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Through the Eye of the Tiger: The Rock 'n' Roll Life of Survivor's Founding Member
"Hey, yo, Jim . . . This is Sylvester Stallone. Give me a call . . .”
It was these words that would set Jim Peterik on the road to rock ’n’ roll immortality. After he and his Survivor bandmates recorded "Eye of the Tiger” for the Rocky III soundtrack, the song would go on to earn a Grammy, an Oscar nomination, reach triple platinum status and become one of the most recognizable tunes in music history.
But there’s much more to the story of Survivor and its founding member, Jim Peterik, than meets the eye. As one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation, Peterik has cowritten songs with some of the most famous bands and artists of our time, including 38 Special ("Caught Up in You,” "Hold on Loosely”), Sammy Hagar ("Heavy Metal”), The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and many more. Now, for the first time, Peterik is sharing his stories.
Filled with tales from Peterik’s life in rock ’n’ roll, Through the Eye of the Tiger documents his early days of success with The Ides of March ("Vehicle”), through the often torturous power struggles within Survivor, and the giddy highs that accompany a trail of worldwide hits. From going to a party in Led Zeppelin’s hotel room (and turning right back out the door) to escorting a disoriented Janis Joplin back to her hotel room after opening her show in Calgary, Peterik’s accounts will surprise and delight.
Through the Eye of the Tiger is more than just a memoir of a songwriting legend; it’s a classic rock ’n’ roll story told through the eyes of someone who has lived through it all and through the Eye of the Tiger.
It was these words that would set Jim Peterik on the road to rock ’n’ roll immortality. After he and his Survivor bandmates recorded "Eye of the Tiger” for the Rocky III soundtrack, the song would go on to earn a Grammy, an Oscar nomination, reach triple platinum status and become one of the most recognizable tunes in music history.
But there’s much more to the story of Survivor and its founding member, Jim Peterik, than meets the eye. As one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation, Peterik has cowritten songs with some of the most famous bands and artists of our time, including 38 Special ("Caught Up in You,” "Hold on Loosely”), Sammy Hagar ("Heavy Metal”), The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and many more. Now, for the first time, Peterik is sharing his stories.
Filled with tales from Peterik’s life in rock ’n’ roll, Through the Eye of the Tiger documents his early days of success with The Ides of March ("Vehicle”), through the often torturous power struggles within Survivor, and the giddy highs that accompany a trail of worldwide hits. From going to a party in Led Zeppelin’s hotel room (and turning right back out the door) to escorting a disoriented Janis Joplin back to her hotel room after opening her show in Calgary, Peterik’s accounts will surprise and delight.
Through the Eye of the Tiger is more than just a memoir of a songwriting legend; it’s a classic rock ’n’ roll story told through the eyes of someone who has lived through it all and through the Eye of the Tiger.
- GenresMusicAutobiography
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
10 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 10, 2014
Through the Eye of the Tiger: The Rock 'n' Roll Life of Survivor's Founding Member. By Jim Peterik
I got involved in this memoir rather quickly, as it was very easy to read and enjoy...somewhat humorous and humble, told with an earnest feeling that made you want to root for "Jimbo" right from the start. What I found amazing was how young his career and becoming dedicated to what he wanted to do began! He was fairly established by age 19 as a songwriter, singer, guitar player, and experienced performer, amazingly enough. His father and grandfather were both excellent musicians before him, playing violin.
I read the book right through; the politics of his different bands, playing and writing with other bands, and the crazy behind-the-scenes stuff of making an album, though he didn't do the drugs and groupies, for the most part, all those years. Must be why his marriage survived and flourished.
It was much different than the typical "rock star" biography I've read, for sure, with lots of business to talk about other than drug scores and lineups of groupies in different formations, and how stoned one could get. Refreshing.
I got involved in this memoir rather quickly, as it was very easy to read and enjoy...somewhat humorous and humble, told with an earnest feeling that made you want to root for "Jimbo" right from the start. What I found amazing was how young his career and becoming dedicated to what he wanted to do began! He was fairly established by age 19 as a songwriter, singer, guitar player, and experienced performer, amazingly enough. His father and grandfather were both excellent musicians before him, playing violin.
I read the book right through; the politics of his different bands, playing and writing with other bands, and the crazy behind-the-scenes stuff of making an album, though he didn't do the drugs and groupies, for the most part, all those years. Must be why his marriage survived and flourished.
It was much different than the typical "rock star" biography I've read, for sure, with lots of business to talk about other than drug scores and lineups of groupies in different formations, and how stoned one could get. Refreshing.
October 25, 2014
Jim Peterik is a member of The Ides of March and Survivor, among others. This is his story. Jim has a very easy, laidback vibe to his story. Moments of great excitement, great musical achievements, downward spirals, family happiness and heartbreak, and the ups and downs of success known as rock and roll, tempered with a number of funny vignettes about other well known musicians, make it a quick, easy read. You can feel the positive vibes emanating off of every single page. Even when the sunny skies darken somewhat and mercurial other parties start trouble within the musical fort that is Survivor, you can feel that it's not Jim's scene. He admits multiple times in the book that there were moments in his career and life where he backed down and internalized his anger, to not create disharmony. The music business would be a hell of a lot nicer if there were more Jim Peterik's in it. More than that, I learned a lot about some well known bands that I grew up with- Survivor mainly. But I also grew up loving and listening to REO Speedwagon, Styx, and 38 Special. Not only has Jim written some very recognizable chart hits for 38 Special, but he's close friends with REO Speedwagon and Tommy Shaw of Styx (Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO, writes the foreword to the book), and they, among others, get the royal treatment in the book. The man has a lot of friends, and there's a reason, kids. He's not a pompous jackass. He's human, he's made some mistakes (who hasn't?), and he owns up to them honestly and with a positive spin on learning from them. Not many rock biographies have I read where this was the case! Perhaps more importantly than the human factor that is such a large part of the book, is the love. The love for the music. He speaks about falling apart at several times in his life, and if the music hadn't been present, well, this story may not have had a happy ending. Thankfully for all of his fans and the music industry in general (which can use all the help it can at present moment!), he continues to rock on. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and give it a shot. You'll be pleasantly surprised to read about someone who isn't a douchebag and whose love of music is so encompassing that no matter how bad things get, he never loses sight of his vision. And that, my friends, is more than some musicians can claim.
September 14, 2021
This is not a bad memoir, especially in the rock 'n roll genre. It's well written, moves along okay and is very positive and uplifting in general. But, read the Goodreads review of this book by the former Warner Bros. representative and it'll change your opinion of Peterik's book.
I was not a fan of Survivor, or really any 1980s music for that part, but Peterik really is a music pioneer. I didn't know the Ides of March, but when I heard his song "Vehicle," went.. "Oh, that song." He's been involved with a lot of groups and performers. His early stuff, in my opinion, make the best stories. There's the show he fronted for Led Zeppelin and the druggy orgy after party that he and his bandmates skipped, opting instead for a donut shop. There's also the high school show the Ides opened for Neil Diamond in a Chicago high school. Peterik asked Diamond what he thought of their show. "Only do your best stuff," Diamond responded.
So , the beginning is a fun read. It's a tour of the old music journey, of playing in high schools and dives along the Chicago area. My wife is from Chicago and loves Survivor, hence me reading this. Still, it was fun to see all that.
But it turns midway through and Peterik comes across as a martyr, and that's where the Warner Bros. guy's review plays in. He gives a second view of Peterik's book. Maybe we shouldn't believe everything. Maybe there are two sides to every story. Point is, the second half of this book sank it to a 3- or 3.5 -star book.
Also, the first impression is that Peterik is a really good guy, skipping drugs and all the lures of the road. But, as the book progresses, the f-bomb comes out quite a bit in his writing. He also admits to using cocaine and having a fling with a groupie when he was first married. I'm not a prude, but it was nice seeing a model person early on in this book. But then, like life, it became tarnished.
I'm not a fan of the rock memoir, and this is one of only a very few I've read. I tried reading Neil Young's book and my head fell off and ran away. Others, I just avoid because they are the same thing. "We played in some town, did coke and boinked all the local talent groupies." I thought this would be different.
Peterik is a very positive person and that gives the book a plus. No matter if all he recalls is true, at least it's a feel-good memoir for the most part.
I was not a fan of Survivor, or really any 1980s music for that part, but Peterik really is a music pioneer. I didn't know the Ides of March, but when I heard his song "Vehicle," went.. "Oh, that song." He's been involved with a lot of groups and performers. His early stuff, in my opinion, make the best stories. There's the show he fronted for Led Zeppelin and the druggy orgy after party that he and his bandmates skipped, opting instead for a donut shop. There's also the high school show the Ides opened for Neil Diamond in a Chicago high school. Peterik asked Diamond what he thought of their show. "Only do your best stuff," Diamond responded.
So , the beginning is a fun read. It's a tour of the old music journey, of playing in high schools and dives along the Chicago area. My wife is from Chicago and loves Survivor, hence me reading this. Still, it was fun to see all that.
But it turns midway through and Peterik comes across as a martyr, and that's where the Warner Bros. guy's review plays in. He gives a second view of Peterik's book. Maybe we shouldn't believe everything. Maybe there are two sides to every story. Point is, the second half of this book sank it to a 3- or 3.5 -star book.
Also, the first impression is that Peterik is a really good guy, skipping drugs and all the lures of the road. But, as the book progresses, the f-bomb comes out quite a bit in his writing. He also admits to using cocaine and having a fling with a groupie when he was first married. I'm not a prude, but it was nice seeing a model person early on in this book. But then, like life, it became tarnished.
I'm not a fan of the rock memoir, and this is one of only a very few I've read. I tried reading Neil Young's book and my head fell off and ran away. Others, I just avoid because they are the same thing. "We played in some town, did coke and boinked all the local talent groupies." I thought this would be different.
Peterik is a very positive person and that gives the book a plus. No matter if all he recalls is true, at least it's a feel-good memoir for the most part.
March 19, 2020
It was 1972/3 (?) in the small town of Albert Lea, MN. I heard a band named The Ides of March was playing at our high school auditorium so my best friend and I purchased tickets and took our place in the front row of the balcony. The band took the stage and played a very good, tight show. I remember the last song, Vehicle caught my attention as it was a regular radio song and I thought, “Oh! These guys are THAT band!”
Fast forward 48ish years later and I stumble across an article about the amazing Jim Peterik. Who? Oh... Survivor! But wait, I see he was the founder of The Ides of March and something flickers in my old memory... my first real rock concert... I purchased his CD “The Songs” and was amazed at how many hit songs he wrote/co-wrote for other bands. His new arrangements of the songs on his disc are amazing and I realized what a talented individual he is. “Hold on Loosely,” “Good-bye LA,” “That’s Why God made the Radio” and “The Same Muse...” absolutely wonderful music! Who is this man???
Well, I ordered his book (with a nice personalized autograph about the high school show) and dove into the amazing life of Jim Peterik. The first thing that stood out to me was his childhood. Most rock star biographies seem to start with the “woe is me, my childhood sucked mantra.” Not Jim... a loving family and interesting childhood outlining his musical nurturing by his parents. I was amazed at how The Ides hit it big while the band members were so young!
Band dynamics... functional and dysfunctional families! The public’s view of a band’s rise to fame in the music business rarely shows the internal strife and dysfunction. The dysfunction of Survivor is clearly revealed, especially the love/hate relationship between Peterik and Sullivan. While Peterik’s point of view is clearly laid out, I was cautious about believing his side of the story. My subsequent research on line made me believe him. Sullivan is a control freak, a great musician/songwriter and a dick. Peterik readily gives Sullivan credit where credit is due which strikes me as being fair and objective.
An excellent, entertaining read. Jim Peterik, you are truly a blessing to the music world and the people around you. I hope we benefit from you and your Muse for many, many years to come.
Fast forward 48ish years later and I stumble across an article about the amazing Jim Peterik. Who? Oh... Survivor! But wait, I see he was the founder of The Ides of March and something flickers in my old memory... my first real rock concert... I purchased his CD “The Songs” and was amazed at how many hit songs he wrote/co-wrote for other bands. His new arrangements of the songs on his disc are amazing and I realized what a talented individual he is. “Hold on Loosely,” “Good-bye LA,” “That’s Why God made the Radio” and “The Same Muse...” absolutely wonderful music! Who is this man???
Well, I ordered his book (with a nice personalized autograph about the high school show) and dove into the amazing life of Jim Peterik. The first thing that stood out to me was his childhood. Most rock star biographies seem to start with the “woe is me, my childhood sucked mantra.” Not Jim... a loving family and interesting childhood outlining his musical nurturing by his parents. I was amazed at how The Ides hit it big while the band members were so young!
Band dynamics... functional and dysfunctional families! The public’s view of a band’s rise to fame in the music business rarely shows the internal strife and dysfunction. The dysfunction of Survivor is clearly revealed, especially the love/hate relationship between Peterik and Sullivan. While Peterik’s point of view is clearly laid out, I was cautious about believing his side of the story. My subsequent research on line made me believe him. Sullivan is a control freak, a great musician/songwriter and a dick. Peterik readily gives Sullivan credit where credit is due which strikes me as being fair and objective.
An excellent, entertaining read. Jim Peterik, you are truly a blessing to the music world and the people around you. I hope we benefit from you and your Muse for many, many years to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
I've always been a fan of Jim Peterik - the guy with the bottle cap glasses playing keyboards for Survivor in the 80s. I knew I would like this book because I've always been a huge Survivor fan.
And I did like it okay, but...it wasn't my favorite rock star auto-biography ever. Not even close, unfortunately. It was a bit unfocused. Jimbo seemed to expand on things that a fan doesn't really care about and avoid details about other subjects.
He casually mentions that Kim Basinger is the girl on the cover of their debut album in 1979/80. This has always been a controversial/argued subject. Peterik barely mentions it and gives us no indication how it happened. Honestly, his lack of detail makes me wonder if he's not telling the truth about it.
Another thing is Jimbo briefly changed his name professionally to Chalmers Garseny in the 70s. He gives this subject 1 sentence and 1 picture in the book. I get that you're embarrassed by it but people want to hear your thought process, Jim.
For the longest time I had no idea that Peterik was originally a guitarist when he started the Ides Of March in the mid-late 60's. He mentions several times in the book how he was "relegated" to keyboards with Survivor but barely touches on how this took place between him, management, and guitarist Frankie Sullivan. This should have been expanded on more but instead he just kind of complains about it several times in the book.
Did you know that Jim and Frankie were sued because of their song "High On You"? Neither did I. But you won't find out many details about it in this book. Peterik mentions it and states it was settled out of court after a ton of legal fees. But that's all we get. I guess it's possible that the settlement included a gag order but couldn't you give us a LITTLE more?
If you read this book you might be under the impression that nearly every song Jim Peterik ever wrote and released as a single "went to #1." Several times in the book when he makes this claim I believe he's referring to the song being "#1 in Chicago" (his hometown) which again, isn't necessarily true, either. He even said the Ides first single "You Wouldn't Listen" supposedly "went to #1" but that's a load of hooey because the song never even made the Billboard Top 40. It wasn't even #1 in Chicago although Peterik seems to think so. (reached #7 on Radio Station WLS in 1966.) "Vehicle" also didn't reach "#1" on Billboard although it did make it to #2. Look, they are both great songs, but I think when Jimbo says "it went to #1" he sometimes means "#1 in my heart."
The first time I remember seeing Survivor's new lead singer Jimi Jamison in 1984 was when the music video for their song "Moment Of Truth" came on my TV. (From Karate Kid) Jim Peterik didn't mention this song at all in his book. There's only one reason I can think of that he would not talk about it - he didn't write the song.
The big thing I wanted to learn more about from this book was his relationship with guitarist and co-founder Frankie Sullivan. I did learn some about this subject. I've always assumed Frankie was just an egotistical a-hole. And he might be. This is pretty much how Peterik talks about him in his book. But I also believe their relationship issues have always been a two-way street. Jim did a good job of painting Frankie as an unreasonable jerk, and if you believe half of the stories he put in his book, it's hard to argue.
I half-expected there would be a lot of talk about Sullivan and substance abuse but in actuality, JP never once claimed anything of the sort about him.
On the last page of the book, Peterik writes "I have been beyond fortunate to have Top 10 songs in four decades and two centuries." I seriously have no idea what he's talking about. He's either stretching the truth on purpose or he's delusional. There's a part of me that thinks it might be the latter.
Regardless, I still love his body of work with Survivor and some of those Ideas Of March tunes. Jim Peterik is a guy I'd have a drink with and despite his memory being fuzzy, I think I'd have a good time.
And I did like it okay, but...it wasn't my favorite rock star auto-biography ever. Not even close, unfortunately. It was a bit unfocused. Jimbo seemed to expand on things that a fan doesn't really care about and avoid details about other subjects.
He casually mentions that Kim Basinger is the girl on the cover of their debut album in 1979/80. This has always been a controversial/argued subject. Peterik barely mentions it and gives us no indication how it happened. Honestly, his lack of detail makes me wonder if he's not telling the truth about it.
Another thing is Jimbo briefly changed his name professionally to Chalmers Garseny in the 70s. He gives this subject 1 sentence and 1 picture in the book. I get that you're embarrassed by it but people want to hear your thought process, Jim.
For the longest time I had no idea that Peterik was originally a guitarist when he started the Ides Of March in the mid-late 60's. He mentions several times in the book how he was "relegated" to keyboards with Survivor but barely touches on how this took place between him, management, and guitarist Frankie Sullivan. This should have been expanded on more but instead he just kind of complains about it several times in the book.
Did you know that Jim and Frankie were sued because of their song "High On You"? Neither did I. But you won't find out many details about it in this book. Peterik mentions it and states it was settled out of court after a ton of legal fees. But that's all we get. I guess it's possible that the settlement included a gag order but couldn't you give us a LITTLE more?
If you read this book you might be under the impression that nearly every song Jim Peterik ever wrote and released as a single "went to #1." Several times in the book when he makes this claim I believe he's referring to the song being "#1 in Chicago" (his hometown) which again, isn't necessarily true, either. He even said the Ides first single "You Wouldn't Listen" supposedly "went to #1" but that's a load of hooey because the song never even made the Billboard Top 40. It wasn't even #1 in Chicago although Peterik seems to think so. (reached #7 on Radio Station WLS in 1966.) "Vehicle" also didn't reach "#1" on Billboard although it did make it to #2. Look, they are both great songs, but I think when Jimbo says "it went to #1" he sometimes means "#1 in my heart."
The first time I remember seeing Survivor's new lead singer Jimi Jamison in 1984 was when the music video for their song "Moment Of Truth" came on my TV. (From Karate Kid) Jim Peterik didn't mention this song at all in his book. There's only one reason I can think of that he would not talk about it - he didn't write the song.
The big thing I wanted to learn more about from this book was his relationship with guitarist and co-founder Frankie Sullivan. I did learn some about this subject. I've always assumed Frankie was just an egotistical a-hole. And he might be. This is pretty much how Peterik talks about him in his book. But I also believe their relationship issues have always been a two-way street. Jim did a good job of painting Frankie as an unreasonable jerk, and if you believe half of the stories he put in his book, it's hard to argue.
I half-expected there would be a lot of talk about Sullivan and substance abuse but in actuality, JP never once claimed anything of the sort about him.
On the last page of the book, Peterik writes "I have been beyond fortunate to have Top 10 songs in four decades and two centuries." I seriously have no idea what he's talking about. He's either stretching the truth on purpose or he's delusional. There's a part of me that thinks it might be the latter.
Regardless, I still love his body of work with Survivor and some of those Ideas Of March tunes. Jim Peterik is a guy I'd have a drink with and despite his memory being fuzzy, I think I'd have a good time.
January 17, 2024
I'm persnickety when it comes to my music auto/bios and this was one I could have skipped. It was the same formula as others with band in-fighting, lawsuits, and general "my shit doesn't smell but everyone else's does" kinda writing. I give grace for Peterik getting on in years and maybe just spilling his frustration onto pages but there were a few cringe-worthy moments when he got a bit too personal with marital issues (mainly, sex and infertility issues) which, as a wife, I would have taken serious exception to if I were Karen, his wife. Dang man.
Jim is a great songwriter and has some right to toot his own horn but maybe with more humble pie. It was fun to see how the great Survivor songs came to be but I guess I will stick to the straight music and skip the mud-slinging chaser.
Jim is a great songwriter and has some right to toot his own horn but maybe with more humble pie. It was fun to see how the great Survivor songs came to be but I guess I will stick to the straight music and skip the mud-slinging chaser.
August 7, 2023
Outstanding read, so glad I learned of it when I saw the Ides of March. It’s interesting to me that Peterik grew up on what could be considered the other side of Chicago from me, both adjacent suburbs, one north, one south, and we had a few specific, similar experiences. It’s hard to understand how he tolerated the bad treatment and vibes of Survivor, but apparently, in spite of it sounding pretty awful, and lawsuits involved, he continued to work with JJ afterwards. JP must be one of the most prolific songwriters I’ve heard of. He made the story of a rock star without drugs and alcohol fun nevertheless.
March 29, 2020
Not the greatest memoir I've read but I was pleasantly surprised that the writing was pretty good and engaging. I can't speak to the factual truth Peterik presents but if only half of what he writes is true this goes a long way in explaining things about Survivor that puzzled me back in the 80s. It is refreshing that this story is not the usual "drugs, sex, rock and roll, and I survived to write this book" story. As other reviewers have noted, there is a very positive vibe to this book that is uplifting and inspiring.
April 14, 2025
Jim seems like a real nice person. He is both humble and thankful without being arrogant. His story seemed to be honest and truthful. I've enjoyed many of his songs down through the years. Jim shows you that you don't have to be all "sex & drugs & rock and roll" to have an enjoyable career in popular music, which is refreshing. I will be ordering the Ides of March anthology tomorrow. Thanks for the fun stories and great music, Jim!
July 7, 2025
This is the biography of one of the least likely looking rock stars of all time (next to the lead singer of The Buggles).
Jim's story reminds me a lot of Gregg Allman's book in the fact that I'd like to hear(or read) Frankie Sullivan's side of the story (and Dickie Betts' side with Gregg).
He comes off sounding like a victim too much in the second half of the book.
Jim's story reminds me a lot of Gregg Allman's book in the fact that I'd like to hear(or read) Frankie Sullivan's side of the story (and Dickie Betts' side with Gregg).
He comes off sounding like a victim too much in the second half of the book.
January 12, 2025
Dull and boring
August 3, 2015
It was with great enthusiasm I purchased this book.
Having been the General Manager of Warner Bros. Music and the guy who brought Jimmy to WB Music to take over his contract with his previous managers/producers (saving him and them from financial difficulties - epecially after he was dropped from Epic Records). I was the guy who coerced him to “found” the band that became Survior. Then, by being one of the two managers who helped “structure the band” and ready them and their demos for getting a recording deal. I was they guy who personally went out and got them (the band) their record deal in 6 weeks after the demos were done….And then the guy who structured the litigation outside of CA law and locked the case into Illinois Federal Court…when we (the managers of the band) were abruptly served and sued by the band for what turned out to be “no good reason”.
Needless to say, I was extremely interested to see how these events would be recorded and reported, now that time, circumstance and the wisdom that comes with age and perspective had hopefully occurred healed all wounds!
I found myself feeling extremely saddened by all that I read in this book. Not only were important events not reported accurately, but so factually “incorrect”, I was left wonder if any “research” was done or if the author was suffering from dementia? I found the book, for the most part, a total work of “fiction”…And in no way resembling anything that factually occurred – you know…the “truth” !
A pro by the age 17, Jimmy seems to recollect the events that occurred as a novice and beyond and below what one might term “naive” ! He seems to take no responsibility for anything that occurred (even though he was always the undisputed “leader” of the band and nothing could occur in the band without his tacit “O.K.”!). In addition, he seems to continually like to play the part of “the victim” in everything twist and turn.
I am further saddened by the fact that since years ago, the author had become an active “Born Again Christian”, I would have thought that the he would have strived harder to attempt to tell the truth, warn the “novice” of his “miss-steps” and mistakes, and diligently attempt to tell the “whole truth and nothing but the truth , so help you…..God”! Sadly this was not the case with the contents of this book.
I have to take special notice and disappointment in the seemingly “snarky” statements made about my partner (noted in the book as the band’s first manager)…They were unkind, uncalled for and totally untrue. They were made about a person, who can not defend himself, as he is deciesed. A person who fought to gave Jimmy and the band “everything” they asked for and attempted to opened what ever door you asked…And this he was paid back by your attempting to dishonoring your contractual agreements and sued him….Shame on you !
In conclusion – this is not an accurate portrayal of facts and events for the first 200 pages, so one would have to conclude that the rest of the book is equally inaccurate. I am further saddened by the fact that the author has not taken this opportunity to become the helpful, master, the Yoda, telling the young jedi important “mistakes” to not make, and giving deep and insightful “guidance”….With all your talent and experience, this was truly an opportunity l
Having been the General Manager of Warner Bros. Music and the guy who brought Jimmy to WB Music to take over his contract with his previous managers/producers (saving him and them from financial difficulties - epecially after he was dropped from Epic Records). I was the guy who coerced him to “found” the band that became Survior. Then, by being one of the two managers who helped “structure the band” and ready them and their demos for getting a recording deal. I was they guy who personally went out and got them (the band) their record deal in 6 weeks after the demos were done….And then the guy who structured the litigation outside of CA law and locked the case into Illinois Federal Court…when we (the managers of the band) were abruptly served and sued by the band for what turned out to be “no good reason”.
Needless to say, I was extremely interested to see how these events would be recorded and reported, now that time, circumstance and the wisdom that comes with age and perspective had hopefully occurred healed all wounds!
I found myself feeling extremely saddened by all that I read in this book. Not only were important events not reported accurately, but so factually “incorrect”, I was left wonder if any “research” was done or if the author was suffering from dementia? I found the book, for the most part, a total work of “fiction”…And in no way resembling anything that factually occurred – you know…the “truth” !
A pro by the age 17, Jimmy seems to recollect the events that occurred as a novice and beyond and below what one might term “naive” ! He seems to take no responsibility for anything that occurred (even though he was always the undisputed “leader” of the band and nothing could occur in the band without his tacit “O.K.”!). In addition, he seems to continually like to play the part of “the victim” in everything twist and turn.
I am further saddened by the fact that since years ago, the author had become an active “Born Again Christian”, I would have thought that the he would have strived harder to attempt to tell the truth, warn the “novice” of his “miss-steps” and mistakes, and diligently attempt to tell the “whole truth and nothing but the truth , so help you…..God”! Sadly this was not the case with the contents of this book.
I have to take special notice and disappointment in the seemingly “snarky” statements made about my partner (noted in the book as the band’s first manager)…They were unkind, uncalled for and totally untrue. They were made about a person, who can not defend himself, as he is deciesed. A person who fought to gave Jimmy and the band “everything” they asked for and attempted to opened what ever door you asked…And this he was paid back by your attempting to dishonoring your contractual agreements and sued him….Shame on you !
In conclusion – this is not an accurate portrayal of facts and events for the first 200 pages, so one would have to conclude that the rest of the book is equally inaccurate. I am further saddened by the fact that the author has not taken this opportunity to become the helpful, master, the Yoda, telling the young jedi important “mistakes” to not make, and giving deep and insightful “guidance”….With all your talent and experience, this was truly an opportunity l
February 20, 2017
I give this one five stars because it isn't often I find books that I can't put down. This one takes you behind the scenes not just into the personal stories, but also into the creation of the music of the Ides, Survivor and beyond. This book makes you want to find all of the songs and listen to them again with new ears.
July 25, 2015
Those of us who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s and loved rock music probably listened to many groups such as the Rolling Stones, REO Speedwagon, 38 Special, and more...you may recall the Rocky movies, particularly the third one with the anthem of Eye of the Tiger. This book is on the founding member of that group, Jim Peterik (also a local Chicagoan).
The book is about him...from his roots in suburban Chicago to his founding, first of the group The Ides of March, to Survivor, to other rock groups that have been formed over the years.
Surprisingly enough, its not all about sex drugs and rock and roll....he never got into it full force but instead fronted a few groups and then raised a family (still in the Chicago area!)
Great book about a local boy done good and still does good!
Rock on...Ides of March and Survivor!!!
The book is about him...from his roots in suburban Chicago to his founding, first of the group The Ides of March, to Survivor, to other rock groups that have been formed over the years.
Surprisingly enough, its not all about sex drugs and rock and roll....he never got into it full force but instead fronted a few groups and then raised a family (still in the Chicago area!)
Great book about a local boy done good and still does good!
Rock on...Ides of March and Survivor!!!
January 6, 2025
69 year-old loves the memories of Jim Peterik
The Ides of March were a big part of my high school years being part of one their RCA comeback performances. Seeing them at WaucondaFest in Wauconda, IL with the New Colony Six was also a great memory. I got autographs from all the IDEs after a rain caused move to an inside tent. Jim is a great talent.
The Ides of March were a big part of my high school years being part of one their RCA comeback performances. Seeing them at WaucondaFest in Wauconda, IL with the New Colony Six was also a great memory. I got autographs from all the IDEs after a rain caused move to an inside tent. Jim is a great talent.
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September 17, 2017This is the autobiography of a true rock'n roll superstar whose mental predisposition involves ongoing lyrical creation. And his lyrical creations keep getting better and better from the Ides of March through Survivor through Pride of Lions, his creative processes never stop. It's a good read.
March 29, 2018
Fun read with some interesting stories from a Rock n Roll life.
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