Feature Photo: Staffan Vilcans, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. With a career spanning several decades, the band has undergone various lineup changes while maintaining its signature sound. Their most well-known songs, such as “Eye of the Tiger,” became anthems of the 1980s, cementing their place in rock history. Over the years, Survivor has released multiple albums, with Eye of the Tiger (1982) being their most commercially successful release, thanks to its title track which gained worldwide recognition, especially after being featured in Rocky III. The band’s musical contributions go beyond their chart successes, influencing rock’s landscape in the ’80s. Survivor has seen both breakups and reunions, but despite these changes, they have continued to release music and perform for fans.
The members of Survivor have each contributed to the band’s evolution, with key individuals playing essential roles in the shaping of their sound and success. These musicians have diverse experiences, both within and outside of Survivor, and their work has helped define the band’s identity in rock music.
Frankie Sullivan
Frankie Sullivan is the founding member of Survivor, having joined the band in 1978 as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist. He was instrumental in the creation of the band’s sound, particularly through his songwriting, and his contributions are heavily featured in their biggest hits, such as “Eye of the Tiger.” Sullivan’s long tenure with the band spans from its inception until his departure in 1988, and his return in 1993 marked his continued involvement in Survivor’s musical direction until 2019. He played on every Survivor album, contributing to their signature hard rock sound, and his work on Eye of the Tiger was pivotal in defining the band’s success during the 1980s. Beyond Survivor, Sullivan has worked with various artists in the rock and pop scenes, producing and songwriting for several projects, but his most notable contribution remains his work with Survivor, which remains a lasting legacy.
Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik co-founded Survivor in 1978, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound with his roles as a keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist. His collaboration with Frankie Sullivan in songwriting was a key factor in the band’s success, particularly with the iconic “Eye of the Tiger,” which he co-wrote. Peterik was a member of Survivor from its inception until 1988, and he briefly returned to the band in 1993, staying until 1996. He played a key role in the band’s albums Survivor (1980), Premonition (1981), and Eye of the Tiger (1982), bringing a mix of pop and rock sensibilities to their sound. After leaving Survivor, Peterik went on to achieve success with other projects, most notably the Ides of March and writing for bands like .38 Special, as well as a solo career that expanded his influence in the music industry.
Dave Bickler
Dave Bickler joined Survivor in 1978 as the lead vocalist and was a key part of the band’s early sound. His distinctive voice helped shape the band’s rock anthems, and his most memorable contribution was on the Eye of the Tiger album, where he provided the powerful lead vocals for the iconic title track. Bickler remained with the band until 1983, before leaving to pursue other musical endeavors. He returned to Survivor in 1993, where he remained a member until 2000, and later made a brief appearance in 2014 and 2015-2016, where he again provided co-lead vocals on select tracks. Bickler also enjoyed a successful solo career and worked with various artists, though his legacy remains most strongly tied to his work with Survivor, particularly his contribution to their defining hits.
Dennis Keith Johnson
Dennis Keith Johnson was the original bassist for Survivor, joining the band in 1978. He played a significant role in the band’s early years, contributing to their debut album Survivor (1980) and their follow-up Premonition (1981). Johnson’s bass playing helped to anchor the band’s rhythm section, providing the foundation for their hard rock sound. He was part of the lineup during the band’s rise to prominence with Eye of the Tiger, but left the band in 1981. After his time with Survivor, Johnson continued to work in various musical capacities but did not find the same level of commercial success that he enjoyed with Survivor. His early contributions remain an integral part of the band’s legacy.
Gary Smith
Gary Smith was the original drummer for Survivor, playing with the band from 1978 to 1981. He was part of the band during their formative years, contributing to the rhythm section of their debut album Survivor (1980) and Premonition (1981). Smith’s drumming helped define the band’s early sound, laying the groundwork for their later success with albums like Eye of the Tiger. After leaving Survivor in 1981, Smith’s drumming career continued, though he did not achieve the same level of fame that he did during his time with the band. His contributions during the band’s early years remain a significant part of Survivor’s development, and his time with the group helped shape their early musical identity.
Marc Droubay
Marc Droubay served as the drummer for Survivor from 1981 to 1987 and again from 1996 to 2014. He played on the band’s albums Vital Signs (1984) and When Seconds Count (1986), contributing to their distinctive sound during the height of their success. His drumming was pivotal in delivering the energy and precision that characterized Survivor’s hits, particularly during their most commercially successful period. After a break, Droubay returned to the band in the late 1990s and remained with them until 2014. Outside of Survivor, Droubay continued to work in various musical projects, but his lasting legacy is tied to his extensive work with Survivor, where he helped the band maintain its distinctive rock identity across multiple decades.
Stephan Ellis
Stephan Ellis was the bassist and backing vocalist for Survivor from 1981 to 1987, and again from 1996 to 1999, with a brief return in 2005. His bass playing was a core part of Survivor’s rhythm section during their peak years, including the albums Vital Signs (1984) and When Seconds Count (1986). Ellis’s contributions to Survivor’s tight, melodic rock sound are crucial, particularly in crafting the infectious grooves behind songs like “The Search Is Over” and “High on You.” After leaving Survivor, Ellis’s career continued in various directions, but he is most remembered for his work with the band. Sadly, he passed away in 2019. His work remains a defining element of Survivor’s early success.
Jimi Jamison
Jimi Jamison joined Survivor in 1984 as their lead vocalist, replacing Dave Bickler. Jamison’s powerful voice became synonymous with Survivor’s anthems, and his contributions helped shape some of their most successful albums, including Vital Signs (1984) and When Seconds Count (1986). Jamison’s vocals were a critical element in hits like “High on You” and “The Search Is Over,” and his time with the band solidified their place in 1980s rock. After leaving the band in 1988, Jamison had a successful solo career and fronted other projects, including the band Cobra. He returned to Survivor in 2000 and continued to perform with them until 2006. Jamison rejoined the band in 2011, and he remained involved with Survivor until his death in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of powerful rock vocals.
Bill Syniar
Bill Syniar was briefly a member of Survivor, playing bass during 1988 and 1993. Though his tenure with the band was short, Syniar’s contributions to the group’s sound during his time helped maintain the band’s energy during transitional periods. He was part of the lineup during a phase of change, but Syniar’s impact was relatively limited compared to other band members. After leaving Survivor, he did not pursue significant musical projects in the spotlight, but his time with the band remains part of Survivor’s evolving story in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Mickey Curry
Mickey Curry served as the drummer for Survivor in 1988, contributing to the band’s rhythm section during a year of lineup changes. Although his time with the band was brief, Curry was an accomplished session drummer known for his work with artists like Bryan Adams and Hall & Oates. His experience brought a level of professionalism to Survivor’s percussion during his time with them. After leaving Survivor, Curry continued his successful career in music, playing on numerous albums with other rock and pop artists.
Kyle Woodring
Kyle Woodring joined Survivor in 1988, filling in on drums and later becoming a regular member from 1993 to 1996. He contributed to the band during a transitional period and played on albums like Survivor (1993). Woodring’s drumming style added a fresh element to the band’s sound during the ’90s, though his time with Survivor was relatively short. Sadly, Woodring passed away in 2009, but his work with the band remains an integral part of Survivor’s late-period lineup during the ’90s.
Klem Hayes
Klem Hayes was the bassist for Survivor from 1994 to 1996, contributing to their albums during this transitional period. He played on the band’s album Fire Makes Steel (1996), where his bass work was an important element of the band’s sound. Hayes was part of Survivor’s lineup as the band navigated changes in their sound, but after his departure, he continued to perform and contribute to other musical projects. His time with the band marked an important phase in Survivor’s history, bridging the gap between the ’80s and ’90s.
Randy Riley
Randy Riley was a bassist who briefly played with Survivor during 1993 and again from 2003 to 2005. His contributions during this period were relatively limited, but he played on some of the band’s later albums, including Survivor (1993) and Reach (2003). Riley’s bass work helped maintain the band’s distinctive rock sound during a time of transition and lineup changes. Though his time with Survivor was brief, Riley’s involvement was part of the band’s ongoing evolution during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Chris Grove
Chris Grove was a member of Survivor from 1996 to 2008, serving as the band’s keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist. Grove played an important role in the band’s sound, contributing to albums such as Survivor (1996) and Reach (2003). His skills as a multi-instrumentalist helped expand Survivor’s musical range, particularly with the incorporation of keyboards and rhythm guitar, which added depth to the band’s live performances and studio recordings. After leaving Survivor in 2008, Grove continued to work in music, but his contributions to Survivor during his tenure remain a significant part of their sound.
Gordon Patriarca
Gordon Patriarca briefly served as the bassist for Survivor in 1999. His time with the band was short, but his contribution during that period helped to maintain the band’s rhythm section. Patriarca did not appear on any major albums but was part of the band during a transitional phase. His tenure was brief, and after leaving Survivor, he did not remain in the public eye for further musical projects, with his contribution to Survivor being a small but notable moment in the band’s ongoing evolution.
Billy Ozzello
Billy Ozzello joined Survivor as bassist and backing vocalist in 1999, playing a significant role in the band’s lineup until 2003 and then again from 2006 to 2019. Ozzello’s bass playing and backing vocals helped shape Survivor’s sound during this period, particularly on albums like Reach (2003). He contributed to the band’s music during a time of revival and was a steady presence in their rhythm section. After a brief hiatus, Ozzello returned in 2006 and continued to perform with the band until 2019. His bass work was a key part of Survivor’s sound during their later years, and his contributions continued to resonate with fans throughout his tenure.
Barry Dunaway
Barry Dunaway briefly served as Survivor’s bassist from 2005 to 2006. His time with the band was short, but he played on the album Reach (2003), contributing to the band’s sound during a time of transition. Dunaway’s tenure did not result in long-term involvement, and after his departure from Survivor, he continued to work with other musical projects but did not have the same level of exposure as other members of the band. His time with Survivor, while brief, was a part of the band’s reshaping in the early 2000s.
Robin McAuley
Robin McAuley joined Survivor as lead vocalist in 2006 and performed with them until 2011. His voice brought a different quality to the band, which was noticeable on their work during that period. McAuley was involved in the album Reach (2003), and though his work did not have the same level of commercial success as their previous albums, he helped carry the band’s legacy during his time. He had a strong solo career as well, fronting the McAuley Schenker Group, and his contributions to Survivor brought a new energy to their performances. After leaving the band in 2011, McAuley continued his solo endeavors and was still active in the rock scene.
Michael Young
Michael Young was part of Survivor from 2008 to 2010, serving as the band’s keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist. His time with the band added a fresh layer to their sound, especially in live performances. Although he did not contribute to any studio albums, his musical versatility in live settings and his work behind the scenes were appreciated by fans. After leaving Survivor in 2010, Young continued to be involved in the music industry, though his contributions were more focused on live performances rather than recorded work.
Mitchell Sigman
Mitchell Sigman replaced Michael Young as keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist from 2010 to 2011. His contributions helped continue the band’s dynamic live performances during a transitional period. Though his time with the band was short, his skills as a multi-instrumentalist helped maintain the band’s sound. Sigman’s brief tenure with Survivor showcased his talents, but he did not remain with the band after 2011 and focused on other musical projects outside of Survivor.
Rocko Reedy
Rocko Reedy was a fill-in bassist for Survivor in 1987 during a period when the band was experiencing lineup changes. His time with the band was short, and he did not appear on any major studio albums. However, his contribution as a temporary member filled a crucial gap during a transitional time for the band. After his time with Survivor, Reedy did not continue with major projects in the public eye, but his involvement with the band remains part of Survivor’s history during the 1980s.
Dave Carl
Dave Carl briefly played rhythm and lead guitar for Survivor in 1993 as a fill-in member. Though his time with the band was limited, his contributions helped bridge the gap during a period of transition for Survivor. Carl’s guitar work was part of the band’s evolving sound at the time, but he did not stay with the band long enough to have a lasting impact on their studio recordings. After leaving Survivor, Carl continued to work in music, but his time with the band remains a brief chapter in Survivor’s long history.
Walter Tolentino
Walter Tolentino served as Survivor’s keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist from 2011 to 2017. His contributions were significant during his time with the band, particularly in their live performances. Tolentino brought a new dimension to the band’s sound with his instrumental versatility and added depth to their songs. His work with Survivor was well-regarded, and after his departure in 2017, Tolentino remained involved in the music industry, but his time with Survivor was a defining moment in their post-2010 phase.
Ryan Sullivan
Ryan Sullivan was the drummer for Survivor from 2014 to 2019. His drumming style contributed to the band’s modern sound, particularly in live performances. Sullivan’s steady drumming and high-energy performances helped maintain the band’s legacy in their later years. After leaving the band in 2019, Sullivan continued to work in music, but his tenure with Survivor was marked by his consistent drumming and his ability to keep the band’s live performances tight and dynamic.
Cameron Barton
Cameron Barton joined Survivor in 2015, initially as co-lead vocalist, and became the band’s lead vocalist from 2016 to 2019. Barton brought a new voice to the band, which was well-received by fans of Survivor’s later sound. His vocal contributions helped shape the band’s performance during their last few years, particularly with his energetic and dynamic stage presence. After his time with the band, Barton continued to pursue music but was primarily associated with Survivor during his years as the lead vocalist.
Jeffrey Bryan
Jeffrey Bryan was a member of Survivor from 2017 to 2019, serving as keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and backing vocalist. His contributions were primarily in live settings, where his ability to play multiple instruments helped diversify the band’s sound. Bryan’s tenure with Survivor was part of the band’s final phase of activity before they took another break. After leaving Survivor, Bryan continued his musical endeavors, though his time with the band remains a notable chapter in their post-2010 history.
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.