The Turbulent Times of Eric Burdon and The Animals: Why Did He Leave War?
In the late 1960s, The Animals, a British rock band, was at the height of their popularity, with their unique blend of blues-rock and Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals. However, the band’s success was not without its challenges, and Eric Burdon’s departure from The Animals marked a significant turning point in the band’s history.
The Animals’ Early Success
The Animals, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1962, gained widespread recognition with their hit singles "House of the Rising Sun" (1964) and "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" (1965). The band’s early success was largely due to their unique blend of blues and rock music, which was a departure from the traditional British Invasion sound.
Creative Differences and Personal Issues
As the band’s popularity grew, so did the tensions among its members. Eric Burdon, the band’s lead vocalist, was at odds with the other members, particularly keyboardist Alan Price, who had co-written many of the band’s hits. The tensions were largely creative, with Burdon pushing for more experimental and psychedelic sounds, while the others wanted to stick to the band’s established blues-rock formula.
The Band’s First Lineup Changes
In 1965, keyboardist Alan Price left the band due to these creative differences, marking the band’s first major lineup change. The Animals continued with a new lineup, which included new keyboardist Dave Rowberry.
Burdon’s Experimentation with New Sounds
Eric Burdon, always eager to explore new musical directions, began to focus on a more psychedelic and experimental sound. He formed a new band, War, with a different lineup of musicians, which included Chris Copping on bass and John Weider on guitar.
Why Did Eric Burdon Leave The Animals?
In March 1967, Eric Burdon left The Animals to focus on his new project, War. The decision was not taken lightly, and Burdon has since spoken publicly about the turmoil and conflicts that led to his departure.
Main Reasons for Burdon’s Departure
Here are the main reasons why Eric Burdon left The Animals:
- Creative Differences: Burdon’s desire to explore new sounds and experiment with psychedelic rock clashed with the other members’ desire to stick to the band’s established blues-rock formula.
- Personality Conflicts: Tensions and conflicts between Burdon and the other band members, particularly Alan Price, made it difficult for the band to work together.
- Personal Issues: Burdon’s increasing interest in Eastern spirituality and his involvement with the psychedelic scene made it difficult for him to continue with The Animals.
- Dissatisfaction with the Band’s Sound: Burdon felt that the band’s sound was becoming stale and that he was not being allowed to express himself creatively.
The Legacy of Eric Burdon and War
After leaving The Animals, Burdon formed War with a new lineup of musicians. The band achieved significant success, with hits like "Spill the Wine" and "All Out of Love". The band’s unique blend of rock, blues, and soul helped to establish Burdon as a major artist in his own right.
Table: Eric Burdon’s Music Career
| Band | Years | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| The Animals | 1962-1967 | "House of the Rising Sun", "Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood" |
| War | 1967-1970 | "Spill the Wine", "All Out of Love" |
Conclusion
Eric Burdon’s departure from The Animals was a significant event in the band’s history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Burdon’s career. The reasons for his departure were complex and multifaceted, but ultimately, it was a combination of creative differences, personality conflicts, and personal issues that led him to leave the band.
The Impact of Eric Burdon’s Departure
Burdon’s departure from The Animals had a significant impact on the band’s sound and direction. The Animals continued to exist with various lineup changes, but they were never able to recapture the same level of success as they had with Burdon.
Burdon’s Legacy
Eric Burdon’s legacy as a musician and artist is enduring, with a career spanning over six decades. He continues to perform and record music, and his work with War and as a solo artist has had a lasting impact on the rock music genre.
