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We can't talk to The Animals -- but we can e-mail them.
At least, that's the way it works with Animals frontman Eric Burdon. The 67-year-old British Invasion blues-rocker -- whose gruff vocals powered '60s and '70s hits like House of the Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood and War's Spill the Wine -- "doesn't really do phone interviews," according to his manager. But to promote his sold-out show tonight at McPhillips Street Station, Burdon was more than happy to answer any and all of our questions via e-mail. Maybe he's still concerned about being misunderstood. Or maybe he just prefers typing to talking these days.
In any case, here's what he told us about his life and legacy, his recent court skirmish over the Animals name, and whether or not he was the inspiration for The Eggman in The Beatles' I am the Walrus.
Let's get the unpleasant question out of the way first. You recently lost a court case against former Animals drummer John Steel over use of the band's name. What's your reaction?
My lawyers and management advise me not to make any comment but in one word, I feel hurt! It's what I call soul possession. Let me do a gig one night next to this band, whoever they are. We'll see and hear which one is the Animal.
You've been playing with Animals guitarist Hilton Valentine again lately. Will he be on this tour? What's it been like to spend time with him again after all the years apart?
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Hilton, I will always love as a brother, but I must move on. An Animal is always on the move.
It's been a couple of years since your last studio CD Soul of a Man. Is anything in the works? What direction might it take?
Several directions at once -- moving on but steeped in the blues. I love to sing everything: Jazz, soul, rock, folk. Life is a song. Having said that, I wish for a producer to give me some guidance. When the record company/distributor can't figure out which bin to put you in, sales suffer.
What other projects are you working on?
Painting, 3D art, videos. I just posted a video for my song Devil Run from Soul of a Man on YouTube. I'm also working on a treatment for a screenplay, photography. A local gallery has laid down the challenge to put on a show this year. I live in an art-conscious community, so there's work to be done.
You did a gig with War in London last year. Is it true you will be reuniting for a tour this summer?
The way things look, I won't be reuniting with anyone except myself ... The guys in War are great musicians. Problem was, I wanted them to play one tune that I love and felt it would help them connect with the audience at Royal Albert Hall, but their management seemed to be somewhat paranoid of me stealing the show.
The Animals, War and your solo work: What different demands do they place on you as a singer, songwriter and performer? What different rewards do they offer?
The struggle for respect, and to keep a roof over my head, under the stars. Born and raised in the industrial U.K., where I am today, just to see the stars in the black night is a gift.
What are your non-musical hobbies and interests?
Searching out rare movies, writing, painting, gardening, reading, speeding to nowhere in my recently acquired '58 Ford Ranchero.
How much time do you spend on the road each year?
We managed to cool down to about three months of intensive touring, giving me time to do all that other stuff.
After all these decades, what does live performance mean to you? What do you try to bring to it and what do you want from it? Is your show set in stone, or is every night different?
I try to make at least every country different. It's impossible to travel, rehearse, eat, sleep and perform new shows. It's the measure of who you really are. Sometimes hiding the fear and hate, sometimes laying it out, digging for the truth, growing from the vibe of the people. Mainly, having a good time, trying to be political without getting arrested. The biggest thrill is meeting kids that weren't born when The Beatles were ruling the airwaves.
Rolling Stone placed you 57th on its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Your thoughts? You topped Jerry Lee Lewis, Wilson Pickett and Solomon Burke.
I find award events embarrassing. Art is not about competition.
Did you vote in the poll? Who did you vote for?
Joe Turner, Ray Charles, Nina Simone. But it's neverending. When we sent out my ballot, I thought, "Man, why didn't I put her or him down?"
What kind of music are you listening to these days? What artists? Do you keep up with current acts? Do you own an iPod?
I have an iPod, iPhone. I got my own eyes, my own ears, open to everything. My favourite bands since Little Feat are Calexico and Tribe After Tribe.
You attended Bo Diddley's funeral last year and performed at the memorial service. How did you know Bo? What did that performance mean to you?
I never met Bo ... but I loved him! I guess he knew who I was. A lovely man. It was a most memorable service. I will do a painting of the memory.
What has been the highlight of your career? What was the low point?
Being the high guest of honour at the funeral of a man I never met, and being told there was no room for me onstage at a Hendrix concert by management.
Do you have anything else you want to mention?
I'm getting closer to my own spirit. It's a wonderful thing.
Finally: Are you now, or have you ever been The Eggman?
When I was a kid, my moniker was Eggs, derived from Eggs for Breakfast, or EB, for Eric Burdon. Goo goo ga joob!
ANIMAL TRACKS: BURDON'S BEST
Eric Burdon has recorded hundreds of songs on dozens of albums during his four-decade career. Here are five essentials:
1. House of the Rising Sun (1964)
A jangling guitar, a bouncy organ and Burdon's powerful pipes transform this blues classic about a brothel into a British Invasion anthem. For Burdon and The Animals, it all starts here ...
2. We Gotta Get Out of This Place (1965)
And it all could have ended here -- keyboardist Alan Price fled The Animals soon after recording this prescient, thumpy nugget of garage-pop wanderlust.
3. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (1965)
Burdon and co. go the cover route again, revamping this Nina Simone number with a propulsive, offbeat backbeat and a rockier arrangement.
4. Sky Pilot (1968)
By this point, Burdon's career was on the downslide -- but this swirly, soaring blast of anti-war psychedelia was one of his finer moments.
5. Spill the Wine (1970)
Rebounding from the end of The Animals, Burdon teams with L.A. Chicano-rock outfit War for this funky daydream. Still don't know what it means, but it doesn't matter.