Ides of March's Peterik collapses on stage in Des Plaines, is expected to be OK

Jim Peterik of the Ides of March collapsed from apparent heat exhaustion while performing Sunday afternoon at the Des Plaines Theatre.

Ron Onesti, president and CEO of theater operator Onesti Entertainment Corp., later said Peterik is in good spirits and is expected to be OK.

Peterik was playing guitar and singing with the Ides of March at about 4:30 p.m. when he collapsed during the final song of the performance's first half, Onesti said.

"He got a little dizzy and fell backward. We called the ambulance," he added. "He was 100% coherent the whole time and smiling and communicative. He didn't pass out or anything like that. So it looks to me like there should be no issue whatsoever."

Onesti said Peterik had been on stage for a long time and was wearing a heavy costume. A doctor said the collapse likely was the result of heat exhaustion and dehydration, he added.

The show, Cornerstones of Rock, also featured the New Colony Six, the Cryan' Shames and the Buckinghams.

Peterik, a Chicago-area native and Grammy winner, is best known for writing hits including "Vehicle" with the Ides of March and "Eye of the Tiger" with Survivor.