'House Of The Rising Sun' guitarist for The Animals dead at 77

The Animals members (from left) Hilton Valentine, Chas Chandler, John Steel, Eric Burdon and Dave Rowberry pictured in this May 27, 1965 file photo. Photo: AP

The former guitarist of the British band The Animals, Hilton Valentine, has died, the record label ABKCO Music & Records announced on Twitter.

According to the statement, Valentine died on Jan 29. He was 77 years old.