From 1982 to 1987 this Band RULED Radio…Then They VANISHED-What the HELL Happened? Professor of Rock

Today’s rock band Survivor was on top of the world in 1982 with one of the biggest #1 hits ever in Eye of the Tiger... They were Poised to break out big time. But then their next album fizzled with no hits and then their singer Dave Bickler blew out his voice, in 1984 they would forge one of the biggest comebacks of the decade with a new singer Jimi Jamison who was tailor-made for their sound. They Hit #1 twice including today’s massive song The Search Is Over. they’d have another massive hit in 1986 in the Burning Heart from Rocky IV and then a top ten in 1987 but then they’d vanish from the charts never to be seen again…Next founding member and key songwriter Jim Peterik who used to be in the group tells the story of their 1985 #1 and we try to solve the mystery of why this band disappeared...

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So this next band, we’ve had a few times on the show. They were one of my favorites of the 80s. They were on top of the world in 1982, spending 6 weeks at #1. They were an aor rock band that at that moment looked to be the equal of Journey and Styx and Foreigner and ready to take on the world. I’m talking about Survivor. They hit #1 with Eye of the Tiger. It was massive... Still one of the biggest songs ever. It will pass a billion views on youtube very soon. They were everywhere that year with the videos in mega rotation on MTV and they were even nominated for an Oscar. Their next moves would be crucial to the band's long terms success.

At that moment the band consisted of Guitarist songwriter Frankie Sullivan, Keyboardist/Songwriter Jim Peterik lead singer Dave Bickler and bassist Stephan Ellis, and Drummer Marc Doubray.

So In 1983, the band tried to duplicate the success of Eye of the Tiger with their next album Caught in the Game which was released in September 1983. The album faltered, It stalled at number 82 on the Top 200 album chart in the U.S., while the title track from the record peaked at only number 77. Then their powerhouse vocalist Dave Bickler began to suffer vocal problems and had to undergo an operation that would get rid of vocal fold nodules, which would require much rest and time which was not feasible for a band that was trying to keep pace with the continuing changes in music.

It was a race against time to somehow keep the momentum that Eye of the Tiger had created and with these trials, the door was closing. The band had to get out on the road… they had to get into the studio. They had to remain relevant…They had no choice but to look for another singer. The Search was on. Enter one Jimi Jamison who had played with the bands Target and Cobra.

Jimi Jamison really had it all, the unparalleled voice, the chiseled good looks, the fire, & passion. He was kind of the mold for the 80s rock and pop star. Although It’s his voice that stands above all!

[ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the most underrated vocalist of the 80s?

[roseanngottschalk]

Dave Bikler was my neighbor in Warrenville IL. Mark the drummer was a friend of mine, who had Jimi Jamison and all the band members sign my Vital Signs Album for my Daughter Carrie. Carrie and her little friends sat on Dave's front lawn and listened to them create EYE OF THE TIGER! Vital Signs was their best album, great memories. Jimi Jamison, fantastic singer, he saved Survivor when Dave got sick. RIP Jimi

[bond_mjblosser]

Jimi Jamison had a voice that still sounded chesty and masculine even at those high ranges, which is very rare. One of the best ever. I love Survivor, you can't help but be in a good mood whenever one their songs come on.

[coryell]

"I Can't Hold Back" might be the most perfect pop song. EVER. No wasted bars anywhere, great dynamics, and sparkling recording. That's the Survivor tune I can listen to endlessly, and can't help but sing along to.

[wizardgirl]

Jimi Jamison is someone who captures our ears with his beautiful range of voice. I have enjoyed listening to Survivor since they started playing in the 80s. I am still listening and appreciate their music. I only wish that I had seen Jimi Jamison in concert.

[JC-jswz]

Jimi had just an unforgettable voice. The raw emotion he put into every song just pulled you in each and every time.
A couple of songs that stick out in my mind that I feel were underrated were, Didn't know it was love, and Man against the world. His voice still to this day gives me chills. RIP Jimi❤

[davidkurnos]

So glad someone FINALLY gave them credit

[cynthiaarnold]

Jimi was the one the greatest rock singers ever. Very under appreciated.

[landyachtfan]

"The Search Is Over", one of my most favorite love songs of the '80's. Whenever I hear it, I will always be transported back in time to the summer of 1986 & hearing it on the AM/FM stereo radio of a blue 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon going to & from Camp Forty Acres in Wilmington, MA. You know, sometimes, we search the world over to find exactly what we want, & we fail to realize that it's been right in front of us the whole time.

[flavellinator]

I Can't Hold Back, to me, is one of the most underrated songs of the '80s... Just awesome!

[paulasusan]

"I Can't Hold Back" is one of my favorites!

[Miamiborne]

Vital signs was a masterpiece of the 80s where even the unreleased songs were fantastic. “It’s the singer not the song” and “I see you in everyone” are good examples!

[cheryldyer]

Thank you for covering Jimi Jamison/Survivor. I love everything Jimi sang and listen daily to all of his songs. Burning Bridges on Too Hot To Sleep is one of his great songs. His last album while alive, released in 2012, Never Too Late, is fantastic and he was 61. You can't beat his perfect pitch, remarkable voice. Target, Cobra, Survivor, solo CDs, One Man's Trash- History show his powerful voice. He gave his all with each performance and was a giving person. He is one of the top rock singers along with Lou Gramm. Deeply missed.💕

[darrylwaites]

Jimi was one of the better singers in rock history and a nice guy also. I got to meet him thru a friend and spent a little time at his place in North Memphis. He showed me his gold albums, played some music. He talked about his family which he loved dearly and gave me a CD of his daughter's recording. He was a great song writer and you could really tell that the way he played the classical 🎸 Definitely a highlight in my life for me. Friends told me he was good as gold. I believe it. Not bad for a Mississippi boy. RIP Jimi.

[ZenyattaFan]

Jim Peterik is an incredible songwriter! And Jimi Jamison was one of the best rock/pop singers ever!

[bherrin]

The Search Is Over is such a great song and the album Vital Signs is just about perfect. I had the cassette when I was in high school and my friends and I played it over and over. What a great time the mid 80s were, especially for music. Thanks for covering this great band. 👍🏻🎸✌🏻

[kevinpaige]

So many of us musicians in Memphis, TN hung with, knew, played with Jimi, myself included. Jimi was simply the sweetest, down to earth guy. A true gem. Memphis is very proud of him and happy to have called him friend.

[trinaq]

Yes, most people only remember them for "Eye of the Tiger", but "The Search is Over" is the perfect wedding slow dance song. 💒😍

[mikenastasi]

Jimi Jamison had such a seemingly smooth and effortless voice reminiscent of Steve Perry. I always thought they should have been bigger. Vital Signs is incredible beginning to end.

[Bolo]

Jim Peterik is such a great person to interview. He is a wealth of talent, knowledge and stories to tell. He also seems like a great, down to earth guy.