By Gillian Ellison

Last updated 16:02, Wednesday, 06 August 2008

MUSIC fans can go to see some of the greats at Whitehaven Civic Hall when Animals and Friends take to the stage.

Animals and Friends: with Spencer Davies

The band is made up of original drummer John Steel, former Mindbender Peter Barton on bass and vocals; John Williamson, former Titanic star on guitar and vocals and Mickey Gallagher on keyboards.

They will be joined by famous guitarist Spencer Davis of Keep On Running fame for what promises to be a great gig.

The Welsh rock star, who created the famed Spencer Davis Group in 1963, had close to a dozen top 10 hit songs, including Gimme Some Lovin, Somebody Help Me and I'm A Man, helping to bring British rock 'n roll to the rest of the world.

The gig takes place on Thursday, September 4.

The Animals, of course, were famous for the massive hits House Of The Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out Of This Place and Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.

The concept of Animals and Friends began in the spring of 2000. Hilton Valentine had re-located to America but demand was high for the Animals.

Peter Barton had been gigging in a band alongside John Williamson and a suggestion was made to team the two units together.

Pete had been involved with the Animals for almost a decade on the management front. Due to the pedigree of the current band members, it was re-named Animals and Friends.

The final ingredients to this rock and roll cocktail was of course original Animal members John Steel.

Mickey Gallagher had joined the Animals in 1965 and is in the current line-up.

The band’s line-up has changed over the years but their strength has grown.

They have two major British tours under the belt and a new album.

Tickets for the Whitehaven gig are on sale now at £19.50, telephone 01946 514960.