Peter Rivera and his band will perform April 24 at the Historic Everett Theatre. Rivera was the lead singer for 1970s hitmakers Rare Earth. (www.peterrivera.com)

Peter Rivera and his band will perform April 24 at the Historic Everett Theatre. Rivera was the lead singer for 1970s hitmakers Rare Earth. (www.peterrivera.com)

With Everett gig, Peter Rivera celebrates another day of living

The Rare Earth lead singer and drummer headlines a show Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.

If you’ve ever listened to a classic rock radio station, you’ve heard Peter Rivera sing.

I just want to celebrate another day of living

I just want to celebrate another day of life

“I Just Want to Celebrate” was a Top 10 single in 1971 for Rare Earth, the hard-driving rock-R&B hybrid band Rivera fronted as lead singer and drummer. From 1969 to 1975, Rare Earth rode high, headlining shows at A-list venues like Madison Square Garden, with the likes of Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and Earth Wind and Fire opening for them. The band scored several other Top 40 hits, with their cover of “Get Ready” reaching No. 4 on the Billboard charts.

Some five decades later, Rivera is still at it. He and his backing band will perform Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.

“This is the third time he’s been here. He always puts on a great show,” said Curt Shriner, theater manager. One of those times, Rivera opened for Mark Farner and “absolutely stole the show” from the former Grand Funk frontman, Shriner said.

Because of the pandemic, Saturday’s show will be Rivera’s first gig in a while, he told The Daily Herald in a phone call from his home in Spokane.

“We’re rehearsing (all week),” he said. “But I’m sure it’ll all come back fairly quick. It’s like a sport. You gotta warm up.”

Rivera, whose real name is Peter Hoorelbeke, grew up in Detroit in a blue-collar home. He took drum lessons at age 10, and within a year his parents had mustered together the money to buy him a drum kit.

He formed his first band at age 15, and two years later started a group called the Sunliners. By 1968, the Sunliners had rechristened themselves Rare Earth. Their club gigs in the Detroit area caught the attention of Motown Records, which was headquartered in the Motor City in those days. Motown formed a record label dedicated to white acts and signed Rare Earth to it. Then, at the band’s suggestion, Motown renamed the label Rare Earth Records.

Rare Earth wasn’t the first all-white act signed by Motown, but it was by far the most successful. Its covers of “Get Ready” and “(I Know) I’m Losing You” charted higher than the Temptations’ original versions.

When Motown’s legendary founder Berry Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972, Rare Earth followed. But as the 1970s wore on, the band’s record sales slipped. Rivera blames Motown.

“Back in the 1970s, record companies would get behind the bands and promote them,” he said. “They’d pour money into the marketing. (Motown) never put that kind of money behind us.”

Naming the record label after Rare Earth was “probably the last promotion we got from them,” Rivera said.

Meanwhile, drug-fueled tensions were wracking the band, and by 1975, Rivera had had enough.

He rejoined the band in 1980.

“The drugs were gone, but there was enough money for alcohol. Some guys started drinking too much. I quit (the band) for good in 1983.”

He later performed for 17 years as the Classic Rock All Stars with Mike Pinera from Iron Butterfly.

Rivera and his wife, Dabar Hoorelbeke, moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from Palos Verdes, California, about 20 years ago. Rivera said it was a better environment for their children, who were entering their teen years at the time. After about 10 years in Coeur d’Alene, they moved across the state line to Spokane. Dabar died in 2013, after 43 years with Rivera. He decided to stay in Spokane, where he has musician friends.

Rivera, 76, will be backed by some of those friends at the Everett show: Dave Hutchenson on bass, Joe Brash on guitar, Danny McCollim on keyboards and Jim Marsella on percussion. He said they’ll play about 18 songs, including Rare Earth hits.

Rivera has written dozens of songs since his Rare Earth days and recorded LPs and EPs of his music. But he realizes audiences want to hear “I Just Want to Celebrate” and “Get Ready.”

“I’m there to play the songs people enjoy. It’s not drudgery,” he said. “It’s just a lot of fun. It’s not boring.”

Rivera is similarly philosophical about the fact that he sees very little money from Rare Earth music, even though his muscular vocals were key to the songs’ success.

“Every once in a while, I’ll get a check for something like $16.31,” he said. “Motown gets paid when the songs get used in commercials. They’re only required to give us a very small percentage. But that’s the way the world works.”

He gets energy from live performances and making new music in his home studio. The songs are available at his website, www.peterrivera.com, where he also posts podcasts reminiscing about his long career in music.

Besides, he pointed out, being a musician is the only thing he knows how to do.

“What am I going to do — get a job?” he said.

“I want to keep living. If I quit this, I’m a dead man. I’m a few steps ahead of the reaper.”

If you go

Peter Rivera and his band will perform April 24 at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Everett resident and renowned harmonica player Lee Oskar will make a special appearance. Bothell rock band Colossal Boss opens. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35. Call 425-258-6766 or go to www.yourhet.org for more information.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

David Austin English Roses (Image from Sunnyside Nursery website).
Where greenery thrives: The most delightful nurseries in Snohomish County

Looking to add life to your space? These nurseries have just what you need!

The previous Volvo XC Recharge is now the 2025 Volvo EX40 (Provided by Volvo).
2025 Volvo EX40 is the new XC Recharge

The compact SUV is still electric and still resplendent.

Work And Play With Confidence. Photo Provided by Chevy Newsroom.
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Turbo-Diesel Delivers 25 MPG

ZR2 4WD Package Adds Off-Road Weekend Versatility

(Image from pexels.com)
Find your flow: The most inspiring yoga studios in Snohomish County

Looking for a place to stretch, strengthen, and find your zen? Herald readers have you covered.

Relax Mind & Body Massage (Photo provided by Sharon Ingrum)
Unwind, relax, and recharge at these top massage spots

Need a break? Discover where to find the most soothing and rejuvenating massages in Snhomish County

(Image from the website).
Finding comfort and care: Top assisted living communities in Snohomish County

Which assisted living communities offer the best care and quality of life? Let’s find out.

Since 1957, Sherwood Community Services has been a place where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full, independent lives as part of their community.
The top three local nonprofits making a real impact in our community

Which local organizations are leading the way in impact and service? Let’s find out.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla four-door hatchback sports car (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota GR Corolla available with an automatic transmission

For the first two years, a six-speed manual was its only gearbox.

Whidbey Clay Center instructor Jordan Jones demonstrates shaping a lump of clay into a gumdrop shape and centering the hole during her class at the Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland. Centering the holes is an important first step to turn clumps of mud into art, whether it be a mug, bowl, spoon rest, dragon, wagon or farm animal. (Patricia Guthrie / Special to The Herald)
Whidbey Island clay artists mucking in mud more than ever

Instructor to class: “Clay is very humbling. But you can remake it. It’s just mud. We’re just having fun.”

Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz USA Online Newsroom
2024 Mercedes GLC 43 Offers Luxury, Style And Performance

On- Or Off-Road, This Versatile Coupe Excels

The Port of Everett is hosting Sail-In Cinema again this summer at Boxcar Park. (Port of Everett)
The must-attend events that defined the year in Snohomish County

Which unforgettable experiences brought the community together? Let’s find out.

A person pauses to look at an art piece during the Schack Art Center’s 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Immerse yourself in the finest art galleries in Snohomish County

Ready to be inspired? Explore these stunning spaces filled with masterpieces!

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.