'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.

"A founding member and original guitarist of The Animals, Valentine was a pioneering guitar player influencing the sound of rock and roll for decades to come," the statement said.

The Animals had their greatest success with their version of the blues song House Of The Rising Sun, which topped the charts worldwide in 1964.

Other well-known songs include Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.

The band broke up in 1966 but continued to perform together.

"Heartbroken by the sudden news of Hilton's passing. We had great times together," The Animals' frontman Eric Burdon wrote on Instagram.

"The opening opus of Rising Sun will never sound the same!" he wrote.

"You didn't just play it, you lived it!" continued Burdon. "Rock In Peace." – DPA