by the American rock band Survivor, released in 1979. It is the group's only album with drummer Gary Smith and bassist Dennis Johnson. The recording sessions, overseen by A&R executive John Kalodner, were not without difficulties...
(1979) - Premonition (1981)
- Eye of the TigerEye of the Tiger (album)Eye of the Tiger is the third album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1982. It features the title track, which is the theme song of the film Rocky III....
(1982) - Caught in the GameCaught in the GameCaught in the Game is the fourth album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1983. It features guest appearances by Mr. Mister's Richard Page and REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin....
(1983) - Vital Signs (1984)
- When Seconds CountWhen Seconds CountWhen Seconds Count is the sixth album from American rock band Survivor, and the second featuring vocalist Jimi Jamison. The album included the hit single, "Is This Love", which peaked at #9 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1987. The album reached #49 on the Billboard 200 album...
(1986) - Too Hot to SleepToo Hot to SleepToo Hot to Sleep is the seventh album from rock band Survivor, released in 1988. It was a relative commercial disappointment, reaching only #187 on the Billboard album charts...
(1988)
With Pride of Lions
- Pride of Lions (2003)
- The Destiny Stone (2004)
- Live in Belgium (2006)
- The Roaring of Dreams (2007)
Books
Jim Peterik co-authored Songwriting for Dummies, published 2002, with Dave Austin and Mary Ellen Bickford.with travon jones