Hilton Stewart Paterson Valentine, founding member of the U.K. rhythm and blues band The Animals, died Jan. 29. He was 77 years old.

The Animals and Valentine’s record label, Abkco Records, confirmed his passing in an Instagram post Friday. “Our deepest sympathies go out to Hilton Valentine’s family and friends on his passing this morning, at the age of 77,” the label wrote. “A founding member and original guitarist of The Animals, Valentine was a pioneering guitar player influencing the sound of rock and roll for decades to come.”