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WLS
and WCFL. This exposure led to live shows, and success throughout
the Midwest.
Holding
close to family values, the IDES resisted the temptations of
the sixties, opting to focus on their craft, along with pursuing
higher
education. On the weekends they continued to play shows and release
more regional hits. As music styles changed and grew more sophisticated,
the IDES added a brass section to the band and wrote new material.
While
working on a demo for Warner Brothers records, they made a last
minute addition to the collection of four songs they submitted.
An
up-tempo “rocker” with an unforgettable horn lick, “Vehicle” became
an
instant success; and the song about “the friendly stranger in the
black
sedan” remains an indelible classic to this day.
Against
the trend, the IDES stayed in Chicago, raising families,
finishing college, and playing shows throughout the country. The
group
eventually released four albums yielding further regional hits.
In 1974
the group took a break.
While
the rest of the band began their subsequent careers, lead singer
and songwriter Jim Peterik released a solo album and wrote songs
for
other artists. Various versions of Jim’s band became top draws wherever
they played, and a distinctive style began to emerge.
The
last version of the Jim Peterik Band rocked harder than any
previous one. The guitar-driven roar was tempered by melodic and
romantic ballads. Renamed SURVIVOR, Jim and crew rose to the top
of the
music world. Multi-platinum album sales, a Grammy, and People’s
choice
awards were but a few of the band’s accomplishments. They are best
known for writing and recording the theme song for Sylvester Stallone’s
Film “Rocky III”, “The Eye of The Tiger.”
In
1990 the City of Berwyn asked the IDES to consider a one-time
reunion concert to headline the local summer festival. In front
of
25,000 of their friends and neighbors, the original Ides of March
band
came to life once again. The concert was an all-around hit, and
the
band found it was too much fun to let it end with one show.
Since
then, the IDES have released 4 new albums, played live shows
coast-to coast, and reestablished a presence on Chicago radio and
television. And all of the original members of the group are intact.
Remarkably, they are not content to “cash in” on past glories, and
a
famous name, they remain vital. Generations whose parents were children
when the IDES began catch the infectious spirit that surrounds each
IDES show.
Best
friends through it all, with nary a bloated ego to be found, the
IDES fall against the odds. No scandals, no rehab, long and happy
marriages, bright kids, and no end in sight. For 40 years this
close-knit group of buddies have made music that transcends the
ages,
and makes everyone smile. Not a moldy bunch of has-beens, but a
real
Rock and Roll Band who plays together simply because they enjoy
it.
For
more information on the Ides of March please visit: http://www.theidesofmarch.com
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