Survivor (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Chicago, United States |
| Founder | Jim Peterik, Frankie Sullivan |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rock music, albums, singles |
Survivor is a rock group from the United States that originated in Chicago in 1978, founded by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. The band achieved significant commercial acclaim throughout the 1980s, producing five singles that reached the top ten on US charts. Their most renowned track, the 1982 anthem "Eye of the Tiger", served as the theme for the film Rocky III and dominated the US charts for six consecutive weeks.
Dave Bickler served as the band's initial lead vocalist from 1978 until 1983, contributing to their first four albums. Following a vocal injury, Jimi Jamison took over as lead singer in 1984. Under Jamison’s tenure, Survivor released several hits including "High on You", "The Search Is Over", "Burning Heart", and "Is This Love" before the band went on hiatus in 1988.
Survivor reunited in 1993 with Bickler returning as lead vocalist but reverted to Jamison in 2000. Their album Reach in 2006 marked their first new material in eighteen years. Subsequently, Jamison departed and Robin McAuley assumed lead vocal duties. Jamison rejoined in 2011 for a third stint; the band toured during 2013 with both Bickler and Jamison until Jamison passed away in 2014.
1978–1981: Formation and Initial Releases
Prior to Survivor's inception, Jim Peterik was known as the lead singer and guitarist for The Ides of March from 1966 to 1973, later fronting the Jim Peterik Band following his 1976 Epic Records release Don't Fight the Feeling. The album’s liner notes referred to Peterik as a "survivor," which inspired the naming of his new band.
Drummer Gary Smith and bassist Dennis Keith Johnson, both alumni of Bill Chase's jazz-rock fusion ensemble Chase, reunited with Peterik who had collaborated with Chase back in 1974. Peterik narrowly escaped a deadly plane crash that claimed Chase and most members of his band, an event that influenced the choice of Survivor as the band's name.
In 1978, after disbanding the Jim Peterik Band, road manager Rick Weigand encouraged Peterik to meet guitarist Frankie Sullivan (formerly of Mariah). Within an hour of meeting, they formed Survivor. Johnson and Smith joined them, alongside vocalist Dave Bickler (formerly with Jamestown Massacre), who had previously worked with Peterik on advertising jingles in Chicago.
Survivor’s first live appearance occurred in May 1978 at Elgin High School Prom in Illinois, where Dave Bickler officially announced their band name. They went on to perform at various venues such as Lyons Township High School and clubs around Chicago, including My Pie pizzeria near Loyola University Chicago. Atlantic Records A&R representative John Kalodner signed them to his label.
Bootleg recordings have circulated from early shows like their September 15, 1978 performance at Haymakers Rock Club in Wheeling, Illinois.
Their self-titled debut album was recorded during 1979 and released by Scotti Bros., an Atlantic Records subsidiary, in December of that year. Although it did not yield any Top 40 hits, "Somewhere in America" reached number 70 on the charts. On this record, Peterik played rhythm guitar while lead vocalist Bickler handled all keyboard parts. By 1981, Peterik transitioned into backing vocals, keyboards, and co-writing duties while session musicians performed some keyboard sections.
In 1981, due to scheduling conflicts and differing musical directions, Johnson and Smith were replaced by drummer Marc Droubay and bassist Stephan Ellis—both discovered by Sullivan and Peterik performing in Los Angeles.
Droubay and Ellis contributed to Survivor’s second album Premonition, released in August 1981 after Scotti Bros. shifted distribution from Atlantic to Columbia Records. This follow-up surpassed their debut’s performance by reaching higher chart positions and featuring Survivor’s first Top 40 hit single "Poor Man's Son." The album also highlighted Bickler’s vocal abilities through singles like "Summer Nights" along with fan favorites such as "Heart's A Lonely Hunter" and "Runway Lights."
During this era, Peterik additionally co-wrote successful songs for other artists including 38 Special’s "Rockin' into the Night," "Hold On Loosely," and "Caught Up in You."
1982–1983: Eye of the Tiger and Caught in the Game
Survivor achieved a major breakthrough in 1982 when actor Sylvester Stallone requested a theme track for Rocky III. Drawing inspiration from "Poor Man's Son" and Queen’s "Another One Bites the Dust", the band composed "Eye of the Tiger". This song featured an accelerated tempo with comparable power chord progressions, ultimately securing the number 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks and topping charts in both the UK and Australia.
The track "Eye of the Tiger" garnered Survivor a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, was honored as Best New Song by the People's Choice Awards, and received a nomination for an Academy Award.
Released in June 1982, the album Eye of the Tiger included additional US Top 40 singles such as "American Heartbeat" (which reached No. 17) and "The One That Really Matters" (which peaked at No. 74), with the album itself climbing to number 2 on US charts.
In 1983, Survivor followed up with Caught in the Game, hoping to match their earlier success. However, this effort did not perform well commercially, stalling at number 82 on the Billboard 200, while its title track reached only number 77.
During a significant tour alongside REO Speedwagon, lead vocalist Dave Bickler developed vocal cord nodules necessitating surgery. Although he resumed touring sooner than recommended, medical advice urged a year of vocal rest. The band's management and members were unwilling to delay activities, resulting in Bickler's departure. The record label offered minimal promotional support for Caught in the Game, an album often regarded as artistically superior to its predecessor.
Early in 1984, Jimi Jamison, previously associated with Target and Cobra, was brought in as Bickler's replacement following a recommendation from Frank Rand of Epic Records, Survivor's parent company.
1984–1988: Jimi Jamison era
Survivor’s initial release featuring Jimi Jamison was "The Moment of Truth", which served as the theme for the popular film The Karate Kid (1984) and reached number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their first album with Jamison, Vital Signs (August 1984), marked a significant resurgence by peaking at number 16 on the Billboard Album Chart and producing hits such as "I Can't Hold Back" (number 13 US), "High on You" (number 8 US), and "The Search Is Over" (number 4 US).
In 1985, Survivor supported Bryan Adams on tour, playing to sold-out audiences at venues including Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium, the Dallas Convention Center, and New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena. Later that year, they achieved another hit with "Burning Heart" from the Rocky IV soundtrack, which climbed to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1986.
Their October 1986 release, When Seconds Count, featured the hit single "Is This Love" reaching number 9 in the US. Although this album peaked only at number 49 on Billboard’s Album Chart, it sold over half a million copies and earned gold certification.
In 1987, bassist Ellis suffered from a stomach ulcer, prompting temporary replacement by roadie Rocko Reedy before his eventual exit from the band. Drummer Droubay also departed after expressing dissatisfaction with Survivor’s increasingly pop-oriented direction following their 1987 tour.
As work began on their seventh album, Too Hot to Sleep (October 1988), session musicians drummer Mickey Curry and bassist Bill Syniar filled in for Ellis and Droubay. Produced by Sullivan alongside Frank Filipetti, this album marked a return to a harder rock style but only reached number 187 on US charts. Jamison later cited limited promotional efforts—stemming from conflicts between Scotti Brothers and distributor Columbia Records—as a factor behind its underwhelming sales. Singles included "Across the Miles" (number 74), "Didn't Know It Was Love" (number 61), and "Desperate Dreams," which was primarily promoted in European markets. Despite these attempts, commercial momentum waned.
During this timeframe, Survivor performed select live shows, including opening for Cheap Trick on their North American "Lap Of Luxury" tour, featuring Syniar on bass and Kyle Woodring handling drums.
1988–2000: Hiatus, Jamison's Comeback, and Legal Disputes
After the disappointing commercial performance of Too Hot to Sleep, Jamison embarked on a solo path while Peterik and Sullivan placed Survivor on an indefinite break in 1988. A Greatest Hits collection was issued in 1989.
Jamison's first solo album, When Love Comes Down, was released in 1991, and he continued to perform live under the Survivor banner with local musicians. At the same time, rhythm section members Ellis and Droubay formed Club M.E.D., putting out Sampler in 1990. Peterik contributed as a co-writer on 38 Special’s 1991 release Bone Against Steel.
During 1992, Jamison toured using the names "Survivor" or "Jimi Jamison's Survivor". Sullivan joined midway but soon departed again. Towards the end of 1992, there were plans to issue a new greatest hits package featuring two fresh songs involving Peterik, Sullivan, and Jamison; however, contractual disagreements caused Jamison to resume touring independently under the Survivor name.
At the start of 1993, Peterik, Sullivan, and original lead vocalist Dave Bickler reunited to release an updated Greatest Hits compilation including two new songs. They toured Europe with returning members Syniar and Woodring; subsequent lineup changes brought Randy Riley and Klem Hayes onto bass duties.
With Jamison also touring as Survivor, Peterik and Sullivan initiated legal action over the rights to the band’s name but initially failed to stop Jamison from using "Survivor". Late in 1993, guitarist Dave Carl stepped in temporarily for an injured Sullivan.
Between 1993 and 1996, Peterik, Sullivan, and Bickler recorded approximately twenty demo tracks intended for a new album; however, ongoing litigation and trademark conflicts prevented securing a record deal. Growing creative tensions led to Peterik’s departure in 1996 following his last performance at the 'Eyes To The Skies' festival.
Sullivan and Bickler continued as original members while keyboardist Chris Grove joined. Peterik resumed recording activities with The Ides of March and established Pride of Lions.
By late 1996, Ellis and Droubay returned to the band, though Ellis left again by 1999, succeeded briefly by Gordon Patriarca and then Billy Ozzello. Survivor recorded additional demos including "Rebel Girl '98" along with tracks intended for Sullivan’s solo projects.
In 1999, Jamison released Empires under "Jimi Jamison's Survivor" (later reissued under his own name). That September marked a turning point when Sullivan won legal rights to the "Survivor" name, bringing an end to the trademark dispute.
2000–2006: Bickler's Exit and Jamison's Return
In March 2000, Bickler was dismissed from the band, concluding the Sullivan–Bickler era of Survivor and prompting Sullivan to reunite with Jamison. The group commenced work on a new album. The Peterik–Sullivan composition "Velocitized" was intended for inclusion on the Driven (2001) soundtrack but was ultimately omitted.
That same year, Survivor threatened legal proceedings against CBS over their use of "Survivor" as the title for a popular reality television series.
In 2002, they recorded "Christmas is Here," which climbed to No. 6 on Mediabase’s Christmas charts and featured on the A Classic Rock Christmas compilation.
Bassist Randy Riley rejoined in 2003, replacing Billy Ozzello.
In 2004, a Starbucks television commercial utilizing a reworked version of "Eye of the Tiger" to promote their Double Shot espresso gained widespread attention and earned an Emmy nomination.
Meanwhile, original vocalist David Bickler lent his voice to Bud Light's acclaimed Real Men of Genius radio campaigns; a CD compilation sold over 100,000 copies within its first month.
Stephan Ellis briefly returned on bass in 2005; Barry Dunaway handled most bass responsibilities that year. By early 2006, Ozzello had resumed bass duties once again.
April 2006 saw the release of Reach, comprising mostly new material alongside re-recorded tracks from earlier sessions. Six songs dated back to the 1990s featuring Bickler’s vocals.
On July 14, 2006, Jamison departed once more and was succeeded by former McAuley Schenker Group vocalist Robin McAuley.
2007–2020: Reunions and the Passing of Jamison
On April 3, 2007, Survivor delivered a rendition of "Eye of the Tiger" during ABC's Dancing with the Stars.
In 2008, Michael Young took over keyboard duties, succeeding Chris Grove.
Although an album named Re-Entry was slated for a 2010 release, it ultimately never came to fruition. At that time, the band consisted of McAuley (vocals), Sullivan (guitar/vocals), along with long-standing members Marc Droubay (drums), Billy Ozzello (bass), and Mitchell Sigman (keyboards/guitar). By 2011, Walter Tolentino had replaced Sigman.
Sullivan partnered with the Chicago melodic rock group Mecca to produce an album released through Frontiers Records in late 2011.
Jamison made his return as lead vocalist in 2011. Two years later, in 2013, Sullivan reunited Survivor with both Bickler and Jamison to perform classic hits and develop new songs.
Due to health complications, Frankie's son Ryan stepped in as drummer in 2014, replacing Droubay.
Tragically, on September 1, 2014, Jimi Jamison passed away at age 63 from a hemorrhagic brain stroke. The cause was compounded by acute methamphetamine intoxication and underlying cardiovascular disease.
In September 2015, Survivor performed in Nashville featuring new singer Cameron Barton alongside Bickler. However, Bickler departed from the group in March 2016.
Towards the end of 2017, Jeffrey Bryan (also known as Jeff Fishman) joined Survivor, taking over from Tolentino.
Former bassist Stephan Ellis died on February 28, 2019 after a prolonged struggle with dementia.
Survivor's last tour occurred in early 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a halt to live events; they have not resumed touring since then.
Members
- Frankie Sullivan – guitar, backing vocals (1978–1988, 1993–2020)
- Jim Peterik – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (1978–1988, 1993–1996)
- Dave Bickler – lead vocals (1978–1983, 1993–2000, 2014); co-lead vocals (2013–2014, 2015–2016)
- Dennis Keith Johnson – bass (1978–1981)
- Gary Smith – drums (1978–1981)
- Marc Droubay – drums (1981–1987, 1996–2014)
- Stephan Ellis – bass (1981–1987, 1996–1999, fill in-2005; died 2019)
- Jimi Jamison – lead vocals (1984–1988, 2000–2006, 2011–2013); co-lead vocals (2013–2014; his death)
- Bill Syniar – bass (1988, 1993)
- Mickey Curry – drums (1988)
- Kyle Woodring – drums (1988, 1993–1996; died 2009)
- Klem Hayes – bass (1994–1996)
- Randy Riley – bass (1993, 2003–2005)
- Chris Grove – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (1996–2008)
- Gordon Patriarca – bass (1999)
- Billy Ozzello – bass, backing vocals (1999–2003, 2006–2019)
- Barry Dunaway – bass (2005–2006)
- Robin McAuley – lead vocals (2006–2011)
- Michael Young – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2008–2010)
- Mitchell Sigman – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2010–2011)
- Rocko Reedy – bass (fill in-1987)
- Dave Carl – guitar (fill in-1993)
- Walter Tolentino – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2011–2017)
- Ryan Sullivan – drums (2014–2020)
- Cameron Barton – co-lead vocals (2015–2016); lead vocals (2016–2020)
- Jeffrey Bryan – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2017–2020)
Lineups
*Robin McAuley - Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Walter Tolentino - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums *Dave Bickler — Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals *Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals *Walter Tolentino — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals *Ryan Sullivan — Drums| 1978–1981 | 1981–1983 | 1984–1988 | 1988 |
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| 1988 | 1988–1993 | 1993 | 1993–1994 |
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Disbanded |
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| 1994–1996 | 1996 | 1996–1999 | 1999 |
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| 1999–2000 | 2000–2003 | 2003–2005 | 2005–2006 |
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*Chris Grove – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals *Marc Droubay - drums |
| 2006 | 2006-2008 | 2008-2010 | 2010-2011 |
*Jimi Jamison - lead vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Chris Grove - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums |
*Robin McAuley - Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Chris Grove - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums |
*Robin McAuley - Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Michael Young - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums |
*Robin McAuley - Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Mitchell Sigman - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums |
*Jimi Jamison - Lead Vocalist *Frankie Sullivan - Guitar/backing vocal *Billy Ozzello - Bass/backing vocal *Walter Tolentino - Keyboard/guitar/backing vocal *Marc Droubay - Drums |
*Jimi Jamison / Dave Bickler — Co-lead Vocalists *Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals *Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals *Walter Tolentino — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals *Marc Droubay — Drums |
*Jimi Jamison / Dave Bickler — Co-lead Vocalists *Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals *Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals *Walter Tolentino — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals *Ryan Sullivan — Drums | |
Dave Bickler / Cameron Barton — Co-lead Vocalists Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals Walter Tolentino — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals Ryan Sullivan — Drums |
Cameron Barton — Lead Vocalist Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals Walter Tolentino — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals Ryan Sullivan — Drums |
Cameron Barton — Lead Vocalist Frankie Sullivan — Guitar/Backing Vocals Billy Ozzello — Bass/Backing Vocals Jeffrey Bryan — Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vocals Ryan Sullivan — Drums |
Discography
- 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)
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
| Year | Nomination | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | “Eye of the Tiger” | Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal | Template:Won |
Juno Awards
| Year | Nomination | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | “Eye of the Tiger” | International Single of the Year | Template:Won |
People’s Choice Awards
| Year | Nomination | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | “Eye of the Tiger” | Favorite New Song | Template:Won |
American Music Awards
| Year | Nomination | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | “Eye of the Tiger” | Favorite Pop/Rock Song | Template:Nom |
Brit Awards
| Year | Nomination | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | “Eye of the Tiger” | Song of the Year | Template:Nom |
Additional information
In 1983, “Eye of the Tiger” received nominations for Grammy Award for Song of the Year and Best Original Song at the 55th Academy Awards. These acknowledgments were specifically attributed to songwriters Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik, rather than to the band as a whole.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1978 establishments in Illinois
- Arena rock musical groups
- Grammy Award winners
- Hard rock musical groups from Illinois
- Musical groups disestablished in 1989
- Musical groups established in 1978
- Musical groups reestablished in 1993
- Musical groups from Chicago
- Rocky (franchise) music
- Scotti Brothers Records artists