Dave Bickler
Encyclopedia
Dave Bickler is an American
vocalist, best known as the lead singer for the rock band Survivor
from 1977–1983. His distinctive vocal was featured on the #1 U.S. hit "Eye of the Tiger
". In addition to his wide vocal range, his street-wise image included a trademark beret
. Bickler would go on to provide the vocals in advertisements, including the Real Men of Genius
Bud Light TV and radio commercials.
in Lisle, Illinois
. Bickler's career began as one of two lead singers of 1970s American
rock
group Jamestown Massacre, who recorded their debut album not later than 1972. The Jamestown Massacre single "Summer Sun" was a Billboard Top 100 and Easy Listening chart entry in the summer of 1972. Bickler met Jim Peterik
while doing commercial jingles in the mid-1970s.
from 1977–1983 and 1993–2000. He was a part of the group for their first four albums: Survivor
, Premonition, Eye of The Tiger
and Caught in the Game
. Survivor experienced their big breakthrough in 1982, when they were asked by Sylvester Stallone
to provide the theme song for his movie Rocky III
. Enter "Eye of the Tiger
", which soon turned into one of the biggest hits of the band's career. It had an enormous impact on the Billboard charts
, soaring to #1 for seven weeks. The song won the band a Grammy Award
for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
, was voted "Best New Song" by the People's Choice Awards
and received an Academy Award nomination. Thanks to the song's success and another Top 20 single, "American Heartbeat", the album Eye of the Tiger stormed to #2 on the Billboard 200
chart. The song remains a cultural phenomenon. It came in at #18 on the “Top 100 Singles” chart in Billboard's 100th Anniversary issue and it is well over the 300,000 mark on the iTunes Store
, where it once held #9 on their “Top Soundtrack” chart.
Bickler also can be heard on other Survivor singles including "Somewhere In America", "Rebel Girl", "Poor Man's Son", "Summer Nights", "The One That Really Matters", "American Heartbeat", "Caught In The Game" and "Ever Since the World Began" (this song has a version that was featured on Lock Up
movie soundtrack with the voice of Jimi Jamison).
Bickler left the band in late 1983 after he developed polyps
on his vocal cords
and required surgery and voice rest, a condition that would take a year and a half to recuperate from. Bickler was also unhappy about his lack of a bigger payday he felt was owed him for the multiplatinum success the band had from their hit album Eye of The Tiger
released a year earlier. After leaving Survivor, Bickler continued recording with other groups in the Chicago area and doing commercial jingles and ads.
Bickler rejoined Survivor in early 1993 as lead vocalist for a Greatest Hits
album on Scotti Bros.
featuring two new songs "You Know Who You Are" and "Hungry Years" (which he co-wrote). Bickler recorded new music with the band in hopes of a new album, but ongoing lawsuits and trademark ownership issues with former singer Jimi Jamison
halted the release.
Bickler was fired in early 2000 after a brief string of tour dates. He was replaced once again by Jimi Jamison (who split with Survivor in July 2006 and was replaced by Hard Rock Singer Robin McAuley
). Bickler is credited with co-writing two songs on the new Survivor album Reach with Frankie Sullivan: "I Don't" and "One More Chance". Bickler also began recording his first solo album in early 2001, which remains unreleased.
" ad campaign (the decision to change the campaign from Heroes to Genius was made after 9/11) singing plaintively in counterpoint to the wry commentary of voice actor Peter Stacker. Over 100 of these commercials have been recorded and broadcast on sports radio stations and events for over ten years. A handful of CDs from the Bud Light ads have been released and sold over 100,000 copies in its first three weeks of release.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
vocalist, best known as the lead singer for the rock band Survivor
Survivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
from 1977–1983. His distinctive vocal was featured on the #1 U.S. hit "Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
"Eye of the Tiger" is a single by American rock band Survivor, from their third album Eye of the Tiger. It was released as a single on May 29, 1982, the same year as the album. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was unable to get permission for Queen's "Another One Bites...
". In addition to his wide vocal range, his street-wise image included a trademark beret
Beret
A beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, designated a "cap", usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, or wool felt, or acrylic fiber....
. Bickler would go on to provide the vocals in advertisements, including the Real Men of Genius
Real Men of Genius
Real Men of Genius is a series of advertisements, primarily 60-second American radio spots, for Bud Light beer. The campaign was originally created by Bob Winter, a copywriter at DDB Chicago....
Bud Light TV and radio commercials.
Biography
In 1971, Bickler graduated from Benet AcademyBenet Academy
Benet Academy is a co-educational, college-preparatory, Benedictine high school in Lisle, Illinois, United States, overseen by the Diocese of Joliet. Founded in 1887, the school was initially established in Chicago as the all-boys St. Procopius College and Academy by Benedictine monks, who also...
in Lisle, Illinois
Lisle, Illinois
Lisle is a village in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The population was 22,930 at the 2011 census, and estimated to be 23,135 as of 2008. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and the Illinois Technology and Research Corridor...
. Bickler's career began as one of two lead singers of 1970s American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rock
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group Jamestown Massacre, who recorded their debut album not later than 1972. The Jamestown Massacre single "Summer Sun" was a Billboard Top 100 and Easy Listening chart entry in the summer of 1972. Bickler met Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Survivor and as vocalist and songwriter of the hit song "Vehicle" by The Ides of March...
while doing commercial jingles in the mid-1970s.
Survivor
Bickler is best known as a member of SurvivorSurvivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
from 1977–1983 and 1993–2000. He was a part of the group for their first four albums: Survivor
Survivor (Survivor album)
Survivor is the eponymous debut album by the American rock band Survivor, released in 1979. It is the group's only album with drummer Gary Smith and bassist Dennis Johnson. The recording sessions, overseen by A&R executive John Kalodner, were not without difficulties...
, Premonition, Eye of The Tiger
Eye of the Tiger (album)
Eye of the Tiger is the third album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1982. It features the title track, which is the theme song of the film Rocky III....
and Caught in the Game
Caught in the Game
Caught in the Game is the fourth album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1983. It features guest appearances by Mr. Mister's Richard Page and REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin....
. Survivor experienced their big breakthrough in 1982, when they were asked by Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone
Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone , commonly known as Sylvester Stallone, and nicknamed Sly Stallone, is an American actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, film director and occasional painter. Stallone is known for his machismo and Hollywood action roles. Two of the notable characters he has portrayed...
to provide the theme song for his movie Rocky III
Rocky III
Rocky III is a 1982 American film that is the third installment in the Rocky film series. It is written and directed by and stars Sylvester Stallone as the title character, with Carl Weathers as former boxing rival Apollo Creed, Burgess Meredith as Rocky's trainer Mickey, and Talia Shire as Rocky's...
. Enter "Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
"Eye of the Tiger" is a single by American rock band Survivor, from their third album Eye of the Tiger. It was released as a single on May 29, 1982, the same year as the album. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was unable to get permission for Queen's "Another One Bites...
", which soon turned into one of the biggest hits of the band's career. It had an enormous impact on the Billboard charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
, soaring to #1 for seven weeks. The song won the band a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal
Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
The Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal was awarded between 1980 and 2011.The award was discontinued after the 2011 award season in a major overhaul of Grammy categories...
, was voted "Best New Song" by the People's Choice Awards
People's Choice Awards
The People's Choice Awards is an American awards show recognizing the people and the work of popular culture. The show has been held annually since 1975 and is voted on by the general public. The People's Choice Awards air on CBS and are produced by Procter & Gamble and Survivor magnate Mark Burnett...
and received an Academy Award nomination. Thanks to the song's success and another Top 20 single, "American Heartbeat", the album Eye of the Tiger stormed to #2 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
chart. The song remains a cultural phenomenon. It came in at #18 on the “Top 100 Singles” chart in Billboard's 100th Anniversary issue and it is well over the 300,000 mark on the iTunes Store
ITunes Store
The iTunes Store is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple. Opening as the iTunes Music Store on April 28, 2003, with over 200,000 items to purchase, it is, as of April 2008, the number-one music vendor in the United States...
, where it once held #9 on their “Top Soundtrack” chart.
Bickler also can be heard on other Survivor singles including "Somewhere In America", "Rebel Girl", "Poor Man's Son", "Summer Nights", "The One That Really Matters", "American Heartbeat", "Caught In The Game" and "Ever Since the World Began" (this song has a version that was featured on Lock Up
Lock Up (film)
- Plot :Frank Leone , a skilled mechanic and footballer, is a model prisoner nearing the end of his sentence in a low-security prison. One night while sleeping in his cell, guards arrive and forcibly take Leone to maximum security Gateway Prison...
movie soundtrack with the voice of Jimi Jamison).
Bickler left the band in late 1983 after he developed polyps
Polyp (medicine)
A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane. If it is attached to the surface by a narrow elongated stalk, it is said to be pedunculated. If no stalk is present, it is said to be sessile. Polyps are commonly found in the colon, stomach, nose, sinus, urinary bladder...
on his vocal cords
Vocal folds
The vocal folds, also known commonly as vocal cords, are composed of twin infoldings of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx...
and required surgery and voice rest, a condition that would take a year and a half to recuperate from. Bickler was also unhappy about his lack of a bigger payday he felt was owed him for the multiplatinum success the band had from their hit album Eye of The Tiger
Eye of the Tiger (album)
Eye of the Tiger is the third album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1982. It features the title track, which is the theme song of the film Rocky III....
released a year earlier. After leaving Survivor, Bickler continued recording with other groups in the Chicago area and doing commercial jingles and ads.
Bickler rejoined Survivor in early 1993 as lead vocalist for a Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits (Survivor album)
Greatest Hits is a 1993 compilation album by the American rock band Survivor. It featured two new songs recorded with original lead vocalist Dave Bickler, who left the band in 1983 due to vocal issues...
album on Scotti Bros.
Scotti Brothers Records
Scotti Brothers Records was a California-based record label founded by Tony and Ben Scotti in 1974. Their first success was releasing albums from teen pop star Leif Garrett. They later helped launch the careers of Felony, Survivor, and "Weird Al" Yankovic...
featuring two new songs "You Know Who You Are" and "Hungry Years" (which he co-wrote). Bickler recorded new music with the band in hopes of a new album, but ongoing lawsuits and trademark ownership issues with former singer Jimi Jamison
Jimi Jamison
Jimmy Wayne "Jimi" Jamison is a rock vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer for the band Survivor from 1984–1989 and 2000-2006.- Further biography :...
halted the release.
Bickler was fired in early 2000 after a brief string of tour dates. He was replaced once again by Jimi Jamison (who split with Survivor in July 2006 and was replaced by Hard Rock Singer Robin McAuley
Robin McAuley
Robin McAuley is an Irish rock vocalist known mostly for his work in McAuley Schenker Group and before that Grand Prix recording 2 albums...
). Bickler is credited with co-writing two songs on the new Survivor album Reach with Frankie Sullivan: "I Don't" and "One More Chance". Bickler also began recording his first solo album in early 2001, which remains unreleased.
Bud Light "Real Men of Genius" radio ads
Since 2000, Bickler has continued his venture in recording commercials and video advertisements. His singing is featured in the successful Budweiser Light "Real American Heroes" and "Real Men of GeniusReal Men of Genius
Real Men of Genius is a series of advertisements, primarily 60-second American radio spots, for Bud Light beer. The campaign was originally created by Bob Winter, a copywriter at DDB Chicago....
" ad campaign (the decision to change the campaign from Heroes to Genius was made after 9/11) singing plaintively in counterpoint to the wry commentary of voice actor Peter Stacker. Over 100 of these commercials have been recorded and broadcast on sports radio stations and events for over ten years. A handful of CDs from the Bud Light ads have been released and sold over 100,000 copies in its first three weeks of release.
With Survivor
- SurvivorSurvivor (Survivor album)Survivor is the eponymous debut album by the American rock band Survivor, released in 1979. It is the group's only album with drummer Gary Smith and bassist Dennis Johnson. The recording sessions, overseen by A&R executive John Kalodner, were not without difficulties...
(1979) - Premonition (1981)
- Eye of the TigerEye of the Tiger (album)Eye of the Tiger is the third album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1982. It features the title track, which is the theme song of the film Rocky III....
(1982) - Caught in the GameCaught in the GameCaught in the Game is the fourth album by American rock band Survivor, released in 1983. It features guest appearances by Mr. Mister's Richard Page and REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin....
(1983)