Vic Briggs Songs with the Animals, are synonymous with the British Invasion and psychedelic rock, left an indelible mark on the music world. While many guitarists of the era focused on blues-based riffs, Briggs carved his own niche, blending blues sensibilities with a burgeoning psychedelic sound, most notably during his time with Eric Burdon and The Animals.
His innovative approach to guitar playing, coupled with his later exploration of spiritual music, makes him a fascinating figure in music history. Born Victor Harvey Briggs III, his journey began in the vibrant British music scene. He honed his skills playing in various bands before joining Steampacket, which also featured Rod Stewart.
This experience laid the groundwork for his pivotal role in The Animals. Joining in 1966, Briggs became the lead guitarist, injecting a fresh, experimental energy into the band’s sound. He was instrumental in shaping their psychedelic period, moving away from their earlier blues-rock roots.
Briggs’ guitar work wasn’t just about technical prowess; it was about creating atmosphere and texture.
He utilized a variety of effects, including fuzz, wah, and reverb, to craft sonic landscapes that perfectly complemented the band’s evolving musical direction. His playing was both melodic and adventurous, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from rock guitar at the time. After leaving The Animals in 1968, Briggs’ career took a different turn.
He moved to Hollywood, working as a producer and arranger. However, he eventually stepped away from the music industry to pursue a spiritual path. He studied Kundalini and Naad Yoga, becoming a teacher himself. He also explored Hawaiian chant music under the name Antion, showcasing his diverse musical interests.
Vic Briggs’ legacy extends beyond his time with The Animals. He demonstrated a willingness to explore different musical avenues, from the raw energy of rock and blues to the meditative sounds of spiritual music.
He reminds us that music can be a journey of self-discovery, a sentiment reflected in his diverse and compelling career.
Three Essential Vic Briggs Tracks:
San Franciscan Nights” (The Animals):
This iconic track showcases Briggs’ psychedelic guitar work at its finest. The swirling, fuzzed-out riffs and soaring solos perfectly capture the spirit of the Summer of Love. His playing is both melodic and experimental, creating a truly immersive listening experience. The song’s innovative use of stereo panning, with guitar parts bouncing between channels, further highlights Briggs’ creativity on guitar.
How Did Muddy Waters Influence Vic Briggs’ Music and Career?
Muddy Waters profoundly shaped Vic Briggs’ music and career, infusing it with the raw energy of Chicago blues. Briggs embraced Waters’ signature sound, incorporating powerful blues riffs that exemplified the genre’s emotional depth. This influence not only marked his guitar work but also carved a unique path in his musical journey.
When I Was Young” (The Animals) with Guitarist Vic Briggs
When considering The Animals’ transformative period, particularly the era that produced “When I Was Young,” the contributions of Vic Briggs become exceptionally noteworthy. He joined Eric Burdon’s reconstituted Animals in 1966, a pivotal time for the band’s shift towards a more psychedelic sound. 1 Briggs’s presence significantly impacted the band’s musical direction. He was regarded as a very musically skilled musician. His contributions went far beyond simply playing the guitar. He was also a key arranger for the band. In songs like “When I Was Young” his guitar work, and arranging skills helped to create the sound that defined that period of the animals. His influence is heard in the arrangement and overall sound of the song. Briggs’s involvement was crucial in the band’s evolution during that time.
“Sky Pilot” (The Animals):
“Sky Pilot,” The Animals’ epic anti-war anthem, showcases the band’s ambitious late-60s sound, and Vic Briggs’s contributions were integral to its realization. Beyond his guitar work, Briggs’s musical versatility and arranging prowess were vital in crafting the song’s complex layers. The song’s arrangement, including the simulated bagpipes and the sound effects of battle, demonstrate the band’s willingness to experiment, and Briggs was a key part of that experimentation. The song’s arrangement is a perfect example of “Vic Briggs Songs” and how his contributions helped to make the song what it was. His influence extended to the very texture of the track, helping to build the song’s dramatic arc and emotional impact.
Vic Briggs passed away in New Zealand in 2021, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His contributions to rock music, particularly his work with The Animals, continue to inspire and influence guitarists today. His journey from the psychedelic stages of the 1960s to the serene world of spiritual music is a testament to his artistic curiosity and his unwavering commitment to exploring the power of sound
Portable Clothes Dryer,Foldableportable Dryer With Timer Function,Clothes Dryer For Travel,Apartment,Rv,Home,For All Kinds Of Light Clothing,Underwear,Baby Clothes And Socks,Mini Dryer With Drying Bag
$35.98 (as of March 3, 2025 22:04 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports, Travel, and School BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, 24 oz, Denim
(as of March 3, 2025 22:04 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright and Focused Tone with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Light 12-53
(as of March 3, 2025 22:04 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings, 10-46 Gauge (P02221)
(as of March 3, 2025 22:04 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
