Emerging from the British Invasion of the 1960s, Eric Burdon & The Animals carved a permanent niche in rock history with their deep passion for rhythm and blues. Leading the charge with his distinctive voice, Eric Burdon became an iconic figure in music, guiding the band to international success.
Their journey from gritty beginnings to global stardom and subsequent disbandment is a tale of raw talent, creative evolution, and enduring influence. Let’s dive into the story of their songs, members, break-ups, and reunions, bringing to life the legacy that continues to resonate with rock enthusiasts around the world.
The formation of the animals
The Animals’ origins can be traced back to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, where a group of music-obsessed teenagers banded together to form a band that would become known for a gritty, bluesy sound. With Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals at the forefront, the original lineup included Alan Price on keyboards, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, and John Steel on drums.
It was this lineup that catapulted into fame with their monumental hit “House of the Rising Sun,” a traditional folk tune with a modern twist that became an anthem for a generation. Their influence began to spread rapidly, with songs, members, break-up and reunions of Eric Burdon’s The Animals becoming constant topics of conversation.
The group’s dynamic was as intense as their music, driven by the individual talents of its members. Alan Price’s keyboard riffs, Valentine’s blues-infused guitar licks, Chandler’s steady bass, and Steel’s rhythmic drumming created a sound that defined an era.
Changes in alignment and reunifications over the years
Despite their initial success, The Animals were not immune to the common rock band affliction of lineup changes. Alan Price departed in 1965, citing a fear of flying, and was replaced by Dave Rowberry. Over the years, the band saw many members come and go, creating an ever-evolving sound.
The original Animals disbanded in 1966, but the name lived on through various incarnations and reunifications. Notably in the late 1970s, Burdon reunited with Chandler, Steel, and Valentine to revive the classic Animals sound that fans yearned for.
- Original lineup’s breakup (1966)
- Various incarnations (1966-1975)
- Reunion of the original members (1975-1976)
- Later reunions and tours (1983, 1990s)
These reuniones y cambios en The Animals kept their legacy alive, delighting new and old fans alike with tours and live performances.
The most iconic songs of the animals
The Animals’ discography is filled with songs that have become timeless classics. Their interpretations of blues and rock standards showcased their unique sound and ability to make any song distinctly their own.
See Also:
Dennis Wilson: The tragic life and death of the Beach Boys drummer- “House of the Rising Sun” – an enduring classic with Burdon’s signature vocals.
- “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” – a plea for empathy and understanding.
- “We Gotta Get out of This Place” – an anthem of aspiration and escape.
- “It’s My Life” – a declaration of personal freedom and resilience.
- “Bring It on Home to Me” – a soulful rendition of Sam Cooke’s hit.
Each track stands as a testament to the influence of The Animals in the history of rock, with powerful storytelling and raw emotion that resonates across generations.
Why did eric burdon leave war?
After The Animals’ disbandment, Burdon went on to form the funk band War. Their music reflected a blend of rock, jazz, and soul, creating hits like “Spill the Wine.” However, Burdon’s time with War was short-lived. He left in 1971 during a European tour, citing exhaustion and personal issues.
This departure was a pivotal moment, marking the end of a significant chapter in Burdon’s career. Eric Burdon’s venture into new musical territories with War expanded his artistic palette but also highlighted the challenges of maintaining relationships within a band.
The period after leaving War saw Burdon continue to explore different musical avenues, though he would always be associated with his groundbreaking work with The Animals.
Royalty disputes and legal conflicts
The story of The Animals is also marked by legal disputes over royalties and credits. The most notable of these controversies involves the authorship of “House of the Rising Sun,” with disputes arising over the rearrangement credits that significantly impacted royalties.
These internal conflicts, coupled with the pressures of fame, often soured relationships between members. Despite these challenges, the legacy of Eric Burdon’s The Animals endures, illustrating the complex nature of the music industry.
Resolving these disputes took years and, in some cases, the bitterness lingered, overshadowing the band’s achievements. Nevertheless, the music of The Animals continues to be celebrated worldwide.
The influence of the animals on rock history
The Animals’ influence on the rock genre is undeniable. Their blues-infused rock sound helped to shape the musical landscape of the 1960s and beyond. Bands and artists from various genres cite The Animals as a significant influence on their own work.
From the punk rock of the late ’70s to the alternative rock movements of the ’90s, the echoes of The Animals’ powerful sound can be heard. The raw emotive storytelling embedded in their songs has become a blueprint for aspiring musicians.
The band’s ability to convey the human experience through music has ensured that The Animals’ history and songs remain a touchstone for fans and artists alike.
See Also:
Nico: The enigmatic artist who lived many lives and her timeless legacyInside the Music: Exploring The Animals’ Lasting Impact and Eric Burdon’s Artistry
Are any members of the Animals still alive?
Yes, as of the time of this writing, several members of The Animals are still alive, including the illustrious frontman Eric Burdon. Their continued presence serves as a living connection to the band’s rich legacy.
Members like drummer John Steel have also been active in maintaining the legacy through performances and interviews, sharing valuable insights into the band’s history.
Who gets the royalties for House of the Rising Sun in the Animal?
The royalties for “House of the Rising Sun” have been a contentious issue. Initially, credits were traditional, but later Alan Price received arrangement credits, causing tension within the band. Current royalty distributions are likely governed by legal agreements made over the years.
These arrangements are often complex and subject to the specific terms agreed upon by the members and their labels.
When did Eric Burdon leave the band War?
Eric Burdon parted ways with War in late 1971. The split occurred amid a European tour, largely due to Burdon’s exhaustion and a desire to take a different artistic direction.
His departure signaled a significant shift for both Burdon and the band, each going on to explore new musical ventures separately.
What was the original lineup of the Animals?
The original lineup of The Animals consisted of Eric Burdon on vocals, Alan Price on keyboards, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, and John Steel on drums.
This lineup is often regarded as the classic configuration of the band, responsible for their early hits and defining their blues-rock sound.
In the midst of their story, iconic performances like their 1964 rendition of “House of the Rising Sun” captured the essence of The Animals. Let’s take a moment to revisit this landmark moment.
The story of Eric Burdon & The Animals is one of passion, transformation, and endurance—a narrative that continues to inspire and move audiences worldwide. From their songs, members, break-up and reunions, their journey through the annals of rock history remains as compelling as their music.
See Also:
Top songs by The Animals: A definitive list