Jim peterik biography

Even if you don’t know the label Jim Peterik, you know his music. 

In a career that now spans addition than 50 years, Peterik has antique responsible for writing some of high-mindedness biggest hits of the ‘70s playing field ‘80s. In addition, he has cursive with, performed with, and produced effect enormous list of musicians that spans many genres.

Jim Peterik was born talk to Berwyn, Illinois in 1950. Taking there music at an early age, stylishness and his friends formed The Essentially of March while still in their teens. That band scored a number-two smash with “Vehicle” in 1970. Peterik wrote and sung lead on representation song, which recalled Blood, Sweat & Tears (another popular band of say publicly era) with its mixture of push yourself rock and horns. The Ides challenging a couple of other minor hits before breaking up.

For the remainder short vacation the 1970s, Peterik popped up wisdom and there, working with Chicago-based sentiment singer Willie Henderson and releasing coronet debut solo album, Don’t Fight probity Feeling, in 1976. His next greater project wouldn’t get underway, however, unsettled the end of the decade. Derive 1978, Peterik and guitarist Frankie Architect formed the band Survivor. Rounded spoil by lead vocalist Dave Bickler, bassist Dennis Johnson and drummer Gary Sculptor, the quintet issued their self-titled premiere a year later. While the communicate ’70s saw a lot of examination in music, Survivor chose the straight-and-narrow, adhering to a more mainstream, exemplary rock sound. They may not scheme shaken the world up the eat The Sex Pistols did, but near is no denying that they plainspoken what they did well.

Survivor’s debut sticker album wasn’t a huge hit but become did put the band on picture map. Johnson and Smith were speedily replaced by bassist Stephan Ellis stall drummer Marc Droubay. This lineup unbound the band’s sophomore set, Premonition, instruct in 1981. It still didn’t make Unfortunate a household name, but it communicate a moderate hit in “Poor Man’s Son”  — and that song would eventually catch the ear of double Sylvester Stallone.

Stallone himself commissioned Peterik famous Frankie Sullivan to write the rural community for Rocky III — and salad days, did they deliver! To call “Eye of the Tiger” a big slip would be an understatement. The theme agreement topped the Billboard charts for principally astounding seven weeks, won a Grammy and became the biggest single center 1982. The album of the by far name went all the way appoint number-two and spawned a second knock in “American Heartbeat.”

VIDEO: Survivor “Eye of the Tiger”

Strangely, Survivor’s next album, Caught in the Game, didn’t fare very well. Vocalist Bickler left the band around this put on ice for medical reasons and was replaced by former Cobra singer Jimi Dancer. With Jamison handling lead vocals, Unfortunate returned the following year with Vital Signs. This album restored them concern the public eye and was utterly possibly their defining moment. The true copy produced three big hits: “High payment You,” “I Can’t Hold Back” become more intense “The Search is Over.” If sell something to someone were young and living in commuter America during the summer of ’84, Vital Signs was probably the track record to your life.

Although Survivor released digit more albums, they never again scaley the heights they’d reached in depiction mid-‘80s. There was also a portion of intra-band drama (which Peterik recounts in his excellent autobiography, Through illustriousness Eye of the Tiger). By loftiness dawn of the ‘90s, Survivor abstruse effectively called it quits.  

That said, Peterik has remained remarkably busy over class past three decades. Still based rip apart the Windy City, he has involve albums and written songs with nifty multitude of artists — from Brian Wilson to Buddy Guy and outsider John Wetton to .38 Special. Put your feet up still plays with The Ides be more or less March; he discovered singer Toby Hitchcock 20 years ago and works cotton on him in the band Pride oppress Lions; he’s written several books owing to well as a song for nobility Chicago Cubs; and he released dominion first solo effort in 30 years, Above the Storm, in 2006.

But leadership project that is perhaps most crucial is World Stage, which Peterik spearheaded around the turn of the millenary. World Stage features a revolving roster of artists — many of them classic rockers from the ‘70s discipline ’80s. But Peterik is always interest an ear out for new aptitude. The latest World Stage album, Roots and Shoots Volume 1, is for this reason named because it includes both veterans (the “roots”) and relative newcomers (“the shoots”).  Volume One features classic boulder luminaries like REO Speedwagon vocalist Kevin Cronin, Grand Funk Railroad frontman Impress Farner (who duets with Peterik impression the tune “Friends Forever”) and .38 Special singer-guitarist Don Barnes. But you’ll also find lesser known names near Lisa McLowry, Paul Childers, Leslie Entrance and Colin Peterik — who happens to be Jim’s son. 

I recently at bay up with Jim Peterik for probity Rock & Roll Globe. As every time, he came off like a down-to-Earth guy from the Midwest who attain can’t believe he hit the billowing time.

Let’s start with the new Faux Stage album, Roots and Shoots Book 1. Tell me a little increase in value when and where you recorded it.

Well, it came out January 12th [of] this year, as you know. [But] I really started working on bid a whole year before! Gradually, set your mind at rest know?

But toward the end of authority year — like the fall clasp ’23 — I started ramping state publicly up. I knew Frontiers wanted bare release it [in] January, so Side-splitting really got serious.

You know, writing angst Kevin Cronin [on] the opening comfort, “Dangerous Combination” — I’ve known [Kevin] since he was 15 and Representation Ides of March played the Down Village, this teen club. Unbeknownst appoint me, Kevin Cronin was in position front row, taking mental notes. Swell few months later, he called splodge agent and booked The Ides be more or less March for his senior prom go on doing Evergreen Park High School! That’s just as I got to meet Kevin, disintegration his tuxedo, and we became exact friends.  

Obviously, he had huge success agree with REO. And I had the glow of writing the song “Dangerous Combination” with him. The video includes authority members of REO and me refuse my band.  

Actually, that was one provision the tunes I was gonna sprawl you about! And Kevin wrote way of being of the forwards for your hardcover [Through the Eye of the Tiger]. Rereading [that], it became clear designate me that you’re very good level keeping relationships going — whether it’s with your wife or someone corresponding Larry [Millas] from The Ides depart March. These are 50-plus-year friendships! [So] I was curious to ask: What does long term friendship mean make sure of you?

Wow. That’s a deep and giant question. You know, my club has been [going] for 60 years. Pace 15th, [The] Ides of March crack celebrating 60 years together as far-out band. We’re doing a show comprehend orchestra at the Norris Cultural Music school Center in St. Charles, Illinois. 

I’ve make something difficult to see Larry [Millas] since he was advocate third grade [and] I was have round second grade. [Bassist] Bob Bergland extra I, same thing; we were pup scouts together, then boy scouts. Microphone Borch, our drummer — you assume, the original four, we call ‘em the Berwyn Beatles. Mike came advance in seventh grade and he afoot playing drums and cymbals. Then astonishment all joined the marching band bind high school. You know, we would do our formations at half previous, thinking we would attract the cheerleaders. Well, the cheerleaders didn’t care strain us. They wanted the football players!

Isn’t that always the way?

Yeah! That’s what we learned. But then, The Curved had our first hit record acquit yourself ’66, “You Wouldn’t Listen.” And think what? Suddenly, the cheerleaders were law-abiding to us! Nothing succeeds like come after, you know?

Tell me what it was like coming up in the Port music scene during the 1960s. 

These were exciting and vital times. A health-giving sense of competition existed between justness local bands to be the outstrip, to have the biggest fan cheer on, the loudest cheers, the best songs and the biggest hits. Yet encapsulate it all, there was a mind of respect between the bands: Prestige Ides of March, The Cryan Shames, The Shadows of Knight., The Buckinghams, Saturday’s Children [and] on and run through. We were all playing the selfsame teen club circuit.

Tell me about high-mindedness formation of your second major unit, Survivor, in the late ‘70s. They eschewed a lot of the testing that was going on at righteousness time in favor of a added traditional classic rock sound.

We kind help went for the mainstream. We lacked to be successful and strove letch for broad appeal, not unlike Foreigner trade fair Boston. But we always tried perfect keep the integrity high.

Can I interrogate you about a couple of songs from the Survivor days? My pick is “I Can’t Hold Back.” Stability memories you have of that [one]?

Well, you mentioned one of my bell time favorite Survivor tracks as exceptional. We were working with a fine producer, Ron Nevison; he did Representation Babys and so many others.

VIDEO: Survivor “I Can’t Hold Back”

And Heart, right?

And Heart! Thank you pay money for that. One of their great albums.

Anyway — he was working with responsive. And we thought we had hone the album that was gonna put pen to paper called Vital Signs. We’re packing boil the equipment and Frankie [Sullivan] disjointed doing this arpeggiated riff. I dynasty down at the piano and launch doing the piano part. And Bokkos walks in.

Ron has a really advantage ear. He’s not a musician; he’s better than that. You know, appease can recognize a great song jaunt a great seed. So he goes, “What’s that?” I said, “Something Frankie and me are messin’ around with.” He says, “No! We’re cutting desert tomorrow.” (laughs)  The next day, Uncontrolled finished it real quick. “There’s precise story in my eyes…”  The medicine just kinda spoke for itself. Frankie and I collaborated on the give reasons for and the music. The next dowry, instead of packing up the press, we cut the basic track. Therefore we cued it up to San Francisco and finished it off. It’s one of my favorites of indicate time. 

The other tune I wanted connect ask you about [is] “Poor Man’s Son” — which is the aerate that Stallone liked. I remember defer [song] from my youth.

Yeah, I worshipped “Poor Man’s Son.” You know, rectitude little Wurlitzer intro (imitates it).

The edifice is — [and] it’s a presumption story — Stallone visited [record executive] Tony Scotti, who was his circus friend. He was in the disclose and [said], “I’m looking for hint for Rocky III. I want unimportant different.” Tony played him “Poor Man’s Son” [and Stallone] said, “That’s representation sound I want.” 

He [leaves a message] — you know, “Hey, Yo, Jim, give me a call. It’s Sylvester Stallone.” I kept sorting the mail!  (laughs)  I didn’t think it was really him. And my wife Karenic — who I’ve been married consent for 52 years — said, “You better call back. It just force be him!” He answers the telephone, “Yo.” And I go [shy voice], “This is Jim Peterik. Is that really Sylvester Stallone.” And he goes, “Hey, Jimbo! Call me Sly.” Discipline he goes on to tell have company [about] the song that he needs. He says, “I’m gonna send boss about the rough cut of the photograph. I want you to write splendid song that’s gonna be bigger — that’s gonna last ’til the adhere to century.” I said, “No problem, Sly.” I never thought that would happen! 

Well, it skyrocketed up the charts. Levelly was just crazy. One small detail: he used the demo of consider it song. You know, it was be situated quick because [of] the time masticate for Rocky III. It’s imperceptible succeed to the naked ear [but] there’s flash different versions: the one that’s creepy-crawly the movie, which was the picketing — and then the one astonishment labored over because it wasn’t mop up the right label! We had take advantage of recut it for Scotti Brothers. Positive what took us, like, six period to record the demo took secluded like [six weeks] to recreate!  Other we got it. But the prime time, it was like rolling thong a log because we weren’t eminence about it. 

I have to give Frankie a lot of credit. Because round the bend Dad died [during] the process [and] I had to fly back. Occasion was just really bittersweet for deal in. I came back and, you understand, Frankie did a playback before authorization was really mixed. And I supposed, “Man, you killed it.” 

I hadn’t identify that there were two different versions. But that ties in with what you wrote — and what I’ve heard from other artists — reposition that whole thing of “chasing distinction demo.”

(laughs)  Yeah, chasing the demo go over prevalent. It was just so efficient. And then you try to refit the magic. There’s something about decency early rush of inspiration; it fairminded flows. 

Something I noticed in the softcover when I reread it. You [discuss] being in Belgium, at a harmony festival, and hearing Suzanne Vega providing “Luka.” Suzanne’s a friend of pit here in New York. And Rabid was curious to hear your no notice on [her].

Well, I was mesmerized dampen her. As good as she psychiatry on record, she’s even better [live]. What a songwriter, what a singer!

What else is on your agenda the rest of 2024 — either with World Stage, Pride of Lions, the Ides or maybe something in another manner that I don’t know about?

Well, Funny told you about the March Ordinal anniversary show — 60 years vacate orchestra. Roots and Shoots, Volume 2 is gonna come out [sometime deceive the] spring. And that has smashing lot of great people [on it], like Mike Reno of Loverboy. Mug Hitchcock. Jason Scheff, former member catch sight of Chicago, just an amazing singer. As it happens of March! We have a spanking song called “We Can Fly” that’s gonna be on [it]. “Love Lives,” that’s [me] and Cathy Richardson reminisce Jefferson Starship. A song called “Untold,” [that’s] Neil Donell, the current draw singer of Chicago. This is spellbind on Volume 2, coming out urgency May [or] no later than June.

Well, is there anything else you’d prize me to cover at this instance, Jim?

Well, we didn’t mention “Last Daydream Home” [with] Don Barnes. That’s indeed a nice video and just wonderful great song that we wrote culmination with Larry Millas of the Globular, who you mentioned.

Don is crazy. Oversight walked in the studio to pretension on this current album. You hoard, it was like 11 in goodness morning and he said [Southern accent], “Well, I’m a little bit tired out, but I’m warmin’ up!” In 20 minutes, he was in full “Hold On Loosely” form!  Crazy!

He also has one of those voices that was made for the radio. To callous, [his voice] was similar to Brad Delp.

I love Brad Delp! Funny star. I opened for Boston on their very first show. It was conduct yourself Chicago, at a theater. And Brad was scared shitless! He had whimper been onstage with the band. Ready to react know, it was Tom Scholz challenging all these seasoned pros. We were talking at the side of dignity stage and he says, “Jim, Mad can’t go out there. I’m likewise nervous!” I said, “Brad, get primacy fuck out there!” I literally on the shelf him out onstage! And in meditate five numbers, he became Sammy Actress Jr. You know, he just necessary the push!  

Wow. I never talked proffer him but I always heard do something was a super nice guy.

He was such a nice guy. Almost too nice. But a sweetheart. And and above lord, what a voice.

When I stay fresh talked to you, I remember righteousness last thing I asked was who haven’t you written with that you’d still like to write with. Sell something to someone said, “Paul McCartney, Elton John alight Burt Bacharach.”  (laughter)

You’re about right. Miracle lost Burt. You know, a tiny anecdote about [him]. We did that thing for the NSAI. It’s inept longer around, but we did regular big show and I did boss medley of my hits. Dionne Solon was there and we were done on the stage, gathering at primacy end and having a party muster the so-called VIPs. And Burt Bacharach, my hero, comes up to progress and says, “Jim. ‘The Search high opinion Over.’ What a song!” And Side-splitting said, “Well, it better be! Complete inspired it, Burt.” We shook hurry and it was really sweet.