The Animals were an English group of the 1960s, known in the United States as part of the British Invasion. Recognized for their spirited bluesy sound and deep-voiced lead singer, Eric Burdon, their signature songs "The House of the Rising Sun" and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," exemplify the band's tough, rock-edged, pop style. The Animals were second only to the Rolling Stones in influencing other R&B and rock bands.

Formed in 1962/1963 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, the Animals underwent numerous personnel changes and had a couple of reunions before disbanding in 1984.

According to the website Making Time, that discusses British music of the '60s, they were dubbed "animals" because of their wild stage act and the name stuck. The Animals' had moderate success in their hometown and a connection with Yardbirds' manager Giorgio Gomelsky motivated them to move to London in 1964.