That unforgettable guitar riff has helped The Animals' House of the Rising Sun become voted one of Britain's all time greatest chart toppers. We take a look back The date was May 18, 1964, and while in between concerts, five Geordie musicians travelled to a London recording studio to meet up with record producer Mickie Most. After only one take in the studio, the band had recorded a song which was to top the charts around the world. Its name? House of the Rising Sun. Despite being regarded as far too long (at four mins 30 secs), the record confounded the critics and has since become a classic, leaving an indelible mark on pop music history and, with it, the name of The Animals. A TV poll broadcast on Channel Five this weekend saw the tune voted Britain's fourth favourite No 1 of all time. Forty years ago, a wave of new energetic rock and roll swept over the youth of the world. Riding high on this phenomenon were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and, of course, The Animals. From the banks of the Tyne came the North East's offering; a brand of rhythm `n' blues that won a legion of fans across the globe. The Animals were the second British band to top the American charts after The Beatles, with their now multi-million selling and legendary anthem. The band would go on to achieve more than 20 global top 10 hit records, many of which topped the charts in various parts of the world. In Britain alone, the band had no less than 12 chart entries, and were the first UK group to tour Poland to mass hysteria. They were also the first British band to tour Japan. Chas Chandler died in 1996, but left his stamp on Tyneside in the shape of Newcastle's Arena, a dream of his which came true when the venue opened in 1995. After the Animals, Chandler went on to manage Jimi Hendrix. Three years ago Eric Burdon made a triumphant return to Newcastle when he played a sell-out gig at the Opera House. Keyboard player Alan Price went on to great solo success after he left the band in 1965. He took part in two abortive Animals reunions in 1977 and 1983. He recorded a new album in 1995 with his Electric Blues Company, which was a return to his R&B club days in Newcastle, though he is now based in Barnes, South London. NWhat are your memories of 1964 and, in particular, The Animals? Write to us at Remember When, Evening Chronicle, Groat Market, Newcastle, NE1 1E1. Or e-mail ray.marshall@ncjmedia.co.uk | 
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