Hilton Valentine, a founding member and original guitarist for the British 60s pop group, The Animals, has passed away. According to a statement by the band’s record label, ABKCO Music, the veteran died at the age of 77.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to @HiltonValentine’s family and friends on his passing … at the age of 77. Valentine was a pioneering guitar player influencing the sound of rock and roll for decades to come,” the statement read.
Born in North Shields, northeast England, Valentine formed The Animals; with singer Eric Burdon, bass player Chas Chandler, organist Alan Price and drummer John Steel in 1963.
The band was most popular for its 1964 hit House of the Rising Sun; which rose to the top of the charts in both Britain and the United States.
The band went on to have a number of other hits including Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place. The original members drifted apart towards the end of the 1960s. Hilton Valentine later produced the solo album All In Your Head.
Written by Olusola Oluwatobi
