How ‘Eye of the Tiger’ Replaced ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ in Rocky 3
Rocky 3 is the perfect example of how artists can transform into rising stars after facing significant setbacks. Another One Bites the Dust was replaced by Survivor’s 1982 hit Eye of the Tiger, emerging as the theme song for Sylvester Stallone’s film.
It has been decades since Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky 3 came out, leaving a lasting impact on the cinematic world and the music industry. The actor and his team finalized Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust to use in the film but failed to acquire the publishing rights.
Since the rights didn’t clear out, Stallone and the makers had no choice but to abandon Another One Bites the Dust. Right after that, the Rambo star contacted Survivor’s former keyboardist Jim Peterik, asking him to call back and discuss a new song that Sylvester Stallone wanted for Rocky 3.
How Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger Replaced Another One Bites the Dust in Rocky 3
Sylvester Stallone is known for his massive hit Rocky franchise, and how they elevated the standard of filmmaking, emerging as one of the best action stars of his time. However, making those films was not smooth sailing as Stallone faced notable challenges in each installment.
Also Read: Sylvester Stallone Earned Way Less Money For Rambo 4 After Turning Down $34 Million Offer
The actor wanted to use Queen’s most popular Another One Bites the Dust for Rocky 3, but since they failed to gain the publishing rights, the song remained unused for the third installment in the Rocky franchise. This was when Survivor struggled to secure a name in the industry until Stallone called their former keyboardist Jim Peterik.
According to The Guardian, Peterik explained that Sylvester Stallone was looking for a new song, as impactful as Queen’s song, and wanted it to engage the younger audience more. The Escape Plan star said:
“I’m looking for a new sound for my Rocky III movie. I want something for the kids. Something street, something with a pulse. Can you help me out?”
After acknowledging Stallone’s need for the new song, Peterik and Survivor’s guitarist, Frankie Sullivan, experienced the chills that Another One Bites the Dust gave them. If they hadn’t struggled with the publishing rights, the song would have been a stroke of brilliance. However, despite the initial challenge, the band created a song for Sylvester Stallone.
Sylvester Stallone Initially Disapproved of Survivor’s Songs: Said It Lacked Energy
Survivor came up with the idea of creating a “riff” and coordinating the music with Stallone’s punches in Rocky 3. They finally came up with Eye of the Tiger and were excited about the actor’s feedback on the film. Little did the band members know that their song would not intrigue Stallone initially as he said:
“It doesn’t have balls. I don’t care what the hell you do, I want it to kick a*s.”
The Creed star wanted more energy and thrill in the song, leading the band members to rework Eye of the Tiger. Survivor then increased the intensity, adjusted the volume of their song, and finally got approved by Sylvester Stallone.
Soon after Rocky 3 was released, fans couldn’t stop rocking out to Eye of the Tiger, which also became the game changer for Survivor. The song remained in the first position in the US for almost six weeks, including in other countries.
Watch Rocky 3 on Prime Video.
