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Local Man Captures Eye of the Tiger
» Angie Leszczak - Neighbors - August 28, 2008


Most of us only dream of being part of a band. Some of us fulfill the dream by joining a group that has gained national recognition as one of music history's greatest bands.

One such local man has not only dreamed it, but achieved it. Michael Young of Schererville, Ind. was asked to join the band Survivor the beginning of this year and accepted.

Michael has been a musician for 25 years and is a multi-talented individual. He plays keyboards and guitar, sings and writes songs for the band, as well as for his own use.

As a young man from the Riverdale/Dalton area, who was born in Harvey, Michael never thought he would be asked to be a part of a nationally known band. Michael and his wife, Jennifer, have two children. Jennifer worked at the Beecher library until recently.

The band Survivor is known for the song "Eye of the Tiger" which was written expressly for the opening scenes of the Sylvester Stallone movie, "Rocky III." This song brought the band national attention.

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Other songs Survivor has recorded are the hit single "Can't Hold Back" in 1984 which was off the fifth album, "Vital Signs." Between 1984 and 1987, "High on You" hit the top 10 and "The Search is Over" reached the number two spot on the top 100. The song "Burning Heart" was the title track written for yet another Sylvester Stallone sequel, Rocky IV.

Survivor became a band in 1977 in Chicago. The original Survivor members were Frankie Sullivan, Jim Peterik, Dave Bickler, Dennis Johnson and Gary Smith. Survivor was signed to a record deal with Scotti Bros at the end of 1978.

The current Survivor roster consists of Frankie Sullivan on guitar and vocals, Marc Droubey on drums, Robin McAuley on lead vocals, Billy Ozello on bass and background vocals, and Michael Young on keyboards.

Although in some people's eyes Michael is now famous, most of his friends and family see it as a lucky break. They still see him as the Michael Young they have always known.

Michael was asked how he acquired the keyboard position with Survivor and said, "I knew the bass player and keyboard player. They were friends from the area. I got a call one day from the keyboard player, Chris Grove, asking me if I'd be interested in replacing him if he chose to leave the band."

That is exactly what Michael did.

When asked if he was a Survivor fan, prior to joining the band, Michael said, "Being a song writer, Survivor's music style hit me in my generation as a song writer."

Michael has played for several local bands and has played his own gigs, but Survivor is the first known band he has been associated with.

Michael is a full time musician. His time is filled with song writing and practices, but Michael still finds time to occasionally moonlight at a local music store.

Michael will be a part of the new Survivor album which is currently being produced. Michael was unable to say when the new release will be out.

Survivor, with their newest band member, has had a busy touring schedule. They have been playing at local festivals, casinos and recently the band went to the Dominican Republic on tour.

Over the next month they will be touring the United States with gigs in Nebraska and Iowa later this month. In September they will be in Colorado and North Dakota.

To find out more about Survivor's touring schedule, upcoming events and the release of their new album visit www.survivormusic.com.

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