Jim Peterik

It's not long ago when you released the charity CD "The Day America Cried" in the USA. Can you already tell us something about the feedback and the results of the CD?

The feedback from around the world has been awesome and quite honestly worth all the hard work the artists and myself have donated to the cause - sometimes you do something simply because it's the right things to do and this was one of those albums.

If my info is correct, then it originally was the plan to release "The Day America Cried" and "Rock America" as a double CD in Europe. Now "Rock America" has become a single CD that features some bonus track from "The Day America Cried". Why did you drop the plan for a double CD?

The record company thought it could present a better value by combining their favorite cuts on "The Day America Cried" with "Rock America".

When and where did you record the songs for "Rock America"? Was it recorded at different locations?

The album was pulled from at least 3 World Stage shows in and around the Chicagoland area.

"Rock America" features a track list of Melodic Rock hits. Are there any songs on the album you have special thoughts for?

All of the cuts have taken on new life as far as I'm concerned, but I'm especially proud of everyones performance on "I Can't Hold Back" one of my faves anyway. Kevin's vocal is awesome. I also love Kelly Keagy's High Energy rendition of "Heavy Metal". If you can figure out what he shouts before the instrumental you win a prize!

As is said, "Rock America" features a track list of hits. But there is one song I deeply miss: "Burning Heart"! I mean it was one of the biggest hits for SURVIVOR, so why didn't you do it?

I love that song as well. We'll have to put it on the next one...

The album features many different singers. Are they all your personal friends or did you hire them for the show?

All the guests are personal friends of mine who are performing for our shared brotherhood, great memories and their passion for our style of music -- keeping the flame alive if you will.

As we can hear on "Rock America" you are a great singer. Did you never think about the idea to record a song or an album with your vocals only?

The more I sing again -- in the 60's and 70's that's all I did! The more confidence I get to do more. Feedback like yours is very encouraging. I can't hit the very highest notes like some of my associates, but I try to compensate with emotion and style.

Is there any musician out there who you are still dreaming of to join World Stage? My personal suggestion: Don Dokken...

Don is amazing and would be a great addition. I only met him once however and we have no history together. But anything is possible.

Did you ever waste a thought about inviting Jimi Jamison or Frankie Sullivan to join one of your show with World Stage?

I don't think it's in the cards for that to happen.

I think there are still thousands of Melodic Rock fans out there who hope for a Survivor reunion with you, Frankie and Jimi. Do you think they should bury their hopes?

I am so happy with my lot in life right now, that I prefer to stay the course with World Stage, the Ides of March and producing and writing for up and coming acts.

Some people - including myself - see you as one of the best Melodic Rock songwriters. Can you tell us your secret where you get the inspiration for all the great melodies and hooklines you write? What do you think you have that other songwriters don't have?

It really starts with a love of life and all its possibilities. It's all about using your god given talents for all they're worth and not getting lazy about pushing yourself to do your best. Whatever your gift is - using it to make a difference in peoples lives. A melody happens to be my forte - and on a given day - in a great mood - the melodies just come from nowhere. Then it's down to harnessing the melody and find the best, most meaningful, lyrics possible.

You are a very experienced Melodic Rock songwriter/musician. What do you think about today's Melodic Rock bands? I mean, is there any new band that did impress you?

I love the music that Journey continues to make. They are the tops as far as I am concerned. There are so many good ones out there now - that it's hard to choose.

Joe Vana of MECCA said he has plans for a second MECCA album, but doesn't know if you will be involved again. What do you think? How are the chances you will be participating again?

We're all taking Mecca one album at a time. I have to say this first one was one of the most fullfilling projects I've done in a long time.

What are your next plans? I heard you are working on a new World Stage album that will be a little more like Survivor again. Is that right?

The next World Stage will be more of a rock album them the last one - big on melody and good messages - it will not have the blues, country and folk touches of the last one and be a little closer to the song I co-wrote and co-produced for Kelly Keagy's last album "The Journey".

Interviewed by Marco Spaeth of - ON THE ROCKS MAGAZINE 2002.
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