John Steel tells about the History of Rock Band The Animals

Drummer John Steel of The Animals Walks Down Memory Lane of British Music History

I recently talked to John Steel, drummer of legendary British rock band The Animals. We met up in Hotel Kullaberg in Swedish seaside resort Mölle where the Animals performed. Here’s a look into our conversation.

Thank you John for sharing your stories. Also, thank you Tomas Dreilick, manager at Hotel Kullaberg, for setting up the meeting. Cheers mate.

It turns out that John Steel holds great knowledge and interest in the music scene of New Orleans, a passion that I share. I love New Orleans and the musical community of that city. It’s very special. Very unique. John returned from a stay in New Orleans quite recently. Upon hearing that I’m into New Orleans and have spent time there, and that I play the piano, John recommended that I look up British-born musician Jon Cleary, an accomplished piano player, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and songwriter, who resides in New Orleans. Here is Jon Cleary’s homepage. Great suggestion. Thank you John.

I moved to the UK in the mid 90s just to be part of the great British music scene. Being a mod in my younger years the sound of bands from the 60’s where eagerly explored.

The Animals, the rock group from northeastern England, is part of all things great about Britain. The Animals stands out with their tough, hard-driving pop with a touch of folk music and blues. Singer Eric Burden’s deep, soulful vocals and intense stage presence makes an impact. Keyboardist Alan Price impresses with his distinctive riffs at the Vox organ. A fabulous Vox Continental. Drummer John Steel with a background in jazz, leaves a mark with his technique oriented style, impeccable and sophisticated, rather than a very physical bang on.

The Animals has had numerous hits.

Baby Let Me Take You Home

House of the Rising Sun

Bring it on Home to Me

Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood

We Gotta Get Out Of This Place

To name a few.

With the song House of the Rising Sun the band hit it big. World wide. The song’s massive popularity helped establish The Animals as one of the leading rock bands of their era.

Those early years where intense. The Animals appeared on numerous television shows including; Ready Steady Go! and Top of the Pops. In the US they where met by crowds of screaming girls appearing at shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and Hullabaloo.

The Animals played an important role in the affluent movement of UK pop and rock groups that emerged in the 60s with bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Kinks, Small Faces as well as solo singers such as Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black and Petula Clark. Just to name a few of this refreshingly creative era.