News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove Luther J. Schilling William E. Young William J. Butler
Hadley Middle Homer Jr. High
Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager
cbrautigam@homerschools.org | 708-226-7628
For Immediate Release:
May 26, 2016
Musician, songwriter Jim Peterik tells Hadley students to follow their passions
They may not have been born when Jim Peterik co-wrote Eye of the Tiger, but Hadley Middle School students had no trouble singing along when the musician stopped by their class May 25.
“It’s still inspiring people,” said Peterik, who co-wrote the song in 1982 at the request of Sylvester Stallone.
The actor had just finished filming Rocky III when he contacted Peterik and asked him to write a song “for the kids.”
“He wanted something with a pulse,” said Peterik.
While viewing a clip of the movie with his Les Paul guitar around his neck, Peterik started playing the opening notes that still resonate today.
Peterik, a Berwyn native who still lives in the Chicagoland area, agreed to stop by Hadley Middle School on May 25 to talk to students about the music industry, his musical influences and which artists he enjoys listening to today.
The visit was arranged by John Dykas, a short-term sub who filled in for Hadley music teacher Kenton Brace when he was on paternity leave.
“John emailed me about his acquaintance with Mr. Peterik … and I thought it was a golden opportunity for students to hear from a musician with such an extensive and versatile career in the music industry,” said Brace.
Peterik, who founded the band Survivor, started performing when he was in high school. He and his school buddies performed under the name The Ides of March and wrote such hits as You Wouldn’t Listen, Vehicle and L.A. Goodbye.
The musician went on to achieve great success with Survivor and co-wrote songs for a number of other groups, including 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Cheap Trick.
He continues to play today, fronting the melodic rock band Pride of Lions. He also enjoys mentoring young talent.
“When I was your age, I discovered music,” he told Hadley students. “It takes a lot of work … but if you love it, you’ve got to do it.”
He encouraged students to find their passion and pursue it.
“Follow your passion — whatever it is,” he said. “But do it right and concentrate on it.”
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