Members of the 1960’s British rock group The Animals — (from left) John Steel, Eric Burdon, Hilton Valentine and Dave Rowberry — are seen in this picture dated May 11, 2001 in Hollywood. — Reuters pic

LONDON, Feb 1 — Hilton Valentine, a founding member and original guitarist for the British 60s pop group The Animals, has died at the age of 77, the band’s record label said.