Jim Peterik started his career as the founding member of The Ides Of March in 1964, and found chart-topping success with the timeless classic “Vehicle”. Jim would go on to write some of the biggest hit songs in human history. He sold millions of records with melodic rock powerhouse Survivor, where he won a Grammy and countless other awards, and was even nominated for an Oscar. Songs like “Eye Of The Tiger,” “High On You,” and “Hold On Loosely” are songs that have touched millions of lives and continue to be in regular radio rotation around the world.
Jim Peterik & World Stage have just released a new single with REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin called “Dangerous Combination,” a song that will be part of a new record called Roots & Shoots, Vol. 1, which will be released on January 12, 2024.
In this interview, Jim takes us through the infamous call from Sylvester Stallone asking for a song for his movie, Rocky III. He talks about writing “Eye Of The Tiger,” he tells us what song sits closest to his heart, we hear Jim sing and play, and he tells us about the time The Ides Of March opened for Led Zeppelin.
It was truly an honor to sit with one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Words cannot express how grateful I am for Jim Peterik’s time, grace, and kindness. His gifts of music are second only to his endearing personality.
“Dangerous Combination” video:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!
