In 1964, a wave of new, energetic rock and roll swept through youth all over the world. At the top of this wave were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and of course, The Animals. From the banks of the River Tyne came an offer from the northeast; a brand of rhythm n blues that the whole world was grabbing greedily.
The Animals were the second British band to top the US charts after The Beatles with their legendary multi-million-selling anthem “House of the Rising Sun”. The band achieved over twenty global Top Ten hits, many of which went to number one in various parts of the world. In the UK alone the band had no fewer than twelve chart positions.
The Animals remain a groundbreaking rhythm & blues band that continues to enjoy great respect internationally among their peers, as well as among fans of all ages who instinctively respond so enthusiastically to such tracks in The Animals catalogue as “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place”, “Boom Boom”, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “Baby, Let Me Take You Home”, “I Put A Spell On You”.
The band currently consists of original Animals member John Steel together with Danny Handley, Roberto Ruiz and Barney (Boogie) Williams. After critically acclaimed and highly successful joint tours since 2008, this legendary combination of musicians will again perform together on one stage.
During this year’s edition of Drum Fest, we will hear a fantastic concert with pure classics – “House Of The Rising Sun”, “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place”, “Baby Let Me Take You Home” and many more. After more than 50 years, the legend keeps growing.
As recently noted by The Independent –
“Although the band has changed, the songs remain forever… along with covers of Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker classics, they ensure that the nostalgic element meets a pleasantly gritty edge.”