Also known as: Animals, The
Origin: Newcastle, England
Forming in the autumn of 1963 from the Alan Price Combo, the Animals are considered to have been one of the best British R&B bands of all time. Original members included Eric Burdon (lead vocals), Bryan "Chas" Chandler (bass), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar) and John Steel (drums). The group moved from Newcastle to London in January, 1964 and was soon snatched up by producer Mike Post, who got them a record deal on EMI's Columbia label. They released several LPs, EPs and singles from 1964 through 1966, with most songs blasting forth a hard driving signature R&B sound highligh…