Burning Heart

The Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO are in for a treat as the hippie DJs of the Zoo Crew spin "Burning Heart" by Survivor, a track from the Rocky IV Soundtrack that’s pure 80s adrenaline. This 1985 anthem, commissioned by Sylvester Stallone himself, was crafted to mirror the Cold War tension of Rocky Balboa’s epic showdown with Ivan Drago. The song’s lyrics, like “Is it East versus West?” and “Can any nation stand alone?”, reflect the ideological clash of the era, with Survivor’s Jimi Jamison belting out vocals that hit like a heavyweight punch. Fun fact: the song was originally titled The Unmistakable Fire until Stallone suggested the fierier "Burning Heart," a change that gave it that iconic edge. The track’s pulsating synths, powered by a Roland Jupiter-8, and Frankie Sullivan’s electrifying guitar riffs made it a chart-topping hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the top spot in Belgium and Switzerland.

Behind the scenes, Survivor faced a challenge capturing the explosive energy Stallone wanted. Songwriter Jim Peterik, in a 2019 interview shared via a post on X, revealed how the band struggled to nail the song’s signature sound until they brought in Dave Arellano, a blind keyboardist from Peterik’s earlier band, The Ides of March. Peterik personally drove Arellano and his gear across town to the studio, where they found the perfect synth sound to punctuate every “In the Burning Heart” line. The music video, directed by Jerry Kramer, blends Survivor’s live concert energy with gritty Rocky IV fight scenes, creating a visual that’s as intense as the song itself. Vinyl collectors still hunt for rare editions, like the UK’s boxing glove-shaped red vinyl single with "Feels Like Love" on the B-side, a gem for any Zoo Freak looking to own a piece of 80s rock history.

Survivor, the Chicago-based rock band behind "Burning Heart," was formed in 1978 by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan. The band’s journey began when Peterik, already a seasoned musician from his time with The Ides of March and their 1970 hit "Vehicle," teamed up with guitarist Sullivan to chase a harder-edged, album-oriented rock sound. Early on, they recruited vocalist Dave Bickler, bassist Dennis Keith Johnson, and drummer Gary Smith, releasing their debut album in 1980. Though their first two albums didn’t set the charts ablaze, their big break came when Stallone tapped them for Rocky III’s "Eye of the Tiger" after Queen denied him use of "Another One Bites the Dust." That song’s massive success in 1982, hitting number one for six weeks, cemented Survivor’s place in rock history and set the stage for their Rocky IV contribution. By the time "Burning Heart" was recorded, Jimi Jamison had replaced Bickler, bringing a powerful new voice that carried the band through their 80s peak.

Survivor’s legacy lives on through their official channels and fan communities. You can catch up with them on their official website, where they share tour updates and band history. Their Facebook page keeps fans posted on new releases and throwback content, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and nostalgic photos. On X, they engage with fans, sharing memories like the Rocky IV era and recent performances. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the Survivor Fan Club on Facebook is a lively spot to discuss the band’s music, share rare vinyl finds, and relive the glory days of arena rock. The Zoo Crew’s spin of "Burning Heart" is a perfect chance to crank up the volume and feel that warrior’s code—no surrender!