New Album for Eric Burdon, But No ‘Animals’

Eric Burdon is back with a brand-new album, but don't expect him to be involved in  any kind of reunion to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Animals. The new album 'Til Your River Runs Dry,' hit stores last week. The British-born rocker has always been enamored with American roots music, and that love is reflected in the genres he tackles on 12-song collection, including blues, R&B, gospel and New Orleans jazz. The album has been described as the founding Animals singer's most personal to date, and finds him musing on such topics as politics, war, religion, romance and the environment.

Also on the album, Burdon pays homage to one of his musical influences, the late Bo Diddley -- not once, but twice. The album features "Bo Diddley Special," a tribute to the rock 'n' roll pioneer that he co-wrote, as well as a cover of Bo's "Before You Accuse Me."

Burdon laments that he never met Bo, revealing that the only time he ever came "face to face" with the blues-rock legend was at his 2008 funeral service, at which the Animals frontman performed.

Eric recently kicked off a series of North American concerts to promote 'Til Your River Runs, and plans to schedule more shows throughout the year. Meanwhile, 2013 also marks the 50th anniversary of The Animals, but Burdon reports that he's not planning to take part in any special reunion gigs to commemorate the milestone. The reason, he reveals, is that he recently lost a legal battle with some of his former band mates over the right to use the Animals moniker.

"[I] would probably embrace such a thing as performances, but there's no band," notes Burdon. "The remainder of the band just took me to court in London for using the name, and they won. So, I'm excommunicated from The Animals and I feel pretty bad about it, to tell you the truth."

Meanwhile, The Animals' and Burdon's label, ABKCO, has announced plans to release a special retrospective this year to celebrate the anniversary.

Regarding the situation, Eric adds, "What's done is done and, sure, the records stand by themselves, so the record company, I'm sure, are gonna do something. But, as for me, it'll just be another day in paradise."

Visit EricBurdon.com to find out more about 'Til Your River Runs Dry' and to check out Burdon's full tour schedule.