Which band performed the song 'Eye of the Tiger' for Rocky III?

Survivor performed “Eye of the Tiger” for Rocky III. The American rock band recorded the song as the film’s main theme, helping turn Rocky’s comeback story into one of the most recognizable sports-movie moments in popular culture.

Sylvester Stallone approached Survivor after Queen denied permission to use “Another One Bites the Dust.” Stallone supplied the band with footage from Rocky III and asked for a song with a strong pulse suited to boxing and training sequences. Guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik wrote the track, drawing its title from Apollo Creed’s advice that Rocky needed to regain his “eye of the tiger.”

Released in 1982, the song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and became Survivor’s signature hit. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

A common mix-up is assuming Queen performed it because “Eye of the Tiger” shares the arena-rock sound associated with many classic movie anthems. Queen’s song was considered for the film, but Survivor ultimately supplied the recording used for Rocky III.