May 5, 2025
Calling all Rock music lovers! In this article of Backstage at the Egyptian, Scott May, keyboard instrumentalist and Jim Peterik, guitarist and singer of The Ides of March are interviewed by our Marketing Intern Lia Martinez. Scott shares his favorite aspects of the band, the changes he’s witnessed since he joined in 1990 and how he views the atmosphere at the Egyptian Theatre. Jim shares sources of inspiration for the band’s amazing songs and deciding factors for
Lia: What are your favorite aspects of being a member of The Ides of March?
Scott: The brotherhood, mostly. The Ides have always been heroes to me, as I grew up alongside them in Berwyn, IL. Being in the band has been a practical education-I’ve learned so much about songwriting from Jim, Audio recording from Larry, Business from Bob, and Music arranging from Mike.
L: What keeps the inspiration for your band alive?
Jim: The Ides of March have been together as a band for 60 plus years and as one of the four original members I’m inspired to keep the positive spirit of the Ides brotherhood alive in ever show we perform and every song we write and perform. The audience applause is our best reward.
L: When and how did you become one of the bands in the Cornerstones of Rock event?
S: The Ides were the catalyst in the creation of the Public Television Special, after mounting a similar show for our 50th anniversary. We worked closely with the TV Show’s producers.
L: Have there been any changes (ex. more recognition, audience diversity, special effects) since you’ve joined it?
S: We see more and more young folks in our audiences-they have been exposed to our music via their parents (or, indeed, GRANDparents).
L: What are the deciding factors of which songs are played during shows?
J: We vary the song list for each show but have the staples that we play at every show because the audience would go home very disappointed if we did not do our biggest hits such as Vehicle- You Wouldn’t Listen and LA Goodbye plus the songs I wrote with 38 Special- Sammy Hagar and others.
L: How does the atmosphere of the Egyptian Theatre influence your performance?
S: It’s a very positive environment. The room is “Friendly”, which provides inspiration. The staff has also been very kind and enthusiastic-which always provides “good vibes”
