60 Years And An Orchestra!

THE IDES OF MARCH (Featuring JIM PETERIK), as part of their Diamond Anniversary Tour, celebrating 60 years with all the original members, announce a very special concert on the Ides Of March (March 15th) 2024, at the Delora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois.

On that evening, The Ides will be accompanied by the “Eye Of The Tiger” Pops Orchestra shining a new light on the beloved songs written or co-written by JIM PETERIK, such as “The Eye Of The Tiger”, “Vehicle”, and “Hold On Loosely” which have become evergreen favorites far and wide.

The Orchestra Project is a collaboration with noted Chicago Musician ED VODICKA who has arranged the Ides’ tunes for strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion; complementing the band’s rock instruments, and legendary singing voices.

This event is a “can’t miss”, for Ides Fans, Classic Rock aficionados, and all those who love the music that continues to inspire and excite generations of all ages.

Tickets on sale now online at https://norrisculturalarts.com/tickets/
The Ides Of March online: https://www.theidesofmarch.com
Jim Peterik online: https://www.jimpeterik.com

Countdown To Sixty!!

2024 will mark the 60th anniversary of the day that Jim, Bob, Larry and Mike got together and formed the band that would be renamed The Ides Of March! Sixty years. And after all this time, these childhood friends are still brothers and still play music together, along with Scott May (30-plus years and counting) and the top-flight brass section featuring Steve Eisen, Tim Bales and Henry Salgado.

Look for special events throughout the year as we celebrate this milestone!

THE IDES ROCK THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR!

The Ides of March to Rock the Illinois State Fair (and eat funnel cakes!)

Beware! We’re excited to announce that on Monday, August 15th, The Ides of March will be playing the Illinois State Fair’s Grandstand Stage!

Held almost every year since 1853, (the exceptions being 2020 and … World War II) the Illinois State Fair is a convention of agricultural innovation, excellence, and amusement. The Ides are honored to perform on the same stage as other headliners Demi Lovato, Willie Nelson, Disturbed, Sammy Hagar, and others scheduled for the fair this year. Best of all, the Ides concert is free with admission to the fair!

THE IDES RELEASE SERIES OF QUARANTINE VIDEOS

Dateline Brookfield Illinois
May 6, 2020.

The Ides of March are pleased to offer a gift of thanks to all our fans and friends that will hopefully put a smile on your faces in these trying times.

A few days ago the Jive Five (Jim Peterik, Larry Millas, Bob Bergland, Mike Borch and Scott May) recorded three of our favorite songs (and ones that many people have requested) in a totally live and unplugged format.

Video was done on separate I Phones in separate spaces of Colin Peterik’s Jam Lab. Colin also provided the sound recording and final video edit.

Final mix was done by Larry Millas at World Stage studio. Colin Peterik created the videos.

We hope you enjoy this gimmick-free version of this song spotlighting the Ides’ always-natural vocal blend and groove

We will be releasing these videos one by one over the course of three weeks.

The first one is “Friends Like You,” from the “Play On” album co-written by Mindi Abair.

We hope you enjoy these performances!

The Ides of March

Please subscribe to our channel and share with your friends!

www.YouTube.com/TheIdesOfMarchOfficial

IDES RE-RELEASE ANTHEM OF HOPE CELEBRATING CHICAGO SPIRIT

The Ides of March felt the time was right for re-releasing our 1992 City of Chicago anthem “Spirit Of Chicago” with a brand-new lyric video done by Paul Braun.

Beside yours truly and all of the Ides our special guests included Dennis DeYoung, Cathy Richardson, the late Gary Loizzo (American Breed) and Jim Ellison (Material Issue), Frankie Sullivan, Rick Nielsen, John Melnick and Dave Carl.  What a cast of Chicago classics including my co-writer Dick Eastman.

This song and video can be seen on the Ides’ YouTube channel and the Ides’ official Facebook page.

Special thanks to everyone who took part in this and the photographer Barry Butler and others who donated their brilliant images to the celebration of The Spirit of Chicago.

https://youtu.be/QJuGvv3nyD4

Jimbo and The Ides.

IDES FIRST-ROUND INDUCTION TO ILLINOIS ROCK & ROLL MUSEUM HOF

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS. WE WILL UPDATE WITH THE NEW DATE WHEN AVAILABLE.

The Ides of March are proud and honored to announce that we have been inducted as Charter Members of the ILLINOIS ROCK AND ROLL MUSEUM ON ROUTE 66 HALL OF FAME.

The other Charter inductees are: Chicago, Cheap Trick, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, REO Speedwagon, and the Buckinghams. It is an honor to be selected along with this group of great artists!

Also being honored this year are legendary DJ’s Dick BiondI and the late Larry Lujack.

The induction ceremony will take place Sunday, March 29th, 2020 at 2 PM, at the Renaissance Center Ballroom, 214 N Ottawa Street, Joliet, Illinois.

We encourage all our great fans to join us and our fellow inductees at this ceremony.

Further information and ticket availability for the induction ceremony may be found at www.roadtorock.org.

The “Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66” is a public charity 501c3 nonprofit organization that exists to preserve the history of musicians and bands with ties to Illinois while educating visitors about Illinois’ rich music history.  

POWER CHORDS PODCAST REVIEWS “PLAY ON”

Matt Herring of Power Chords Podcast interviewed Jim last week and released a review of the album. Seems he really enjoyed it!

Billboard Magazine announces the release of the “Swagger” video!

Today in Billboard! https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8527343/the-ides-of-march-swagger-video-premiere

55TH ANNIVERSARY ALBUM – “PLAY ON”

LEGENDARY ROCK GROUP, THE IDES OF MARCH, RELEASING 55TH ANNIVERSARY ALBUM, PLAY ON
The Album, Releasing August 16, Features 14 New Songs, Special Guest Artists and a Re-Release of Their Platinum Hit, “Vehicle”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         
Chicago, IL – Legendary rock group, The Ides of March, will be releasing their 55th anniversary album, “Play On,” on August 16. Produced by Fred Mollin and The Ides, the album will feature 14 brand new songs, as well as a re-release of their platinum hit, “Vehicle”. The band originated in Berwyn, Illinois, in 1964 and is the world’s longest-performing rock band that still has all of its original members: Jim Peterik (lead vocals, lead guitar and piano), Larry Millas (guitar, bass, and vocals), Bob Bergland (bass, saxophone, and vocals), and Mike Borch (drums and vocals). The original four members for the last 30 years have been joined by Scott May (Hammond organ and vocals), Steve Eisen (woodwinds and percussion), Tim Bales (trumpet and Flugelhorn), and Henry Salgado (trombone).

“Vehicle” was an instant hit back in 1970 and became Warner Bros. fastest-selling single of all time. Other hit songs by the Ides include “L.A. Goodbye” and “You Wouldn’t Listen”, all penned by Grammy-winning front man, Jim Peterik. Peterik – a former member of Survivor – made his name as a songwriter with Sammy Hagar, The Beach Boys and 38 Special, but never left The Ides behind as they’ve continued their success over the last five and a half decades. With over 11,000 live performances, their music appeals to all generations, as they play to all ages and sold-out crowds across the country. In addition to playing Ides shows, the bandmates also participate in Jim Peterik’s World Stage and touring their PBS special featuring the hit bands of Chicago from the golden 60’s – Cornerstones of Rock.

Special guests on the album include: Mark Farner (former singer and guitarist of Grand Funk Railroad), David Pack (former Ambrosia front man), Paul Shaffer of David Letterman fame, Cathy Richardson (lead singer of Jefferson Starship), sax phenom Mindi Abair, Tom Doody of Chicago’s Cryan’ Shames, Bo Bice of American Idol fame and formerly of Blood Sweat & Tears, and blues- rock superstar Joe Bonamassa. The album will also be released in a deluxe, double-disc vinyl edition, which includes the original masters of the Parrot and Warner Brothers singles: “Vehicle” (1970), “You Wouldn’t Listen” (1966), “One Woman Man” (1969), “Roller Coaster” (1966), “Flipside” (1972), “Superman” (follow up to Vehicle – 1970), “LA Goodbye” (1971), “Aire Of Good Feeling” (1970).

“Play On” is a musical journey of The Ides’ friendship over the last 55 years, and impresses with the iconic sound that fans know and love. “”Play On” is the culmination of all that we’ve learned and all that we’ve dreamed in The Ides of March’s 55-year history as a band,” said Peterik. “With every mile we’ve traveled together, and the countless shows we’ve played, we’ve found the secrets that make our sound unique, and have tried to distill those elements into every track – the horns, the harmonies, and the songs of a band that is really a family on wheels – and music is our vehicle.”

The band has been featured by AXS, ABC News, SiriusXM, and Guitar World, as well as shows in the band’s hometown like, WGN News and Windy City Live, to name a few. Recently, Peterik performed on stage with world-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, in Chicago in support of Little Kids Rock.

55th ANNIVERSARY SHOW IS COMING UP!

Our big 55th Anniversary Bash is coming soon! Join us at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan as we welcome special guests Mark Farner, former lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad, and Bo Bice, American Idol finalist/former lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears! This will be one you won’t forget!

https://www.geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/the-ides-of-march