Net Worth Ranker
What Is Eric Burdon’s Net Worth?
Eric Burdon, the iconic English singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band the Animals, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $8 million. This financial standing is the culmination of a career spanning several decades, encompassing not only his work with the Animals but also his ventures as a solo artist and collaborations under various group names. Burdon’s net worth reflects his enduring influence on rock music and his continued activity in the industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on May 11, 1941, in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, to Rene and Matt Burdon, Eric Burdon faced health challenges during his childhood, including frequent asthma attacks and instances of harassment at school. These early experiences shaped his resilience and drive. Although specific financial details of his upbringing are not publicly available, his formative years laid the foundation for his future musical pursuits.
Burdon’s passion for music began to flourish during his secondary school years, where he connected with like-minded students who shared his interests in film and music. This environment provided him with the support and inspiration to hone his talents and eventually embark on a professional music career. While the exact details of his early musical endeavors remain undocumented, they were crucial in preparing him for the formation of the Animals.
The Animals: Rise to Fame and Hit Songs
In 1962, Eric Burdon joined the Animals as their frontman, alongside guitarist Hilton Valentine, bassist Chas Chandler, keyboardist Alan Price, and drummer John Steel. The band’s formation marked a pivotal moment in Burdon’s career and significantly contributed to his net worth over time. As a key figure in the British Invasion, the Animals quickly gained recognition for their bluesy sound and Burdon’s distinctive deep-voiced lead vocals.
The Animals’ breakthrough came with their rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun” in 1964. This cover of the traditional folk song became an international hit, catapulting the band to fame. While specific sales figures for the single during that period are difficult to ascertain, its success undoubtedly boosted the band’s income and established Burdon as a prominent figure in the music scene.
Following “The House of the Rising Sun,” the Animals released a string of successful singles, including “We Gotta Get Out of This Place,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “It’s My Life,” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.” Although precise sales and royalty figures for each of these songs are not readily available, their collective success contributed substantially to the band’s revenue and, consequently, to Burdon’s growing net worth.
Internal conflicts and management issues led to the Animals’ breakup in 1966. Subsequently, Burdon reformed the group as Eric Burdon & the Animals, with drummer Barry Jenkins and later additions such as guitarists John Weider and Vic Briggs, and bassist Danny McCulloch. This new iteration of the band continued to produce hits, including “San Franciscan Nights,” “Monterey,” and “Sky Pilot.” The financial details of these recordings and tours during this period remain largely undocumented, but they undoubtedly added to Burdon’s income stream.
In 1975, the original Animals lineup reunited to record the album “Before We Were So Rudely Interrupted,” which was released in 1977. While the album did not reach the same commercial heights as their earlier work, it represented a significant reunion for the band and contributed to their ongoing legacy. The band followed this up with the album “Ark” in 1983 and a subsequent world tour. Although specific financial details of these later projects are unavailable, they helped to sustain the band’s profile and earnings.
The final dissolution of the original Animals lineup occurred in late 1984. Despite this, Burdon continued to revisit the band’s legacy, forming Eric Burdon & the New Animals in 1998 with guitarist Dean Restum, bassist Dave Meros, keyboard guitarist Neal Morse, and drummer Aynsley Dunbar. This group released several live albums, contributing to Burdon’s income through performances and recordings. In 2003, another version of the group was formed with keyboardist Martin Gerschwitz and drummer Bernie Pershey, further demonstrating Burdon’s commitment to keeping the Animals’ music alive. The continuous reformation of the Animals under various lineups highlights Burdon’s entrepreneurial approach to his music career and his dedication to maintaining his presence in the industry.
Eric Burdon and War: A Fusion of Funk and Rock
In 1969, Eric Burdon embarked on a new musical venture by forming the funk rock band Eric Burdon and War. This collaboration resulted in the release of their debut album, “Eric Burdon Declares ‘War’,” in 1970, which featured the hit singles “Spill the Wine” and “Tobacco Road.” The success of these singles significantly boosted Burdon’s income and broadened his musical reach. Although specific royalty and sales figures for this period are not available, the album’s impact was substantial.
Later in 1970, Eric Burdon and War released the double album “The Black-Man’s Burdon.” This ambitious project further solidified the band’s reputation and contributed to their financial success. However, the collaboration was short-lived, as Burdon left the band in 1971 after collapsing on stage due to an asthma attack. Despite the brevity of their partnership, Eric Burdon and War left a lasting impact on the music scene and contributed to Burdon’s overall net worth.
In a surprising turn of events, Burdon reunited with War 37 years later for a special concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in the spring of 2008. This reunion not only rekindled their musical connection but also provided a financial boost through performance fees and renewed interest in their collaborative work. While specific details of the financial arrangements for this reunion are not publicly available, it was a noteworthy event in Burdon’s career.
Solo Career: A Diverse Musical Journey
Following his departure from War, Eric Burdon embarked on a solo career, releasing his first solo album, “Guilty!,” in 1971, which featured blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon. This album marked a new chapter in Burdon’s musical journey, allowing him to explore different genres and styles. Although the financial success of “Guilty!” is not well-documented, it laid the groundwork for his subsequent solo endeavors.
Under the name the Eric Burdon Band, he released the album “Sun Secrets” in late 1974 and “Stop” in 1975. These albums showcased Burdon’s versatility as a musician and helped to maintain his presence in the music industry. While specific sales figures for these albums are not readily available, they contributed to his overall income during the mid-1970s.
Burdon continued his solo career with the release of “Survivor” in 1978. This album marked a shift in his musical direction and demonstrated his ability to adapt to changing trends in the industry. Throughout the 1980s, he released several more albums, including “Darkness Darkness,” “Comeback,” and “I Used to Be an Animal,” as well as “Power Company” and “That’s Live” with the Eric Burdon Band. He also released “Last Drive” under the name Eric Burdon’s Fire Dept. These diverse projects contributed to his income through album sales, performances, and licensing agreements.
In the 1990s, Burdon released only one album, “Lost Within the Halls of Fame” in 1995. This album was a reflection on his career and a tribute to his musical influences. In the 21st century, Burdon continued to release albums, including “My Secret Life” (2004), “Soul of a Man” (2006), and “‘Til Your River Runs Dry” (2013). These later albums demonstrated his enduring passion for music and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. The cumulative effect of his extensive solo work has been a significant contributor to Eric Burdon’s substantial net worth.
Film Career: Ventures into Acting
In addition to his music career, Eric Burdon has also appeared in several films. Notably, he starred in the German films “Gibbi Westgermany” and “Comeback” in the early 1980s. In “Comeback,” he played a once-famous blues singer attempting to revive his career, mirroring his own experiences in the music industry. These roles provided him with additional income and exposure, enhancing his overall net worth.
Burdon also had a cameo in the 1991 film “The Doors,” further solidifying his connection to the rock music scene. His other film credits include the Greek film “My Brother and I” and the German film “Snow on New Year’s Eve,” both from the late 1990s. While the financial details of his film appearances are not publicly available, they contributed to his overall earnings and diversified his income streams.
Personal Life: Relationships and Marriages
Eric Burdon’s personal life has been marked by several relationships and marriages. He married his first wife, Angie King, in 1967, but they divorced in 1969 after she left him for Jimi Hendrix. This period of his life was tumultuous and emotionally challenging. In 1972, Burdon married Rose Marks, with whom he had a daughter named Alex before divorcing in 1978. In 1999, he married Greek lawyer Marianna Proestou, with whom he remains married. These personal relationships have undoubtedly influenced his life and career, but specific financial details related to these relationships are not publicly available.
Real Estate: Investments in Southern California
In 2022, Eric Burdon made a significant real estate investment, purchasing a home in Ojai, California, for $3.2 million. This purchase reflects his financial success and his preference for living in Southern California. He has also owned several homes in the Joshua Tree area, indicating a long-term commitment to the region. These real estate holdings are a key component of his overall net worth, providing him with both a place to live and a valuable asset.
