On August 16th, the legendary rock group, The Ides of March, released their 55th anniversary album, Play On. Produced by Fred Mollin and The Ides, the album features 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-existing, top-10 charting band, with all 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). The band will showcase the new album and their classic hits at their 55th anniversary concert on Saturday, October 26, at Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois, and will feature special guest artists from the album, Mark Farner and Bo Bice. Tickets and info: www.geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/the-ides-of-march

“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 tour 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 (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 vintage 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). The album is available for pre-order on Amazon (in CD and vinyl format) and on iTunes. On the day-of release, it will be available on Spotify, TIDAL, Google Music, and, due to popular demand, the album will also be available everywhere music is streamed. Additionally, the CD and vinyl is available for purchase at www.theidesofmarch.com
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 was just featured in a Billboard exclusive and has also been featured in AXS, ABC News, SiriusXM, and Guitar World, as well as shows in the band’s hometown such as, 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.