Peter Rivera Remembers the Beginnings of Rare Earth

[@cookielover1253]

My father, Ralph Terrana, was one of the original members of Rare Earth when they started as the Sunliners. He has nothing but great memories of Pete and the rest of the band.

[@rgracia633]

One of the most underrated bands in the 70s.

[@cedbigby1126]

I have to agree!!I wish they wld of been as big as The Stones etc

[@ThePixilator]

Underrated FROM the '70's. I was too young to go to clubs and I wouldn't have been allowed downtown, even if I was. I remember the first time I saw the band on TV (or it could have been just Peter), but playing drums and singing lead, wondering, how does he do that? Why isn't he out of breath? Anyway, I played the grooves out of the 45's I had. I've asked Fil from Wings of Pegasus to please feature a Vlog of Rate Earth. He critiques a lot of bands from that era. Don't know if he'll do it, but if so, it may help to generate a bit more in royalties.

[@BobJones-dq9mx]

They were excellent!

[@canadianroot]

Not really aware of a rating system, and I hate this meme. But they should have reached a wider audience for a longer period of time, but they probably needed better songwriting (if hits were the goal), management, and stable personnel.

[@georgebrown2175]

They were not underrated at the time.

[@butchrillera669]

Pete - My name is Butch Rillera. I first met you when I was the drummer with Jerry LaCroix and White Trash and we did a show together. Our bass player was friends with Joe Lala. After the Trash broke up I went with a group called Redbone. Good to see you're still around...!

[@amjrpain919]

I can't imagine not having "Rare Earth" in my life as a young adult... Thanks guys for all the memories!

[@mrlencho7686]

Rare Earth is pure Detroit Soul and this man was blessed. It’s 2022 I was born in 1972 I was raised on Funk and Rare Earth they in my playlist for sure. I’m just a Chicano from So Cal. Gracias for the Firme Musica it lives on , gotta love that smirk at the end ✊🏽💙🇺🇸

[@christopherg9806]

Being a singing drummer is not easy, and Peter Hoorelbeke (Rivera) had an absolutely amazing voice. And after watching concerts he’s done in recent years, he can still belt it out.

[@mjsmcd]

Why the name change?

[@mattharper588]

Just a guess but could have been to shorten it up and make it easier to pronounce and it sounds cooler a lot of musicians and actors did that

[@robertbishop5357]

A great band. Rivera is and will always be the voice of Rare Earth.

[@chifan7]

Rare Earth was Freakin Awesome!! To this day, one of my All Time favorites!!!

[@LoneWolf-yp2mo]

As a drummer myself, this guy is an idol in my eyes !! Such a humble GOOD man !! Thank you Peter for a life of GREAT music. God Bless You !!

[@kimmergonzales9792]

I got in to Rare Earth back 1969 with their debut album Get Ready. I saw them in 1974 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. No opening band, just them. Great concert 🙌😍!!

[@paul12454]

Peter is awesome,If you have never met Peter he treats you like he has known you for years. He is so cool....Rock on Peter !

[@rhymetimeFUPM78]

That is so true (kids were in 2nd grade, maybe first)... he came to play at our sons baseball dance in Simi Valley..hung with us at a club he played at later....love this man

[@MichaeljMang]

Love this guy! What a Voice…🎶🎶🎶

[@drumsleuth]

One of the best bands I have ever seen. Dig you Pete .A singing drummer we are rare but more will follow.

[@georgebrown2175]

I loved these guys.

[@davidchavers5881]

The mightiest white soul singer of his time! That's Peter Rivera.

[@davidmoran3248]

Right on Peter! Congratulations brother. Very cool. Still listen to your music always! 👍

[@johndavoli3872]

You are a great man Peter....God Bless...

[@richardsarbanis1861]

John Davoli .

[@timallbritton7329]

They were just a fantastic band. Really talented with a great sound.

[@evonnechi7029]

Rare Earth is one of the greatest groups that made Classic Rock what it is today. I just have one more thing to say -- one .. two .. three .. four .... I just want to celebrate another day of living....

[@musicman920]

What a great story, what a man...Peter's music has been a major part of my life since the early 70's....Rare Earth a great band and Peter Rivera a truly great singer....

[@jeffmorse645]

What a cool guy! Perfect advice he's giving to young people about finding something you love to do. Life is too short to settle for less.

[@mightylonesome9426]

Saw them in Indy in the early 70's. They were the final act in a 12 hour outdoor concert and they were simply awesome, best of the day.

[@richardmurphy8744]

I met you "PETE" at the old "DRUM SHOP" DOWN TOWN DETROIT. JUST YOU ME AND THE OWNER! WE TALKED, YOU IMPRINTED ON ME MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW, THANK YOU, GOD BLESS 🥁🎵🎶👊⭐🕶️

[@madisimmons2006]

HE is one of my major influences and a drummer///THANK YOU SIR///

[@markblue5375]

Pete , your an icon to Rock n Roll !

[@bugs4680]

what a down to earth humble guy !!!!

[@mbeenz]

ONE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS OF ALL TIME!, Brilliant

[@joehamlet7576]

Yeah, I am 65 now. Still play some Rare Earth tunes in my collection of different songs. I was a wannabe drummer, had my own set, but could never play the way Pete did. And forget about playing AND singing. My brain just couldn't go there. But I would play along with songs on the albums and could pick up some of it. But never good enough to be in any kind of local band. Thank you Rare Earth for being part of my youth.

[@Ballenxj]

Doobie Brothers, & Steely Dan opening for you guys? WOW! What a great success story. Thumb up.

[@kabbey30]

Never paid really much attention to this group, back in the day, but Pete Rivera's voice stands out in my memory for the greatest era of music which was the 1960's and 1970's.

[@vigt548]

I had never seen someone sing and play drums at the same time - and he was such a bad ass doing it. Powerful music, Indellible impression I carry with me today.

[@brucewilson1958]

I appreciate your humility and "Attitude of Gratitude". Bravo Good Brother!

[@jorgejohnson451]

This is awesome. His humility is heart-warming. Today, everyone thinks they have invented music.

[@born_again_torinos]

I just met Peter and his wife today. They came over to my house and bought some tomato plants. A very humble, funny salt of the earth guy.

[@battambangscooterandmotorc460]

Exactly

[@beatvampire]

Truth is I did 😉

[@jerrycooprider4401]

Saw them in 1974 at De Paul University in Greencastle, Indiana, To this day it was the best concert I have ever attended. When I listen to the “Rare Earth Live in Concert” it takes right back there!!!

[@BabaRabba2]

Simply fantastic, I like his approach to try to stay faithful to original. Rare Earths version of "Get Ready" is still a masterpiece. I used to be the DJ in my hood and I will play Rare Earth music and we danced a lot to it. Pete is the core of Rare Earth.

[@drumdiscussion7776]

Thanks to Peter and Rare Earth for such an influence on young musicians worldwide. Growing up watching Peter play his drums and sing was inspiring in itself. Such a beautiful musical experience. ❤

[@andyharris17able]

Just fantastic band , and what a great powerful voice the drummer has . Better days then , no worry's...

[@MrRlwiley]

so cool, Rare Earth GET READY loved it. Pete Rivera was an awesome drummer/singer as good as there ever was.

[@heavnnnsent]

Six feet under resurrected this song for me in an amazing way, my favorite series ever. This is my favorite song by this band rare Earth, and have such respect for everyone in the band .....I get chills when I hear this song.

[@ghana312]

Loved Rare Earth. Had every album. Peter Rivera’s voice... Outstanding.

[@836dmar]

Love it, Peter. So perfect and eternal. Thank you!

[@jonlee2186]

Thanks for the history lesson. The biography of Rock legends are always fascinating. Never knew the name of the lead singer of the group. I just checked an old 33 album that I bought(Super star series volume 16) & there no mention of the band members ? Thank God for KZbin. Peter has such a dynamic voice, but a mellow personality. For what its worth, the best rock groups are from the 60's & 70's.

[@fw1421]

jon lee Agreed 110 %!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@joethompson2910]

I second that motion!

[@brentluckhart6238]

What a dad Peter had!

[@timstokes4051]

Peter, what a humble recounting of your awesome talent....and great life. The songs are still stirring.....and unique

[@felixcavalier17]

This was awesome. Interesting. I love Rare Earth .

[@thabilsterone]

I got to meet Mr Rivera in the 90s I told him that I considered him the Frank Sinatra of rock music with his amazing voice, he smiled and said no one had ever said that to him before and he appreciated it ......he was a super nice guy.

[@midnightrider7648]

Cool story. Peter had the heart, soul & talent to make it. Thanks for all the great music.

[@rockzulla]

AMEN TO THAT.

[@Stevo343]

Super group. Man, I remember the good old days of Rare Earth.

[@richardcalabrese864]

Thanks for sharing your story Peter.

[@fw1421]

I saw Rare Earth in Tampa in 69 or 70 and they were the lead in for Steppenwolf. They blew Steppenwolf off the stage. It was right after their first album came out. I loved Rare Earth,they were awesome on stage!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Raellives]

Great story!!

[@jd70HJ19]

Peter Rivera is a great drummer /musician ...and more important than that , he is a class act human being . As a contemporary in the age group Rare Earth filled my car with sound that spilled out on the streets ...back then cops used to stop cars for it .I did not care and got told many times to tone it down .But thanks Peter ...I cannot imagine my youth as I lived it , without your powerful voice , your expert drumming and Rare Earth music to complement the music that existed in those years .

[@battambangscooterandmotorc460]

Wow! Fantastic. What a great down to "earth" guy. I'm gunna dig me some o dat rare earth baby.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

So proud to have him living locally in Spokane.

[@samalex8724]

As a Black man, in High School was one of my favorite groups, full of soul!

[@dynasticlight1073]

Toatally, loved listening to Peter . Very capable singer -Drummer..Very kool dude. Lets keep it ,RARE....

[@kaybonsu7731]

grew up on this music

[@Kenneth-qd3js]

These guys were great seen them play twice as a young man and just great sets they played very talented musicians Pete was a great drummer and lead singer

[@rramonfli]

My favorite band growing up

[@carljacobson7156]

Rare Earth was Awesome!! Pete's got a great voice and hits the hell out of those drums.

[@raybenoit5238]

He seemingly still has never forgot where he came from and who he is.and yes, that really is him and rare earth rocking the joint all over the world .

[@beatrizward9878]

I still dance to the beat of Get Ready

[@hdriderpat22]

This band was the reason i wanted to play the drums

[@lionheartroar3104]

His voice is still amazing

[@kenbobek5207]

What a super video you put together. Takes me back to freshman year of high school. Loved it !

[@sharonlynnh.1951]

I recall staying up many Friday nights to watch RARE EARTH and other incrediable bands on the Don Kirshner Rock Concert and Midnight Special (w/Wolf man Jack Host/Helen Ready Hostess) perform: the music line up acts of the '70's were Soulful jamming, totally outta sight!! Also, will never forget seeing them on Dick Clark American Bandstand 1969/70 they performed Get Ready & In Bed & in 1978 performed Warm Ride: happy 50th Anniversary Rare Earth (Pete, Gil, John, Kenny, Rod, Ed, Mark, Ray & Mike). You guys are magic.

[@ThePixilator]

Sharon, don't forget the Midnight Special. In those days (pre MTV and ANY video) when you were too young to go to concerts, it was really the only way to put the faces to the music. It came alive.

[@robbrown4621]

Rare Earth, at Philharmonic Hall in NYC, was the first concert I ever attended. I think that was 1974. I went into the music business afterward and spent 30+ years following my bliss. :)

[@FL8mileshigh1]

Love the pop of the snare drum in "Get Ready." Pete really lays down the groove is this one.

[@chrislynn2658]

One of my all time favorite bands, thank you so very much for your music and the wonderful memories I have of those times (60's 70's).

[@brucek66]

Factory worker dad refinanced the house for a full drum set. Now that is commitment! 1974 Lead band for California Jam. Rock and Roll History

[@joethompson2910]

Saw this cat play with RE in Albuquerque back around 72'...... Was great... very solid drummer! Then saw him years later in "The Classic Rock Allstar's" Was also good!❤️ Thanks for the memories my dude!!

[@cibonthesaint8903]

What a great man!

[@bradstarkey7369]

You impressed me live back in the day and even now spot on. i sang that song losing you to my ex before she wasn't ... Now years later Im singing it again but its ok Im good thank you ur great

[@helmutbiehl2454]

Thank you so much for telling your memories. Your albums "Dreams/Answers", "Generation", "Get Ready", "Ecology" (What an album title for 1970), "One World", "In Concert", Willie Remembers" had a big influence on my life then. "One World" album is so damn magic....

[@josephantonio7059]

Your band was SUPER.

[@maryben-mcd6562]

Love Rare Earth! So Awesome & The Best for me to Dance to..Get Ready💖 So fine!💯✌🙋‍♀️

[@johns2453]

grew up on Rare Earth

[@tonyallen6510]

Same here

[@norasotoramirez4027]

Recuerdo como si fuera ayer, cuando mi mamá nos dió dinero a mi hermana y a mí para comprar el increíble y espectacular LP de acetato de RARE EARTH una de las mejores bandas de Rock de todos los tiempos...ver a Peter Rivera en éste video de 2016 es súper emocionante para mí...salud para todos los miembros de la banda y para todos los que vean este comentario, en estos tiempos difíciles de COVID19... OCTUBRE 2020.

[@alexisnihon1]

What a great story... That is my dream..

[@TheSpottedCats]

Thanks Biagio! Best wishes for you in all you aspire to do!

[@albertmusco]

Brilliant !!! Mr. Hoorelbeke.s band , the Rare Earth , was one of my favorite bands in the early seventies. It was a true pleasure to see this short documentary to take me back to that place and time , and to ponder his words of doing what you love to do .

[@carlwysocki9635]

Pete Hoorelbeke (Rivera) and my Dad and Uncle Don's great friends in high school... They went to St Benedictine in Detroit....

[@agentaprilh1]

So terrific

[@martinjaramillo2429]

What a cool guy

[@musicman920]

I get chills/goose bumps just listening to Peter speak......

[@chucktingstad5636]

He and his band played Spokane's (where he lives now nearby) at Labor Day Pigout in the Park numerous times, but not lately. Hope they come back. First saw Rare Earth at Cal Jam 1974 when I was 16 years old. Fantastic.

[@pmccachren]

Amazing story. Great band!

[@Braglemaster123]

Great !!!!!!! Peter

[@Doc-Greene]

I got to jam with PETER in Laredo Tx at the Sheraton Inn. i got to hang out with these guys and got pictures of them feeding my kids French fries. LOL back in 1977

[@tomgeauvreau7099]

Being from Detroit area I remember the Sunliners. Very tight group then. Their vibe meshed with the Motown style with great results. Good story and a style all their own.

[@strattuner]

first time I heard IN BED,IT kept me up at nites,i tried to figure out what kind of mind it would take to write that incredible song,still listening to it,and shaking my head,genius is all that comes to mind when thinking of RARE EARTH,SAW them live 8 times,screw the money the show was worth it,i let youth drive

[@lindaosborne6266]

Peter wrote a fascinating book called "Born to Wander". I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!

[@seamus2112ophelan]

Linda Osborne Thanks for that tidbit! I'm gonna check it out, I love reading musician biographies.

[@paul12454]

Linda Osborne I have that book .....loved it Read it in like two days couldn't put it down either

[@sharonlynnh.1951]

Yes, incrediable music History Bio book by Peter Rivera (Hoorelbeke) legendary Drummer/Lead Vocalist of Motown Rare Earth: one of the founding members. I'll cherish the foundation members forever.

[@ThePixilator]

@@sharonlynnh.1951 😊 Thanks for that tid bit. I knew the name Rivera didn't fit the face.

[@daanwg2796]

Thanks for that reference. I’m going to check it out. Big big fan of Rare Earth.

[@manuelmendez1799]

Excellent video.

[@rogerfournier3284]

Peter Rivera!

[@larryj7445]

After seeing rare earth at Calif jam imran out the next day and bought that album. Great band...

[@michaelcox9122]

I was 6-7 year old kid and my high-school-aged brother Danny had to look after me every afternoon after picking me up from school. One day we ended up at one of his friends’ houses and in his buddy’s room was a record player and on it was that 21-minute version of Get Ready. In hindsight I guess the guys put that on and told me to stay put (likely while they went and did something I didn’t need to be party to). Today I’d say it had desirable results. Even if I was already hooked on music (which probably was), I stared at that album cover and listened to that one side probably 2-3 times before my brother & his buddies returned. I also remember the famous poster of Brigette Bardot on a motorcycle hanging in that room. Well’ that’s another thing, ain’t it?

[@shancan6328]

He looks good! I love that they played the song in the background. I love that he would stand up and walk around at concerts and return to drums. Great big voice.

[@jfjc5694]

Peter you’re awesome 😎 👏🏼

[@ccfarrar7981]

Sweet Peter Rivera Rare as he is!

[@ACG7001]

Detroit definitely had the best rock scene ever

[@RannJamm]

I saw rare earth in bloomington, ind at IU nov. 1970, stood right in front with my elbows on the stage. Great show

[@bobbyvoit5041]

I was there tooo!!!! Just not on the front row! :(

[@tonyaltano7992]

I currently sing 15 numbers daily. 13 GIRLSCHOOL songs, Cabaret by Satchmo, & I Just Want To Celebrate by Rare Earth. Nice interview.