John Steel (drummer)

John Steel (born February 4, 1941 in Gateshead) was the original drummer of the band The Animals.

Steel went to the Grammar School for Boys, Gateshead. He met the future lead singer of The Animals, Eric Burdon, while they were studying together at the Newcastle College of Art and Industrial Design.

Originally a trumpeter, he replaced Barry Preston as the drummer of the Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo (later to become The Animals) in August 1963. He went on to play and record with them until 1966.

Subsequently Steel returned to Newcastle and became a successful businessman, while also working in former bandmate Chas Chandler's management and publishing organisations. Over the years Steel has remained active as a part-time local drummer and has joined several Animals reunion incarnations.