The Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine dies aged 77

Hilton Valentine
Hilton Valentine, behind one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time, has died
Twitter

The Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine has died. He was 77.

The guitarist's death was confirmed by record label Abkco last night, which paid tribute to the star - calling him a “pioneering” guitarist.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to @HiltonValentine's family and friends on his passing this morning, at the age of 77," the label tweeted.

“A founding member and original guitarist of The Animals, Valentine was a pioneering guitar player influencing the sound of rock and roll for decades to come.”

Hilton joined The Animals in the 1960s, when the group was lead by frontman Eric Burdon.

His guitar on chart-topping track The House Of The Rising Sun is one of the best-known of all time. According to Rolling Stone, the song, which topped the charts in 1964, is one of greatest of all time.

Animals other hits include Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, and We Gotta Get Out of This Place.

Tributes were today paid to the star.

Twitter user Sue Charles wrote: “So sad to say goodbye to another 60s music legend. Farewell Hilton Valentine. Founding member of the Animals and guitarist on ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’, ‘We Gotta Get Out of This Place’... and one of the greatest intros ever ‘House of the Rising Sun’.”

Another, Mark Galea added: “The sun will rise for you in another place now R.I.P”

Hilton entered the music industry aged just 16 as part of a group called The Heppers in his native North Shields. He was then recruited by The Animals due to his reputation on the guitar.

When Hilton joined the band was made up of frontman Burdon, who is now 79, with Alan Price on keyboard, Bryan Chandler on bass and John Steel on drums.

Hilton left the band in 1966 - but remained close friends with his former bandmates.

He released a solo album, All In Your Head, in 1969.

He was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and in 2001, along with his band mates, Hilton was inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk of Fame.

He lived in Connecticut, where he is believed to have passed away. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

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