Eye Of The Tiger!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

This week we are exploring the awesome life and career of rockstar; Jim Peterik!

If you’ve ever sung along to “Eye of the Tiger” at full blast, you’ve already been inspired by Jim Peterik; whether you knew it or not. A man of many talents, Peterik’s music has not only topped the charts but also lifted hearts, trained athletes, and shaped pop culture. From garage bands to Grammy wins, his journey is one of perseverance, reinvention, and pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

From the Ides to Icons

Peterik’s career kicked off in the mid-1960s with “The Ides of March”, a band he co-founded at just 15. By 1970, they had a massive hit with “Vehicle”; a brass-heavy, blue-eyed soul anthem that remains a classic. (Fun fact: “Vehicle” was the fastest-selling single in Warner Bros. history at the time.) The band took a hiatus but would reunite decades later, showing that good music and good friendships; don’t fade.

Survivor: More Than Just a Band Name

In the ’80s, Peterik co-founded “Survivor” and co-wrote “Eye of the Tiger” after Sylvester Stallone personally reached out for a new theme for “Rocky III”. That iconic intro riff? Pure adrenaline, and pure Peterik. The track stayed at No. 1 for six weeks and became a sports and motivation anthem across the globe. But his pen didn’t stop there; he co-wrote many of Survivor’s hits like “Burning Heart,” “High on You,” and “The Search Is Over.”

A Songwriter to the Stars

Peterik’s gift for melody and lyrics has graced many voices. He’s written songs for or with legends like “38 Special” (“Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You”), “Lynyrd Skynyrd”, Sammy Hagar, “Cheap Trick”, and “REO Speedwagon”. He even co-wrote a track for “The Beach Boys” in the ’90s. His catalog spans genres and decades with a golden thread of heartfelt, cinematic songwriting.

Never Stopping, Always Rocking

Still writing, recording, and touring, Peterik leads “Pride of Lions” and continues to work with “The Ides of March”. He also mentors young artists and hosts songwriting retreats. His purple hair has become his trademark; like his music, bold and unmistakable. And in case you were wondering: yes, he still nails the high notes.

Legacy in Living Color

Beyond the accolades, what makes Jim Peterik special is his zest. He’s a believer in music as fuel for the soul; whether it’s an underdog anthem, a power ballad, or a road trip jam. His 2014 autobiography “Through the Eye of the Tiger” (great read) dives deep into the highs and lows of the industry, and how resilience, gratitude, and passion kept him moving forward.

If rock ‘n’ roll had a motivational speaker, it might just be Jim Peterik. His story reminds us all that the road might be long, but with enough heart, harmony, and hooks; you just might change the world.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

Jim Peterik: After “The Ides” opened for Neil Diamond back in 1968- I went up to him and said, “Well Neil, how did we do? He said, “Next time only do you’re best material.” I never forgot that! Lol!

Thank you so much for joining us again this week, catch us on Monday for another great one!

-Giancarlo