The Animals were one of the most important bands originating from England during the '60s. The group is widely considered the raunchiest, the dirtiest, the spottiest, the most authentic and uncompromisingly raw band of their time. Formed in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, the group reflected their earthy upbringing with hard-charging, blues-based rock 'n roll, deriving much of their early repertoire from American Blues and R&B sources.
Their career took off with their move to London in January 1964. With the release of "House of the Rising Sun" later that year, the Animals became the first British group after the Beatles to chart a Number One single in America. Their brooding arrangement of "House of the Rising Sun" - a traditional folk song recorded by Josh White and Bob Dylan became an early milestone in the British Invasion.
"House of the Rising Sun" topped the American and British charts. In fact, it stayed at #1 in the U.S. for three weeks - longer than any single since the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" held down the top spot a half-year earlier.
The Animals followed "House of the Rising Sun" with seven more Top Forty hits, at least four of which - "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (#15), "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" (#13), "It's My Life" (#23) and "Don't Bring Me Down" (#12) - are bonafide classics of the British Invasion era.
The Animals & Friends at The Acoustic Festival of Britain 2006

The Animals & Friends play The Main Stage at The Acoustic Festival of Britain 2006
More Photos

The concept of Animals and Friends began in the spring of 2000. Hilton Valentine had re-located to America but demand was high for the Animals. Peter Barton former Mindbender had been gigging in a band alongside John Williamson, former guitarist from Titanic. A suggestion was made to team the two units together. Pete had been involved with the Animals now for almost a decade on the management front. Due to the pedigree of the current band members the band was re-named Animals and friends. Jim Rodford was a well-known face from the Kinks and Argent. Johnnie guitar Williamson, again from his time with Titanic and Skeleton Cew had become a familiar face on the Blues and Rock circuit. Pete Barton had also served his apprenticeship alongside Wayne Fontana in The Mindbenders and with Trevor Burton from The Move. The final ingredient's to this rock & roll cocktail was of course original Animal members, Dave Rowberry and John Steel.

Animals and Friends were born.

The band toured extensively and in the winter of 2001 went into Lisa Stansfields studio to record the debut Animals and friends Album "Instinct". Friends had been called and recordings started.

In June 2003 the band had a major shock, Dave Rowberry suddenly died at the age of 63. The band knew they had to finish the new album but was not sure if they would continue as a touring unit. Coincidently the day Dave died, Peter Barton was contacted by a venue in Harlow, who mentioned that an ex member of the Animals lived in the area. Being a curious chap, Peter took the relevant contact details and made the call. The chap was Mickey Gallagher who had joined the Animals in 1965 when Alan Price left.
Mickey immediately took the offer on board and re-joined John Steel after almost forty years.
(In the interim period Mickey had formed The Blockheads with Ian Dury, toured and recorded London calling with The Clash and worked alongside Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams to say the least). The circle was complete again. But the band would not have existed if not for Dave Rowberry. Dave's equipment is still in the band, and continues to make all the gigs. So if you come to any of our shows and see a battered old Roland Cube amplifier on stage, its Dave's.
Jim Rodford had one year earlier been asked to team up with his old mate's Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone to perform a select number of dates. Jim obviously accepted due to his history with Rod in Argent.
In the summer of 2004 it was decision time again. Argent dates and Animal dates had started to clash so Jim reluctantly left the band. Jim was a major force in the band and it was sad to see him go. He still appears on occasion as a special guest.

The bands strength has grown over the last few years. Three major British tours under the belt. A major new album in the shops. A fantastic fan base, which is growing daily. The band will continue to perform as long as we have the audience that keeps coming out to see us.

Line-ups change, sadly two of the original sixties members are no longer with us. Their music continues, as does their legacy. As long as we play the songs that people love we will continue. We will make more albums and continue this fantastic tradition. Eric Burdon, Alan Price and Hilton Valentine are still out there doing it. Lets hope we all can continue for years to come.

Dave Rowberry and Chas Chandler RIP.

For a Full List of CDs by the Animals visit our new A-Store