Hilton Valentine (born Hilton Stewart Paterson Valentine on 21 May 1943; died 29 January 2021) was most famous as the original guitarist of The Animals from 1962 - 1966. He was also involved in various Animals reunions for the 1977 album, "Before we were so rudely interrupted", the 1983, "Ark", the 1984 live album, "Rip it to Shreds - Greatest Hits Alive" and a 1996 reunion with ex-Animals drummer John Steel and keyboardist Dave Rowberry along with other musicians.