EXCLUSIVE: Classic melodic rockers SURVIVOR are coming back.
Following the tragic death of Jimi Jamison, the band (featuring original guitarist Frankie Sullivan and original vocalist Dave Bickler) went into indefinite hiatus.
But now news comes that Frankie Sullivan has recruited a new vocalist to take Jimi’s place and join him and Dave Bickler on the road again, starting in January at a Las Vegas date.
The new voice is Nashville singer/songwriter Cameron Barton – a 20 year old described on his website as “Fusing iconic classic rock songs with today’s modern country, Cameron brings a new and compelling sound to country music”.
Survivor’s booking agent website was quoted: “Survivor has a live show that brings your audience right back to the original records with a true concert excitement! Lead by founding member/lead guitarist Frankie Sullivan at the helm along with original lead singer Dave Bickler and the band's newest member Cameron Barton whose natural vocals clone the late Jimi Jamison, Survivor's second singer. Limited shows for 2015, 2016 touring the world!”
When asked to comment, Frankie Sullivan would only state “No singer news as of yet. Will keep you posted.” The new quote disappeared from the site later that very day.
So it’s yet to be made official, but I can 100% confirm that the band has already started rehearsals with Dave and Cameron.
It’s good to see the guys back, but it’s with a heavy heart that it must happen without the late, great Jimi Jamison.
UPDATED; Here is the official press release made overnight:
VETERAN ROCK BAND HITS THE ROAD WITH LEAD VOCALIST CAMERON BARTON
Legendary rock band Survivor is embarking on their next chapter in 2016 with a new member who has seemingly given new life to one of rock ‘n’ roll’s preeminent bands. With 21-year-old Nashville resident Cameron Barton assuming lead vocalist duties, the group will take their trademark arena rock sound to their loyal and devoted fan base.
Barton steps into the role of Jimi Jamison, who passed away in September 2014. Survivor is excited to have Cameron bring his powerhouse vocal style to the band’s live shows. “He’s great,” says the band’s Frankie Sullivan. “After hearing him, I was in Nashville within twenty four hours. I was in the studio with him about a day later. I stayed with him for about four days, and put him through the ringer. He just kept getting better and kept delivering.” Barton’s commitment to getting the job done is something that impresses his bandmate. “He’s a very focused guy. Most musicians aren’t that focused when they are that young. He learned twenty songs in about eight days.”
Sullivan noted that there might be pressure of taking on the role of lead singer in a group with such a historic pedigree, but he says Barton doesn’t seem to be affected by the pressure. “He just wants to do what he does. You get new people in with new ideas, and usually that comes with a different vibe.”
All in all, the band is hoping that 2016 brings more success with their impending tour and planned album, slated for later in the year. “I think it could be a year to remember. He has a great work ethic.”
Survivor released their first album in 1980 on Scotti Brothers Their first Top-40 on the Hot 100 came the next year with “Poor Man’s Son.” Their big break would come in 1982 when the band was asked by Sylvester Stallone to provide the theme song for Rocky III. That single, “Eye Of The Tiger,” hit # 1 – staying there for seven weeks, winning a Grammy for Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal, a People’s Choice Award, and an Academy Award nomination. The song came in at #18 on the “Top 100 Singles” chart in Billboard‘s 100th Anniversary issue and it’s well over the 300,000 mark on iTunes, where it’s currently holding strong at #9 on their “Top Soundtrack” chart. The band also struck paydirt as a result of a Stallone movie when “Burning Heart” appeared on the soundtrack of Rocky IV in 1985, hitting # 2 on the singles chart.
The band’s VITAL SIGNS, was another huge success for the band, peaking at #16 on Billboard‘s “Top 200 Albums” chart thanks to the Billboard Top-20 hits "I Can't Hold Back" (#13), "High On You" (#8) and "The Search Is Over" (#4).
Dates for 2016 will be announced soon. For more information about Survivor, log on to their www.SurvivorBand.com
