Key Takeaways:
– Eye of the Tiger from Rocky III was initially thought to be inadequate by Sylvester Stallone.
– Despite initial doubts, the song turned into a Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated single.
– Although it tops in superiority, the song used in the movie is the demo version, not the original.
Sylvester Stallone Initially Rejected Eye of the Tiger for Rocky III
Renowned for his gritty roles in pulsating fight sequences, Hollywood veteran Sylvester Stallone is well-known for his part in the Rocky franchise, which features celebrated action scenes and iconic musical scores. However, the third installment’s official soundtrack holds a surprising story. Initially, Stallone felt that Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” lacked the requisite punch for Rocky III.
The Power-Packed Eye of the Tiger
The influential song has an iconic guitar riff and a pulsating rhythm, exerting an undeniable energetic force. With its capacity to spur a sudden adrenaline rush, it evokes an inner fighter spirit among listeners. The song’s recognition soon translated to numerous accolades, including Grammy commendation and Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations.
Stallone’s Reluctance and Subsequent Approval
The song was composed by Survivor’s Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. On hearing it for the first time, Stallone did not seem convinced of its suitability for the forthcoming Rocky III movie soundtrack. Sullivan revealed in an interview with The Guardian that after two days of deliberate listening, Stallone articulated his dissatisfaction and demanded a song that “kicks a**.”
Sullivan then made subtle tweaks to the composition, elevating the faders by a single decibel, and presented the reworked demo to Stallone. The minor tweak noticeably improved the song, and Stallone instantaneously loved it. Surprisingly, Stallone didn’t care whether it was a demo, influencing the delivery of an eventual chart-topping single in the movie.
The Variation between the Demo and Original Song
Interestingly, the track that ultimately made it to the screen was the demo version. Survivor’s guitarist and the song’s producer, Frankie Sullivan, noted in an interaction with American Songwriter that the cut featured in the record and the movie were actually two distinct versions. The rawness and superior low-end of the demo seemingly resonated with Stallone, prompting its inclusion in the movie.
The Impact on Survivor and Future Availability of the Song
The impulsive decision by Sylvester Stallone not only etched Survivor’s name in history but also catapulted them to legendary status. The song can be credited for making the band iconic, and Sullivan, to date, is immensely grateful for the fame and recognition it extended to him and his band.
Despite Stallone’s initial dismissal, the song’s prominence in popular culture remains unwavering. Rocky III is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime, while both the movie and album versions of the Eye of The Tiger can be streamed on YouTube.
