Survivor

Biography

Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978 by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with a string of hit singles. They are best known for their 1982 smash hit "Eye of the Tiger," the theme song for the film Rocky III.

Formation and Early Years

Before forming Survivor, Jim Peterik was the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band The Ides of March. In 1978, he teamed up with guitarist Frankie Sullivan to form Survivor. The initial lineup also included lead singer Dave Bickler, bassist Dennis Keith Johnson, and drummer Gary Smith. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 1979, but it failed to produce any Top 40 singles. In 1981, Stephan Ellis and Marc Droubay replaced Johnson and Smith. Their follow-up album, "Premonition," featured the single "Poor Man's Son," which cracked the Top 40.

Breakthrough with "Eye of the Tiger"

The band's major breakthrough came in 1982 when actor Sylvester Stallone asked them to write the theme song for his movie *Rocky III*. The resulting song, "Eye of the Tiger," was a massive success, spending six weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. The album of the same name also sold over a million copies. The song earned the band a Grammy Award and an Oscar nomination.

The Jimi Jamison Era

In 1983, lead singer Dave Bickler left the band due to vocal issues and was replaced by Jimi Jamison. This lineup change marked a new chapter for the band. Their 1984 album, *Vital Signs*, was a commercial success, featuring the hit singles "High on You," "The Search Is Over," and "I Can't Hold Back." In 1985, the band scored another hit with "Burning Heart," the theme from the movie *Rocky IV*. The band's next album, *When Seconds Count* (1986), included the hit "Is This Love."

Hiatus and Reunions

Following the release of their 1988 album *Too Hot to Sleep*, which did not perform well commercially, the band went on hiatus. In the mid-1990s, the band reformed with Bickler back on vocals. However, this reunion was short-lived, and Bickler was fired in early 2000, leading to Jamison's return. The band released the album *Reach* in 2006. Over the years, the band has seen several lineup changes, with Frankie Sullivan being the only constant member. In 2013, it was announced that both Dave Bickler and Jimi Jamison would be part of the band. Sadly, Jimi Jamison passed away in 2014. Dave Bickler left the band again in 2016.

Discography

Studio Albums

Survivor (1979)
Premonition (1981)
Eye of the Tiger (1982)
Caught in the Game (1983)
Vital Signs (1984)
When Seconds Count (1986)
Too Hot to Sleep (1988)
Reach (2006)