Members

Select a The Animals band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

About

The Animals were a pioneering rock band hailing from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, formed in 1963. Known for their gritty, blues-infused rock sound, they were part of the British Invasion that captivated the United States during the 1960s. The original lineup included Eric Burdon (vocals), Alan Price (keyboards), Hilton Valentine (guitar), Chas Chandler (bass), and John Steel (drums). Their music blended elements of rock, blues rock, and folk rock, characterized by raw energy and emotional depth. The Animals carved out a niche with hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," which highlighted their ability to fuse blues influences with the burgeoning rock scene.

How to Sound Like The Animals

The Animals' sound is defined by its raw, driving force and emotional intensity. With a penchant for gritty, bluesy guitar tones, Hilton Valentine often utilized the Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp to achieve a powerful yet warm backdrop for Eric Burdon's commanding vocals. The organ's haunting timbre, provided by Alan Price's Vox Continental, added a distinctive layer of depth and atmosphere. This combination of soulful, blues-drenched melodies and dynamic, rhythmic undercurrents crafted a sound that was both compelling and unrefined. To capture this essence, musicians might focus on blending vintage tube amps with semi-hollowbody guitars, alongside a dynamic rhythm section that supports the soulful fervor characteristic of The Animals.

Discography

Get the The Animals Sound

Want to sound like The Animals? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.

Similar Artists

The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds

The Spencer Davis Group

The Spencer Davis Group

The Hollies

The Hollies

The Zombies

The Zombies

The Troggs

The Troggs

Manfred Mann

Manfred Mann

Keyboardist · Manfred Mann's Earth Band

Donovan

Donovan

Guitarist, Singer

The Small Faces

The Small Faces

The Monkees

The Monkees

The Kinks

The Kinks

Jefferson Airplane

Jefferson Airplane

The Shondells

The Shondells

Tommy James & the Shondells