Ides Of March
The Ides of March: A Journey through Time and Controversy
In the annals of rock and roll history, the Ides of March stand out as a band that achieved both commercial success and enduring controversy. Their iconic song, "Vehicle," propelled them to fame and cemented their legacy as a legendary rock act.
Humble Beginnings and Early Challenges
Hailing from Chicago in 1964, the Ides of March originally consisted of Jim Peterik (vocals, guitar), Larry Millas (guitar), Bob Bergland (bass), and Mike Borch (drums). The band faced numerous obstacles in its early years, including lineup changes and financial struggles.
Breakthrough with "Vehicle"
In 1970, after releasing several singles that failed to gain traction, the Ides of March struck gold with "Vehicle." The song's infectious melody and Peterik's rousing vocals resonated with listeners across the country, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of "Vehicle" launched the band into the national spotlight and transformed them into a major force in the rock music scene.
Continued Success and Collaborations
Following the success of "Vehicle," the Ides of March released several more albums that featured their signature blend of melodic rock and hard-edged blues. They experimented with different musical styles, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and even disco. The band also collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, and Peter Frampton.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Throughout their career, the Ides of March were no strangers to controversy. In 1974, they released the album "Midnight Cowboy," which featured an explicit cover that depicted a nude couple. The album was banned by some retailers and sparked a legal battle that ultimately resulted in the album's cover being censored.
In 1976, the band faced another legal challenge after they were accused of copyright infringement by songwriter Terry Kath for their song "I'm a Fool." The case was eventually settled out of court, but it cast a shadow over the band's reputation.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite the controversies, the Ides of March continued to perform and release new music into the 21st century. The band's classic lineup reunited for a series of shows in the early 2000s, and they continued to tour sporadically thereafter.
The legacy of the Ides of March remains intact today. "Vehicle" continues to be a beloved classic and is frequently played on radio stations and streaming services. The band's contributions to the rock music genre and their enduring impact on the Chicago music scene ensure their place in rock and roll history.
Discography
* Vehicle (1970)
* Common Bond (1971)
* Midnight Cowboy (1974)
* Warriors (1975)
* Eye of the Storm (1978)
* Ides of March (1981)
* High Lonesome (1996)
* Friendly Strangers (2003)
Members
* Jim Peterik (vocals, guitar)
* Larry Millas (guitar)
* Bob Bergland (bass)
* Mike Borch (drums)
In the annals of rock and roll history, the Ides of March stand out as a band that achieved both commercial success and enduring controversy. Their iconic song, "Vehicle," propelled them to fame and cemented their legacy as a legendary rock act.
Humble Beginnings and Early Challenges
Hailing from Chicago in 1964, the Ides of March originally consisted of Jim Peterik (vocals, guitar), Larry Millas (guitar), Bob Bergland (bass), and Mike Borch (drums). The band faced numerous obstacles in its early years, including lineup changes and financial struggles.
Breakthrough with "Vehicle"
In 1970, after releasing several singles that failed to gain traction, the Ides of March struck gold with "Vehicle." The song's infectious melody and Peterik's rousing vocals resonated with listeners across the country, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of "Vehicle" launched the band into the national spotlight and transformed them into a major force in the rock music scene.
Continued Success and Collaborations
Following the success of "Vehicle," the Ides of March released several more albums that featured their signature blend of melodic rock and hard-edged blues. They experimented with different musical styles, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and even disco. The band also collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, and Peter Frampton.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Throughout their career, the Ides of March were no strangers to controversy. In 1974, they released the album "Midnight Cowboy," which featured an explicit cover that depicted a nude couple. The album was banned by some retailers and sparked a legal battle that ultimately resulted in the album's cover being censored.
In 1976, the band faced another legal challenge after they were accused of copyright infringement by songwriter Terry Kath for their song "I'm a Fool." The case was eventually settled out of court, but it cast a shadow over the band's reputation.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite the controversies, the Ides of March continued to perform and release new music into the 21st century. The band's classic lineup reunited for a series of shows in the early 2000s, and they continued to tour sporadically thereafter.
The legacy of the Ides of March remains intact today. "Vehicle" continues to be a beloved classic and is frequently played on radio stations and streaming services. The band's contributions to the rock music genre and their enduring impact on the Chicago music scene ensure their place in rock and roll history.
Discography
* Vehicle (1970)
* Common Bond (1971)
* Midnight Cowboy (1974)
* Warriors (1975)
* Eye of the Storm (1978)
* Ides of March (1981)
* High Lonesome (1996)
* Friendly Strangers (2003)
Members
* Jim Peterik (vocals, guitar)
* Larry Millas (guitar)
* Bob Bergland (bass)
* Mike Borch (drums)