On this day May 31, 1982, Survivor released the iconic single Eye of the Tiger, the adrenaline-pumping anthem that became synonymous with the film Rocky III. Written at the request of Sylvester Stallone, the song combined driving guitar riffs and motivational lyrics that captured the spirit of perseverance and grit.
The single would go on to become a massive global hit, reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 from July 24 to September 3. It also topped the charts in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Australia, and South Africa. Its explosive popularity helped push Survivor into mainstream fame and solidified the track as one of the most recognized songs of the 1980s.
Fun fact: While several sources cite different release dates—May 18 and May 29 among them—many, including Fandom’s Music Hub and guitarist Frankie Sullivan, point to May 31, 1982, as the broader or official release date. The staggered dates may reflect regional distribution or early promotional availability.
The single would go on to become a massive global hit, reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 from July 24 to September 3. It also topped the charts in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Australia, and South Africa. Its explosive popularity helped push Survivor into mainstream fame and solidified the track as one of the most recognized songs of the 1980s.
Fun fact: While several sources cite different release dates—May 18 and May 29 among them—many, including Fandom’s Music Hub and guitarist Frankie Sullivan, point to May 31, 1982, as the broader or official release date. The staggered dates may reflect regional distribution or early promotional availability.
