The Animals And Friends

The Animals And Friends

The Animals And Friends is a British rock act formed in spring 2000 around former members of The Animals and associated musicians. The line-up at its start includes John Steel, the original Animals drummer, alongside Pete Barton and John Williamson, with Dave Rowberry also part of the early group. The band forms after Hilton Valentine relocates to America, when demand remains high for performances linked to The Animals and the idea arises to combine two existing units.

Formation and early line-up

Pete Barton comes from The Mindbenders and has also worked with Trevor Burton from The Move. John Williamson has played guitar with Titanic and Skeleton Crew, and becomes a familiar name on the blues and rock circuit. The group takes the name Animals and Friends because of the standing of its players, and begins touring extensively.

Recordings and personnel changes

In winter 2001 the band records its debut album, Instinct, at Lisa Stansfield’s studio. In June 2003 Dave Rowberry dies, after which the band completes the new album and considers whether to continue as a touring act. On the day Rowberry dies, Peter Barton contacts Mickey Gallagher, who had joined The Animals in 1965 after Alan Price leaves. Gallagher then rejoins John Steel after almost forty years.

Later line-up

Mickey Gallagher’s background includes forming The Blockheads with Ian Dury, touring and recording on London Calling with The Clash, and working with Paul McCartney and Robbie Williams. Jim Rodford, known for The Kinks and Argent, joins the band and later leaves when his commitments with Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone clash with Animal dates. He still appears occasionally as a guest. The band’s performances continue to use Dave Rowberry’s equipment on stage, including a battered Roland Cube amplifier.

Activity and legacy

The Animals And Friends tour, record, and maintain a repertory built around songs associated with The Animals. The band states that it continues while there is an audience for the music, and its line-up changes over time as the legacy of the original 1960s members continues through live performance.