Origins and Early Success:
Eric Burdon and the Animals formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in 1962. The group consisted of Burdon as the lead vocalist, Alan Price on keyboards, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Chas Chandler on bass, and John Steel on drums.
The Animals gained recognition in 1964 with their hit single "House of the Rising Sun," which reached number one on the charts in several countries. The song became one of the most iconic tracks of the 1960s and has been covered by numerous artists since.
Evolution of Sound and Personnel Changes:
The Animals' early sound was rooted in blues and R&B, but they experimented with various genres as their career progressed. Their subsequent albums showcased their versatility and included tracks like "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," and "San Franciscan Nights."
However, the band experienced lineup changes, including the departure of keyboardist Alan Price and bassist Chas Chandler in 1965. Despite these changes, the band continued to release successful albums and toured extensively.
Disbanding and Solo Career:
In 1966, the Animals disbanded after a final performance at the Fillmore West in San Francisco. Eric Burdon went on to form a new group called Eric Burdon and the New Animals, which had some success but never achieved the same level of popularity as the original band.
Burdon later embarked on a solo career and collaborated with various musicians. He released several solo albums and continued to perform live, often revisiting his hits from the Animals era.
Reunion and Legacy:
In 1983, the original members of the Animals reunited for a one-time charity concert. Although they considered doing more shows together, the reunion never materialized.
Eric Burdon has continued to perform and tour as a solo artist, paying tribute to his iconic music with the Animals. Despite various lineup changes and the band's ultimate disbandment, Eric Burdon and the Animals' influence and legacy remain significant in rock and blues music.