John Steel, born on April 2, 1941 in Gateshead, England, is best known as the former drummer for the iconic rock band The Animals. Growing up in Gateshead, County Durham, Steel attended Gateshead Grammar School where he initially began playing the trumpet. It wasn't until later that he made the switch to drums, a decision that would ultimately shape his music career.
Steel's passion for music was evident from a young age. While attending Gateshead Grammar School, he was inspired by jazz music and the great jazz drummer Elvin Jones. Originally dreaming of becoming a jazz musician himself, Steel's musical journey took a different turn when he joined The Animals as their drummer in the early 1960s.
As a member of The Animals, Steel contributed to the band's success with his signature drumming style. Known for hits like "House of the Rising Sun" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," The Animals quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most influential rock bands of their time.
One of Steel's notable achievements was obtaining the rights to the band's name, allowing him to preserve The Animals' legacy and ensure their music lives on for future generations to enjoy.
Throughout his career, Steel drew inspiration from a variety of musicians, including jazz legend Elvin Jones and crooner Bing Crosby. Steel's eclectic taste in music and diverse influences undoubtedly shaped his own unique musical style, contributing to the success of The Animals.
Despite his busy music career, Steel has always remained connected to his roots in Gateshead, maintaining a strong sense of pride for his English heritage. His upbringing in County Durham played a significant role in shaping his identity as a musician and a person.
Today, John Steel continues to be revered as a talented drummer and a key figure in the history of rock music. His contributions to The Animals and the music industry as a whole have solidified his place as a true music icon.