The band that shook the world in 1964, not least on their first visit to the Island last year, are back and bringing with them another musical package of delight to the Isle of Wight.

The Animals & Friends with Special Guests Herman’s Hermits, having toured extensively together in the past, are promising a fantastic night of pop and R&B on 17th October at Ventnor Winter Gardens.

The enduring breadth of appeal and influence of The Animals is proven by how many requests they receive to appear at gigs and festivals. House of the Rising Sun, San Franciscan Nights, It’s My Life? These are just some of their hits that will be performed on the night.

And the guests?  Herman’s Hermits, are one of the most successful groups throughout the world. They will be performing many of their ‘Golden Oldies’ including Mrs Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, Henry Vlll and Dandy.

The Animals & Friends in 2008 featuring original member JOHN STEEL with MICK GALLAGHER (The Blockheads, The Clash, Paul McCartney), John E. Williamson (TITANIC) and Peter Barton (Wayne Fontana’s MINDBENDERS) are best exemplified by just a snapshot of what they achieved in 2007.

A fairly typical year saw the band headlining Gloucester Blues Festival, storming The Rebellion Punk Festival in Blackpool, seizing the day at a Midlands rock festival with ex-Scorpions guitarist, Michael Shenker, playing London’s 100 Club (twice) and brought the roof down in Ipswich alongside Wishbone Ash and Focus. 

Not forgetting the Isle of Wight, when the Animals & Friends With Spencer Davis Sell Out Gig Rocked The Wight.

Herman Hermits 2007

Herman’s Hermits, are one of the most successful groups throughout the world. Since the departure of Peter Noone in 1971 to pursue a solo career, original member Barry ‘The Bean’ Whitwam has guided the group from strength to strength, still averaging more than 200 one-night stands per year.

Subject of a recent TV campaign to promote their most recent ‘best of’ release and one of their songs re-interpreted for another TV ad, interest in Herman’s Hermits in particular is sky high…

Barry Whitwam, one of the founder members of Herman’s Hermits and sole original member, who has lead the group since the start of the new millennium said:

“We are really looking forward to touring again with The Animals & Friends, as we toured Sweden with them for seven weeks in the last two years and the show was a great success.

We can’t wait to bring the show back to the UK”.

In fact, Barry’s connection with The Animals goes way back to when both bands toured the USA and Canada in 1966 – when The Animals were support act to Herman’s Hermits.

We don’t have the full story, but it certainly sounded like great times for two young British bands abroad.

The Animals and Friends, video at The Rock & Blues Custom Show ‘07, part of the Live DVD release by The Animals & Friends, House of the Rising Sun.

 
17th October: The Animals with Special Guests Herman’s Hermits Ventnor Winter Gardens 7.30pm Doors Open - 8pm Start.

Animals @ Ventnor Winter Garden 2007

Related Links: 
Animals & Friends Sell Out Gig Rocks The Wight.

Animals Take Tea At Dimbola Lodge.