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.
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Sullah-shot.jpg?fit=1080%2C951&ssl=19511080Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2020-04-13 12:27:402023-04-18 09:47:01IDES RE-RELEASE ANTHEM OF HOPE CELEBRATING CHICAGO SPIRIT
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.
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IRNRHoF.png?fit=335%2C308&ssl=1308335Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2020-02-19 10:22:512023-02-14 18:03:29IDES FIRST-ROUND INDUCTION TO ILLINOIS ROCK & ROLL MUSEUM HOF
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PlayOn_Cover.jpg?fit=1500%2C1500&ssl=115001500Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2019-08-14 11:11:052023-02-14 18:03:59Billboard Magazine announces the release of the “Swagger” video!
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.
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Cover.jpg?fit=1500%2C1500&ssl=115001500Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2019-08-11 21:04:082023-02-14 18:04:1055TH ANNIVERSARY ALBUM – “PLAY ON”
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://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Cover.jpg?fit=1500%2C1500&ssl=115001500Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2019-08-05 11:53:352023-02-14 18:04:1855th ANNIVERSARY SHOW IS COMING UP!
For the second year in a row, The Ides of March were honored to be invited to play on the mighty Moody Blues Cruise to the Caribbean. This year’s cruise featured many fine artists such as the Zombies, Alan Parsons, Ambrosia, The Orchestra, Richie Furay, Jefferson Starship and many more, and, of course, the new Hall of Fame inductees, The Moody Blues.
This is an awesome sea cruise, with great music and wonderful people, including our incredible hosts, the Moody Blues, the fine crew that has to pull off miracles to handle the intense schedule of the many bands and venues on the ship, and the cruisers, the music lovers who come to enjoy the music!
Playing to an overflowing crowd in the club venue, and a full house in the main theater, the Ides were welcomed back with great enthusiasm, and really rocked the boat, as shared in the pictures below. The Ides met many new and old friends at the merchandise signing after the theater concert, and we really hope to do it, again, in the future!
Photo by Iron Mike Savoia Photography
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IdesOfMarch010618_0062.jpg?fit=1000%2C668&ssl=16681000Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2018-02-08 14:40:532023-02-14 18:05:14The Ides Really Rocked The Boat This Time!
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/IMG_9881Schram.jpg?fit=3008%2C2240&ssl=122403008Paul Braunhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngPaul Braun2017-09-07 02:09:172023-02-14 18:05:29Cornerstones of Rock Rebroadcast Three Times!!
One of my favorites from 2009 Roof Fundraiser. Rest in peace Cardinal Francis George.
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_24823285563998.jpeg?fit=960%2C719&ssl=1719960adminhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngadmin2015-04-20 17:24:132015-09-13 22:59:19A Fond Memory of the Cardinal
Last Year JIM PETERIK had the pleasure of doing a gig with the legendary Guitarist/Songwriter STEVE CROPPER in Louisiana, and the two musicians found a common ground and a fast friendship. Steve, of course was the bedrock of Booker T and the MG’s, the “house band” of Stax Records in Memphis, and the composer of many many timeless hit records such as “Soul Man”, “Midnight Hour”, and “Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay”. Everyone knows Steve as the “Colonel” from the Blues Brothers Movies, has Steve is an inductee in both the Rock And Roll and Songwriter’s Hall Of Fames.
Cut to this year, when an proposal came in to the Ides Offices from a Couple in Burr Ridge Illinois who wanted to throw a luxurious 55th Birthday Party for the Gentleman. They wanted a “Mini World Stage” featuring the Ides plus a special guest. We thought of Steve Cropper immediately, and the show was swiftly booked.
As the date approached, The band encamped in Jim’s JAM LAB soundstage facility to woodshed the Cropper hits. World Stage Band Guitar Whiz MIKE AQUINO was made a Deputy Ide for the show, and R&B Stars MARZETTE GRIFFITH and YVONNE GAGE were brought on to add their vocal firepower.
The rehearsal sessions were great fun, playing the Soul Hits Steve made famous, and it really wasn’t a stretch for the band, ‘cos before Jim started cranking out his own homegrown hits, the Ides Repertoire consisted of almost all of these tunes and ones just like them. The memories were grand and warm.
Steve arrived the day before the show, and the rehearsals were a gas! Steve was a perfect Southern Gentleman, with a boatload of stories that made our heads spin. And the man can PLAY!
Event day was great-The Venue was an elaborate structure erected behind an ornate European-Styled estate in a wooded setting. It was hard to believe the lavish accommodations were for a single night, but it was so. Scores of staff manned the Bars, Food stations, and Cleanup, as we prepared for the show in our hosts adjacent, spacious downstairs Rec Room/Bar. We enjoyed the great food and more Stories from Steve. Then it was time to hit the stage.
The first part of the set was Ides’ music plus a sampling of Jim’s Platinum hits with Survivor and Sammy Hagar, then Steve was introduced. We ran down a whole set of Steve’s Soul/R&B hits with Steve’s stories punctuating the tunes. Steve, Marzette, and Yvonne took turns on Lead Vocals, the band kept up the funk, and the mighty mighty Ides Brass added their blazing chops to the mix. The Horns are SO important to this music.
The assembled crown went wild, and they filled the dance floor. Steve and the Ides took the party up notches the host never expected, but they weren’t through.
After a short break, The Ides came back with more hits of their own plus Jim’s hits with .38 Special, then Steve, Marzette, Yvonne and Mike were introduced to join us again for “Vehicle” and “Eye Of The Tiger”.
To say the entire evening was a success was an understatement, made even sweeter to know there was an underlying co-theme for the event dedicated to raising money for a charity championed by the Hosts. The well-heeled attendees were generous indeed, and an impressive donation was amassed.
Normally pizzas are the after-gig refreshment for the band, but tonight there was the gourmet sweet table, ice cream station and Frozen Margarita fountain. A tasty splurge was in order, as the evening came to a close.
The next afternoon, Col. Steve graced World Stage Studios to add his distinctive guitar tracks to the new Ides 50th Anniversary CD.
We hope to do more things with the Great Steve Cropper, as this match seems like it was made in Heaven…
https://i0.wp.com/theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Ides-Cropper-1-1024x7681.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=17681024adminhttps://theidesofmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Ides-Logo-Web-300x186.pngadmin2014-08-18 00:17:152015-09-13 23:03:49THE IDES OF MARCH AND STEVE CROPPER LIVE!
One of my favorites from 2009 Roof Fundraiser. Rest in peace Cardinal Francis George.
Last Year JIM PETERIK had the pleasure of doing a gig with the legendary Guitarist/Songwriter STEVE CROPPER in Louisiana, and the two musicians found a common ground and a fast friendship. Steve, of course was the bedrock of Booker T and the MG’s, the “house band” of Stax Records in Memphis, and the composer of many many timeless hit records such as “Soul Man”, “Midnight Hour”, and “Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay”. Everyone knows Steve as the “Colonel” from the Blues Brothers Movies, has Steve is an inductee in both the Rock And Roll and Songwriter’s Hall Of Fames.
