Eric Burdon, the voice behind “House of the Rising Sun,” is one of the few British Invasion frontmen still making music today. This fact-checked profile separates confirmed biography and 2024 activities from wildly conflicting net-worth estimates.
Born: 11 May 1941 ·
Occupation: Singer, songwriter ·
Genres: Rock, blues, R&B ·
Years active: 1960–present
Quick snapshot
- Born 11 May 1941 in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- Lead vocalist of The Animals, later War (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1994) (IMDb – the film and music database)
- Married to Marianna Burdon since 2012 (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news)
- Exact current residence address
- Precise net worth figure – estimates range widely
- Full details of royalty distribution for “House of the Rising Sun”
- 1964: “House of the Rising Sun” became an international hit (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1994: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (IMDb – the film and music database)
- 2024: Released new single “Don’t Ever Leave” and announced festival date (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
- Performing at Fool In Love festival on 31 August 2024 in Los Angeles (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
- Continues to tour and record, with no retirement plans (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
Eight key facts, one pattern: Burdon’s biography is well-documented, but his current finances and residence remain disputed.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eric Victor Burdon |
| Date of birth | 11 May 1941 |
| Place of birth | Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1960–present |
| Notable bands | The Animals, War |
| Awards | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) |
The implication: Burdon’s foundational career is settled history, but the details of his later life are less certain.
What has happened to Eric Burdon?
Current activities and health
- Burdon continues to tour and record as of 2024 (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- He performed at festivals and casinos without major fanfare (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
- He remains active in the music industry
In February 2024, Burdon released a new single “Don’t Ever Leave” with Greek artists Alex Sid and Quasamodo (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet). He also announced a return to the stage at the Fool In Love music festival on 31 August 2024 in Los Angeles. The pattern: Burdon is still creating, but his profile is lower than during his peak.
Recent tours and recordings
- Continues to tour small venues and casinos (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
- New single “Don’t Ever Leave” released 2024
Why this matters: At 83, Burdon is one of the few surviving British Invasion frontmen still performing live. Fans who want to see him should act soon.
Eric Burdon is not retiring. He’s playing smaller circuits but still drawing crowds. For those who missed the Animals era, these shows are the last chance to hear that iconic voice in person.
Where does Eric Burdon live now?
Home in California
Burdon’s exact current residence is not publicly confirmed, but he has strong ties to California. He performed in Los Angeles in 2024 (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet) and has been based in the U.S. for decades. TheCityCeleb, a celebrity biography site, states he “currently resides in California, USA” (TheCityCeleb – celebrity biography site). No verifiable street address is available.
The catch: The lack of a confirmed address is typical for celebrities who value privacy.
Previous residences
- Newcastle upon Tyne, England (birthplace) (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- London during the 1960s
- Santa Barbara area, California (reported, unconfirmed)
What this means: Burdon’s transatlantic life mirrors his music – rooted in England but shaped by America.
Who got the royalties from House of the Rising Sun?
Songwriting credits and disputes
- “House of the Rising Sun” is a traditional folk tune with no original songwriter (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- The Animals’ arrangement was credited to the band members, with Alan Price claiming the arrangement (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- Royalties have been subject to legal disputes over the years
The trade-off: Because the song is traditional, no single person owns the copyright. The arrangement credit – and thus royalties – has been contested. Alan Price initially claimed the arrangement, but later settled with the band (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia).
Royalty distribution
- No definitive public breakdown of current royalty streams
- Burdon reportedly receives a share as a performer
- Alan Price’s arrangement credit gives him a portion
The pattern: Unlike many hit songs, “House of the Rising Sun” does not generate a single huge royalty cheque for one person. The pie is divided among multiple parties.
If the dispute over arrangements ever goes to court again, the royalty split could change. For now, Burdon’s income from the song is likely modest compared to his touring earnings.
How rich is Eric Burdon?
Net worth estimate
- Celebrity Net Worth estimates $8 million (Celebrity Net Worth – celebrity wealth tracker)
- UrduPoint lists $10 million (UrduPoint – entertainment portal)
- TheRichest gives a lower estimate of $5 million (TheRichest – celebrity finance site)
- Some sources inflate to $145 million, but these are unreliable (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news; Mediamass – celebrity rumor site)
The most credible estimates place Burdon’s net worth between $5 million and $10 million (Celebrity Net Worth – celebrity wealth tracker). The $145 million figure is a red flag for misinformation.
Sources of income
- Touring and live performances (primary source in recent years)
- Royalties from “House of the Rising Sun” and other songs
- Merchandise sales
- Occasional recording contracts
The implication: Burdon is comfortable but not among the wealthiest rock stars. His longevity in touring has kept him afloat after past financial challenges.
Is Eric Burdon married now?
Current spouse
- Married to Marianna Burdon (née Marianna) since 2012 (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news)
- Marianna is a Greek lawyer, significantly younger (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news)
- They live together, reportedly in California
The catch: The marriage is well-documented, but Burdon’s previous marriages and children are less public.
Previous marriages
- Rose Marks (married 1967–1969)
- Other relationships; has a son Alex Burdon (TheCityCeleb – celebrity biography site)
What this means: Burdon’s current marriage is stable, and he has been with Marianna for over a decade.
Timeline
- 1941 – Born in Newcastle upon Tyne (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1962 – Formed The Animals (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1964 – Released “House of the Rising Sun” – international hit (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1966 – The Animals disbanded; formed Eric Burdon and the Animals (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1970 – Joined funk band War, released “Spill the Wine” (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- 1994 – Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Animals (IMDb – the film and music database)
- 2012 – Married Marianna Burdon (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news)
- 2020s – Continues touring and recording, playing casinos and festivals (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Eric Burdon was born on 11 May 1941 (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- He was the lead singer of The Animals (Wikipedia – the free encyclopedia)
- He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (IMDb – the film and music database)
- He is married to Marianna Burdon as of 2012 (Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news)
- He is still active in music (BroadwayWorld – music news outlet)
What’s unclear
- Exact current residence address
- Precise net worth figure – estimates range from $5M to $145M
- Full details of royalty distribution for “House of the Rising Sun”
“One of the most powerful and distinctive voices in rock and roll.”
— IMDb – the film and music database
“UK legendary singer Eric Burdon, 82, shares how to stay happy with his beautiful Greek lawyer wife Marianna Burdon.”
— Parikiaki – Greek diaspora news
Eric Burdon’s career is a story of resilience. He survived the end of the British Invasion, joined a pioneering funk band, and kept performing into his eighties. The catch: his financial legacy is muddled by conflicting estimates and a disputed royalty stream. For fans eager to see the legend perform, the choice is clear: check his tour schedule, or risk missing one of the last living icons of the British Invasion.
Related reading: **Dusty Springfield: Biography, Cause of Death, and Net Worth** · **Corinne Bailey Rae: Biography, Husband, Kids, Net Worth**
cityreporter.co.uk, heavensenthomecarellc.com, freedomso.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Eric Burdon’s most famous song?
“House of the Rising Sun” with The Animals is his most famous and enduring hit.
How many albums has Eric Burdon released?
He has released over 20 studio albums across his solo career and with The Animals and War.
Did Eric Burdon serve in the military?
No, Burdon did not serve in the military.
What is Eric Burdon’s real name?
His full name is Eric Victor Burdon.
Is Eric Burdon related to any other musicians?
No, he is not related to any other well-known musicians.
What was Eric Burdon’s role in the band War?
He was the lead vocalist from 1970 to 1971, contributing to the album “Eric Burdon Declares ‘War’.”
Has Eric Burdon written a book?
Yes, he published an autobiography titled “I Used to Be an Animal, but I’m All Right Now” in 1986.
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.