INTERVIEW: Eric Burdon still not ‘Misunderstood’ after so many years

Eric Burdon is the voice of a generation, and at 74 years old, he’s still bringing his unique form of bluesy rock to audiences around the world. Peace, love, freedom, hard work, exposure to new ideas — these are not cliches. These are the concepts he has been exploring musically for decades.

As the lead singer of the Animals, Burdon helped bring a long list of tunes to the radio airwaves. These are songs — “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “House of the Rising Sun” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” to name a few — that are legendary rock classics. Capturing his iconic, strong voice, the songs define a time period in music history when soldiers were at war, social movements took to the streets, musicians left indelible marks on the public consciousness and legends were born.

Burdon, born in 1941 in Newcastle upon Tyne, found success as the frontman of the Animals, but it took several band lineups to find his musical footing, according to a helpful timeline on his official website. There were the Pagan Jazzmen in the late 1950s, the Kansas City Several in the early 1960s and the Band With No Name in 1962. The Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo came next, and then finally the Animals premiered in 1963. The original lineup included Burdon on vocals, Alan Price on keyboards, Hilton Valentine on guitar, Bryan “Chas” Chandler on bass and John Steel on drums.

The band’s songs, which would become classics, followed soon after. There was a combination of covers and originals, with many of them receiving constant radio play and featuring in the Animals’ touring act. “House of the Rising Sun” is perhaps the most famous song by the band. The lyrics, which detail the ruinous life that a young man can find in New Orleans, has been interpreted by many singers, but the Animals’ version is the one that endures. After topping the charts in the United Kingdom and United States, Burdon and company were well on their way to stardom.

The success continued, even after the original Animals lineup disbanded later in the 1960s (a few reunions would happen from time to time). The tenure of the British Invasion band was short-lived, but their output is still considered influential and long-lasting.

Burdon continued on with a new lineup and kept adding career highlights. From playing at the Monterey International Pop Festival to appearing in several films, Burdon and his band added the story of the Animals.

The singer added solo projects over the years and even provided vocals for two War albums, Eric Burdon Declares War and Black Man’s Burdon (singing “Spill the Wine,” among other hit songs). His most recent work has been focused on solo albums, including the well-received My Secret Life, Soul of a Man and ‘Till Your River Runs Dry.

Today, Burdon tours extensively around the world. He has upcoming dates in New York and California. Click here for more information.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Burdon to learn about his career, his influences and his memories of being an Animal for so many years. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

So much of your music has endured for decades, with constant radio play and high demand for your concerts around the world. In your opinion, why have these songs thrived for such a long time?

I think the songs last because they come from an honest place. They are true to their origins. They still speak directly to the listener’s souls.

Are you a nostalgic person who often thinks back to those early days with the Animals? What type of person/musician were you back then?

I was a listener, a collector. I learned from folk, blues, jazz, all of it. As for nostalgia, the reminders are there for me, daily, but I try not think back too much. I feel really fortunate to have a great life, a nice home, a beautiful wife. I’m not really stuck in the past. I’m always making plans for the future.

Both your original songs and cover songs have found such success. What is it about a song that inspires you to offer your own rendition?

I never cared for novelty songs. It’s got to have something authentic to touch one’s soul. Songs about real human emotions always win my heart.

“Monterey” stands as a thoughtful memory of that famous festival. In your mind, what were some of the highlights of that historic gig?

Monterey, for me, was the pinnacle of the ’60s. I got to see Otis Redding’s final performance, plus it was a thrill to play with my new band and to catch so many of the new San Francisco bands, including Jefferson Airplane and Big Brother, with Janis Joplin making her debut on the world stage. Wandering around with Brian Jones surveying the crowd, and Jimi Hendrix, who was about the blow everybody’s minds.

Growing up, who were some of your major musical influences? Why?

Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Sonny Boy Williamson, Joe Turner, Chuck Berry, to name a few. Each of them taught me to use my voice in a unique way. To express the truth that is inside of me.

Could you describe the day (or time period) in your life when you realized music was going to be your calling and profession?

I know I have to do certain songs to please my audience, and I don’t mind giving them what they need. You must give them the hits. You owe them that. At the same time, I need to explore new territory, so I always try to mix the old with the new and please myself, as well.

‘Til Your River Runs Dry and Soul of a Man were both well received and featured numerous memorable songs. When do you know it’s time to head into the recording studio again?

I hope to get in to a studio in early 2016 to try out some new ideas.

Over your 50-plus years in the music business, what’s the most profound change you’ve undergone as a musician?

I’ve gotten older. As a musician, I’ve tried to absorb sounds from all over the world and work them into what I do. As much as we change, we stay close to who we are throughout the journey.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Eric Burdon is currently on tour. Click here for more information.